THE Young Farmers (YFC) slogan is ‘Fun, Learning and Achievement’ and this certainly sums up the recent activity of this month’s Devon YFC Club of the Month – Newton Abbot YFC.

Newton Abbot have been one of the busiest clubs in the county in recent months with a huge variety of events and activities organised for their members and the local community.

Events held by Newton Abbot YFC so far this year include a log sale, Christmas tree collection, big breakfast, car wash, quiz night and tractor run. If this wasn’t enough, club members also produced their very own drama performance which came second at their group finals, as well as getting involved with dance, choir and stock judging competitions.

Olivia Retallick, Newton Abbot YFC’s Chairman, says: “It has been an incredibly busy few months, but I have been so proud of everything our members have achieved so far this year. Our drama performance was produced entirely by the members and it was amazing to secure second place at our group finals behind the eventual national finalists Totnes YFC.

“We held our big breakfast, car wash, quiz night and tractor run all in the space of a few weeks in April. It has been a packed programme, but the whole club has come together and it has been so rewarding.”

The club has been raising money for the Farming Community Network (FCN), but there has also been a large emphasis on supporting the members and club funds as well. For example, the money raised from their recent car wash went directly to the members to help subsidise their membership.

Efforts are also being made to future-proof the club with funds being raised to secure a container that will store various club equipment for years to come.

Olivia adds: “It’s so important that we support our members first. We’ve seen the return of club sheep this year, with members rearing ewes and lambs that were shown at this year’s Devon YFC County Show and Sale.

“The club paid for the sheep, but any profits made will be kept by the members themselves. However, if the members receive a loss, this would be taken on by the club. It’s been a learning process for us all, but it’s great that members had the opportunity to give it a go, without any personal financial risk.”

Newton Abbot YFC have clearly demonstrated the breadth of what can be achieved within YFC and shows no sign of slowing up any time soon. To join your local YFC club, take a look at the Devon YFC website – www.devonyfc.co.uk.