TWO Northern vice-chairmen are to help The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) develop a new strategy to meet the needs of rural young people.

New chairman Dewi Parry, 29, a member of Betws-yn-Rhos YFC, is promising a year of change. He will be supported in his role by two newly elected vice-chairmen, Rachel Goldie from Yorkshire and Edward Dungait from Northumberland

Dewi Parry was elected as the national chairman of the federation at the council meeting on February 16 at the Quality Hotel in Coventry.

Dewi, an assistant manager at builders’ merchant CL Jones in Llanrwst, was the vice-chairman of council in 2019-20 before being elected to the leading role.

In January, key figures from across the organisation joined together to help progress NFYFC’s strategic plan. This event, coupled with the feedback from clubs and counties who took part in Vision:2023 club sessions in 2019, has helped to form a more focused plan of action for the 88-year-old federation.

Digitalisation features high on the agenda for change as well as clearer guidance on the role of the national body, county federations and clubs.

Dewi said: “YFC is an amazing organisation, and its 598 clubs make such a positive impact on the lives of so many rural young people across England and Wales.

“I’m excited about the changes we have been discussing for the Federation’s future and delighted to be at the helm during a year when they will start to be introduced. British agriculture is facing unprecedented change, as we are too, as a nation, following our departure from the EU. It feels only right that NFYFC is also making a transformation.

“The organisation has meant so much to so many over the last 88 years and we now need to ensure it remains relevant for future generations. Listening to YFC members, it’s clear what is needed from our organisation to ensure we retain its strong position in the hearts and minds of our rural communities.”

Dewi and his two vice-chairmen will be responsible for leading the federation’s council and ensuring its members continue to develop their local clubs and enhance the image of YFC.

Five steering groups represent the views of the members and include: Competitions; Events and Marketing; Personal Development, Agriculture and Rural Issues and the Youth Forum.

Steering group chairmen elections:

• Agricultural and Rural Issues Steering Group: George Baxter, Cambridgeshire

• Competitions Steering Group: Grace Millbank, Northamptonshire

• Events and Marketing Steering Group: Lucy Stowell, Norfolk

• Personal Development Steering Group: Steph Watkins, Gloucestershire

• Youth Forum: Ruth Cooper from Lowick YFC, Cumbria