Farming Talk: Success story continues for talented YFCs

April has really been a very successful month for Shropshire YFC members, the biggest achievement being us taking home the West Midlands Area YFC Sports and Speaking Competition Cup.

We've had two very successful days in the past month where we have come away with first prizes in five competitions, ranging from public speaking to reading, netball and jump rope.

We've also had second places in volleyball and street dancing. As you can see we have a huge variety of skills in our members, all of whom who take pride in competing and enhancing their performance and at the same time travelling the country and meeting new people from other counties.

This weekend we also host our annual YFC Shropshire Show fundraiser which will see the pavilion at the showground host the Bierkeller Men, who will entertain the crowds. Sunday will see members at the Shrewsbury Livestock Market for a stockjudging, flower arranging and club exhibit training day. All members welcome – I hope to see you there.

With all our competitions for the year near completion we look ahead to a busy few months. On April 27 300-plus members will be travelling down to the national AGM in Torquay.

The weekend hosts numerous competition finals and themed events. Brown Clee YFC members will represent Shropshire during the weekend in the final of the national jump rope competition. This is an amazing achievement and I wish them all the very best of luck. I can guarantee that there will be a huge number of Shropshire YFC members cheering them on.

Please come and visit the YFC marquee at the Shropshire Show on May 26. We will provide you with refreshments while entertaining you with our fabulous range of talents. Also watch out for the human tractor pull and our floats parading around the main ring to the theme of "television programmes".

The Build Challenge is also rapidly progressing. We really do need lots of help with the project, and materials/sponsors/donations for a promise auction from any of you out there. It really is an exciting project which will not only provide training and learning opportunities for our members but also provide an education and training facility for Shropshire schoolchildren.

We are hosting a launch evening on May 30 from 5pm to 7pm for businesses and anyone who wishes to find out more information on the challenge. Visit www.sfyfc.org.uk or 01743 442880.

Rachael Parry is chairman of Shropshire YFC