Radio 1 DJ Chris Stark has become an ambassador for the UK's Young Farmers' Clubs (YFC). Chris grew up in Watford and today interviews A-listed celebrities, but DJing young farmers' parties has prompted him to consider the mental health challenges that the agricultural youngsters can face.

Chris told South West Farmer how he first encountered the YFCs. "I honestly knew nothing about YFCs until I started at BBC Radio 1 and began receiving messages from a lot of young farmers showing me a lot of support. It wasn't until I turned up to DJ my first young farmers' gig that I got to see how fun, lively and enthusiastic everyone was. After that first time driving to a completely random field for a massive party I felt I wanted to learn more and since then I've been sold."

Spending more time with the younger members of the agricultural community has made Chris aware of the lesser reported side of living and working in lesser populated areas.

He said: "I would love to get involved more in looking at the mental health related issues that many young people experience as part of their job and lifestyle. Being a young farmer for many people can be quite isolating.

I love the community, party side and DJing for thousands of young farmers throughout many events but I'd like to look to help promote honest discussions and perhaps highlight young farmers' stories that may be slightly more hidden away for whatever reason. I've no doubt at all there are many young farmers that might not want to get involved in partying or that side of being a young farmer, but many enjoy our radio show and I feel I have a duty to try help those people out as much as I can."

Recognising the difference between his urban upbringing in Watford and the rural life of others, Chris said: "I think I was just intrigued how many young farmers there are and the important role they play in our society. Being from a city, I had been quite ignorant to many things in this regard. I like supporting young farmers the same way they have massively supported me in getting to where I'm at at Radio 1 today. I like to think its a two way thing."

This week in particular, Chris is promoting the groups up and down the country. "I’m proud to be an ambassador for YFC as they offer a social life, an opportunity to learn new skills and a place to achieve great things! Let’s celebrate how great our YFCs are this National Young Farmers’ Week.”