A PROJECT to support young farmers has been funded by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Kirsty Searby, chairman of the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFYFC), said she was “over the moon” with the news.

“As an organisation we had highlighted four districts - Ebor, Settle, Ryedale and Went Valley - that needed some extra support,” said Ms Searby.

“The Yorkshire Agricultural Society listened to our plans to put a support worker in place in each of the four districts and we’re so thrilled and grateful that the society is backing us with 12 months’ worth of funding.”

Former YFYFC chairman John Craddock will be the support worker for the Ryedale district.

“Many of the clubs in these chosen districts have a large number of junior members and need that bit of a guiding hand to get the most out of what the federation has to offer them,” said Mr Craddock.

“Like any youth organisation, members go off to university or move away to work and the remaining members can be left with little experience of running meetings or events.

“The rural youth demographic has changed hugely during my time as a young farmer. We can’t thank the Yorkshire Agricultural Society enough for giving us this opportunity to reach out to youngsters living in these four rural districts.”

Rachael Harrison will be looking after Ebor, Sarah Leach is supporting Settle, Cath Battye will be helping Went Valley and John Craddock’s posting is the Ryedale district.

Charles Mills, show director at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, added: “We have a long established relationship with YFYFC, both at the Great Yorkshire Show and through our Farming Networks.

“We are keen to support the great work they do and want to fund this post to continue the vital role they play in bringing together and supporting the next generation of farmers.”

For details, visit yfyfc.org.uk