More than 150 attend YFCU virtual AGM

THE Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster Annual General Meeting took place on April 10 via Zoom virtual communication platform. Over 130 members attended the virtual AGM.

The YFCU would like to thank members for attending and supporting the AGM.

The AGM started with an overview of the year from the president, Zita McNaugher, saying: “The past 12 months have been challenging for all members of the YFCU but I am extremely proud of the way our members, staff and judges have adapted. We have continued to compete and meet virtually and while it hasn’t been a normal year, it certainly has been memorable.

“I’d like to thank all our members and staff team for all their hard work, enthusiasm and support. I look forward to seeing the YFCU restarting under the direction of Peter and his new team.”

The Honorary Treasurer, Bob Esler, presented the YFCU accounts at the organisation’s AGM. He stated that the YFCU has seen a significant reduction in revenue from events which were either cancelled or postponed over the past year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He highlighted the importance of core funders and sponsors and thanked them for their continued support during the pandemic. The YFCU looks forward to returning to normality as soon as restrictions are relaxed and running a full schedule of events for all members.

The new Presidential team was announced at the AGM.

Peter Alexander, from Glarryford YFC, was elected as the new President. Peter said: “I’m delighted to be elected president of the YFCU. I would like to thank Zita for the excellent work she has done as president over the last two years, especially over the last 12 months during the Covid-19 pandemic as it has been difficult on all members. I look forward to actively getting involved with the new Presidential team to help support and work towards new challenges and progress the YFCU for future generations.”

Stuart Mills, from Moneymore YFC, was elected as Deputy President of the YFCU. Stuart is a dedicated member of the YFCU and was previously Vice President.

Four vice presidents were also elected – Adam Alexander, Richard Beattie, Hannah Kirkpatrick and Lynne Montgomery. Congratulations to Lynne, Richard and Hannah on being re-elected onto the presidential team and big congratulations to Adam on being newly elected as Vice President.

YFCU was delighted to have two special guests at the AGM, from the Wales YFC and Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs as the YFCU looks forward to working in partnership with all Young Farmers Clubs across the United Kingdom.

Commenting on the AGM, Gemma Bruce, Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs, said: “It was fantastic to see so many members in attendance at the YFCU AGM. It was also great to see a number of candidates competing for the Deputy and Vice President roles. Both are a sign of the strength of the YFCU organisation and incredibly reassuring given the challenges faced by everyone this past year.”

Other special guests at the AGM were Niall Evans and Linzi Steward from Rural Youth Europe. YFCU and Rural Youth Europe work in partnership on lots of different events across Europe, providing international training possibilities and working as an intermediary between national organisations, youth organ-isations and public institutions on an European level.

Commenting on the AGM, Linzi Steward, Chairwoman, Rural Youth Europe, said: “Thank you for inviting Rural Youth Europe to join YFCU virtual AGM. It was a privilege to attend. Well done to Zita and all outgoing office bearers on doing an incredible job in a very difficult and uncertain year.

“It’s very inspiring to see how the members have adapted and overcome to keep the organisation going through challenging times. Best wishes to Peter and all incoming office members for the year ahead. We have no doubt you will continue to develop and go from strength to strength.

“Thank you for your continuing support to Rural Youth Europe and we look forward to engaging with more and more members both virtually and in person.”