YOUNG people from across England and Wales have been shortlisted in top rural awards - and eight are from the South West. 

The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ YFC Achiever Awards 2023, sponsored by Karcher UK, recognise and reward the dedication and commitment shown by young people who are supporting the British countryside. 

Winners of the awards will be announced at an awards ceremony in Birmingham on November 3, 2023. 

Tickets are on sale for the event, which is at the National Conference Centre, and former international rugby referee and NFYFC's president, Nigel Ownes MBE, will be the compere. 

There are eight categories included in the awards, from club of the year to aspiring rural leader. 

Shortlisted finalists from the South West

  • New Member of the Year finalist:  Toby from Cornwall 
  • Community Spirit Finalist: Bradworthy YFC, Devon 
  • Entrepreneur of the Year finalists: Jack Tucker, Devon | Steph Burch, Wiltshire 
  • Aspiring Rural Leader finalists: Katie Grist, Devon | Dan Dennis, Devon 
  • Heart of YFC finalist: Tom Retallick, Cornwall
  • YFC Supporter of the Year finalist: Andrew Body, Cornwall 

South West Farmer: Jack Tucker from Devon is a finalist in the YFC Achiever Awards 2023.

NFYFC President Nigel Owens MBE said the awards celebrate the work young people do to keep rural communities 'connected, supported and thriving'. 

“Our judges had a tough challenge to shortlist our 40 finalists, and each one of them makes me proud to be NFYFC’s President," he said. 

“All the finalists have dedicated their time and skills to support others and we are looking forward to applauding their achievements at our awards ceremony in November. A huge congratulations to all the finalists and good luck!” 

Nigel helped to choose the shortlist for the Heart of YFC Award, sponsored by Karcher, and the winner of this category is decided by the YFC community. The five shortlisted YFC members are part of a public vote, which will close on October 1 2023, ahead of the announcement at the awards.  

The following members have been shortlisted for the Heart of the YFC award: 

  • Katie Gent from Nottinghamshire
  • Will Longmire from Cumbria
  • Tom Retallick from Cornwall
  • Lucy Stowell from Norfolk
  • Oliver Weavers from Essex

You can vote for your favourite at https://form.jotform.com/232544865877371. 

Among the 24 judges who helped choose the finalists are social media influencer Ant Thomas from @keepincowsmoovin, farmer and star of Born Mucky Ally Hunter Blair and farmer and TV presenter Gareth Wyn Jones.