YOUNG farmers from Ryedale have had a busy few months including an exchange visit to the Isle of Man and success in the county public speaking competition.

A group of senior members from Ryedale travelled over to the Isle of Man in November and enjoyed visits including a farm tour and will host the return trip in March.

Several members qualified for the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs county public speaking competition which was held in Harrogate.

Snainton YFC member Harriet Lyon won the prestigious Geoffrey Clapham Memorial Trophy for the best ten-minute speech. Taylor Freibach, of Kirkbymoorside YFC, took second prize in junior reading, while Helmsley’s Georgina Teasdale came away with third place in the Junior Member of the Year Category.

March 10 will see the County Stockman Competition hosted by Ryedale for the first time in the last decade. Malton Livestock Auctioneers are providing the venue for the event at the town’s livestock market at which young farmers from the length and breadth of Yorkshire will battle it out to see who is the best at judging livestock. The closing date for entries is February 26.

Other events to look forward to include Amotherby YFC’s ploughing match on March 3. It is being held at Espersykes, Old Malton, and anybody wanting further details should contact Andrew Wilson on 07711 610765.

Chairman of the Ryedale district of young farmers’ clubs, Maisie Bulmer, said: “It’s been a busy time for young farmers in Ryedale.

“The exchange to the Isle of Man was great fun and we’re looking forward to them coming back to visit us. We’re very grateful to Malton Livestock Auctioneers for enabling Ryedale to host the county stockman competition. It’s a real honour for us to see it back in Ryedale after such a long time. We couldn’t do so many of the things, such as the ploughing matches and the livestock judging, without our friends and supporters. We’re now also in the middle of dinner dance season, so have plenty going on!”

Kirsty Searby, chairman of the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, added that she is always especially proud of members who step out of their comfort zone to take part in the county public speaking competition.

She said: “It’s been amazing over the years to see those nervously competing for the first time, aged around ten, going on and getting more confident - many using the skills they have learnt at YFC to get into college or university and secure their first job.”

To find out about joining one of Ryedale’s young farmers’ clubs visit www.yfyfc.org.uk