YOUNG farmers are being urged to stay in contact during the coronavirus pandemic.

Although all weekly meetings and diary competitions have been postponed, the Young Farmers’ Club has more than 22,000 members and a countrywide network of 598 clubs.

Georgina Fort, chairman of the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Club, said it has been a difficult decision to cancel the culmination of this year’s work, including the County Rally last month.

She said: “It’s so important to try and keep our members engaged, so we are looking at online meetings and video calling. A lot of them live in very isolated rural areas and the weekly young farmers’ meetings are very much a lifeline, such a vital social link.

“YFC members were at the forefront of helping with the recent floods and they’re already showing the same community spirit, with clubs offering to help the elderly with shopping and simple things like taking the bins out.

“Hopefully members will really start to appreciate what a big part YFC plays in their lives and come back determined to get more involved. This is what happened after foot and mouth; there was a new appreciation of what a vital role the organisation plays and a new generation willing to put more back into the organisation.”

The YFC is encouraging small acts like a phone call or sending a message. “It’s amazing how young people stay in touch with each other,” added Georgina. “Hearing somebody’s voice and having a friendly natter could make all the difference; it’s really important we pull together as an organisation and look out for each other.”

Visit yfyfc.org.uk or phone the Farming Community Networks helpline on 03000 111999.