This year, Kenilworth's Young Farmers Club (YFC) is hosting a county rally like no other in an effort to demonstrate what it does as an organisation and recruit new members.

The National Federation of Young Farmers - of which YFC is part - has been a hit in small communities since it's founding in the early 1920s, and is one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK.  

Anyone from the age of 10 to 28 can join - and they do not need to be a farmer or be from a farming background to do so.

It was formed by the United Dairies milk factory, who set tasks for young children in an effort to get them involved in agricultural businesses.  

Just over 100 years since it's initial founding, the YFC continue to interest the youth of today in all sorts of agricultural issues, competitions, as well as youth work.  

The very beginning of the National Federation of Young Farmers (image supplied)

"It's for people living in rural areas who have an interest in agriculture and the countryside. You don't have to be a farmer to join, it is open to anybody," said Sarah Palmer, agriculture and rural issues manager.  

Sarah herself has actively worked for political and agriculture-related organisations for years in the Midlands, after studying at the University of Warwick.  

"All agricultural issues are close to my heart, I've been working with YFC for a while now," she explained. 

The Warwickshire county chairman for YFC, Will Rowland, echoed her statement and added: "We've always tried to make it accessible. We have a very successful and packed programme, and lots of charity events too." 

One of their latest projects was the hugely popular tractor 'run' around Kenilworth and south Warwickshire in December, in an effort to raise money for The Myton Hospices.  

The line-up of the tractor run of 2023 (image supplied)

But the tractor run is not all the group does.

"We get a lot of people from different backgrounds that just have an interest in helping the agriculture service," Will added.

"We're really trying to push the fact that you don't have to be a farmer to join us."

 The local organisation is consistently entering competitions with YFC groups from around the country.  

The tractor run has been a hit in local communities for a while (image supplied)

These competitions range from flower arranging to stock judging, farm safety, cooking competitions, sports events and public speaking.  

Sarah said: "You join to make friends. They are all very vibrant." 

Their county rally will be taking place in Allesley this year, and will be stock full of activities.  

Trade stalls will be there as well, but it has been described as a "huge opportunity" by Will Rowland to check out what the YFC does.  

"We've always tried to make it like a county fair. Fun for all the family," He added.  

The fair will be held on Alton Farm in Allesley on May 18 2024. 

For more information on the YFC, take a look at their page. 

The YFC mascot, Henry, 'having a go' at one of the competitions (image supplied)