The Official Magazine of theYoung Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster

Published in association withUNITED DAIRY FARMERSrural

dispatchSummer 2010

InsideRoyal Visitor at BalmoralDates for Your Diary

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Chris Wins Young Farmer Award

Chris Catherwood (centre), winner of theUnited Dairy Farmers' Young Farmer

of the Year competition, receiving his Award from Kevin Craig of Ulster Bank

(right), the competition sponsors, and John Dunlop, the United Chairman.

Chris is the farm manager on the Newtownards farm of John and Jason

Rankin and the judges were very impressed with the outstanding

contribution he is making to the management of that farm.

Chris Catherwood from Carrowdore is the United DairyFarmers’ Young Farmer of the Year. Chris is the farmmanager at the Newtownards farm of John and JasonRankin and the judges were very impressed withthe outstanding contribution he is making to themanagement of the farm, his focus on key productiontargets and his specific objectives for its future.

The competition was sponsored by the Ulster Bank, and theAwards were presented at Balmoral Show by Kevin Craig, theBank’s Director of Business Banking. The results were:

Winner: Chris Catherwood, CarrowdoreRunner- up: Gordon Campbell, BallymoneyHighly Commended: Johnny Coleman, Doagh,

Alan McConnell, Armagh; andDavid Steele, Glenavy

“We introduced this award to recognise the tremendouscontribution young farmers make on local dairy farms,”explained John Dunlop, the United Chairman. “We had a stronglist of entrants, with progressive young farmers who are makinga real difference in their farm businesses, and that made it areally difficult task to select the winners,” said John.

“The Ulster Bank is delighted to be associated with these

Pre-Cooling Pays Dividends for Johnston FarmPre-cooling milk has substantially reduced energycosts on the dairy farm of John & Kenneth Johnstonfrom Aghalee.

Energy costs are set to increase, and energy saving measuresthat may not have been viable a few years ago, may well bejustified now - as was the case on the Johnston farm.

John & Kenneth farm 280 acres near Aghalee, and milk160 cows. In 2007 they installed a new milking parlour andupgraded from a 6000 litre bulk tank to a new 10,000 litrePacko Rem/DIB tank with a 60,000 Kcal ice builder.

The milk was initially cooled in the plate cooler to approx10 degrees C by the iced water from the ice builder and thenthe cooling process was finished in the tank. Although thisis a very efficient way of cooling milk, and maximised theuse of Economy 7 electricity, both John and Kenneth wherekeen to further reduce costs if possible.

United Tankcare recommended pre-cooling the milk bypumping water through an additional plate cooler and thenusing the heated water for surface washing and/or cattledrinking. A new “Tranter” plate cooler was designed andsupplied by Tankcare, taking into consideration milk andwater temperatures, as well as flow rates.

The milk is now cooled to approx 11 degrees C by the newplate cooler and then further cooled by the iced water inthe original plate cooler. The result is instant cooling, whichhelps to maintain milk quality, and a dramatic reduction in Kenneth Johnston from Aghalee with Irwin Arrell of United Tankc

are

beside the new “Tranter” plate cooling unit which has helped cut

milk cooling costs on the Johnston farm.

condensing unit running time. The resulting savings amountto the equivalent of 0.1 pence per litre.

John considers the investment well worthwhile andcomments: “You don’t realise how much it costs to coolmilk until you install some of these pre-cooling devices.My electricity bill has fallen substantially and I am morethan pleased to have instant cooling, which is better froma hygiene perspective.”

No one system is right for everyone. For the best adviceand complete system design, contact Irwin Arrell of UnitedTankcare on 07771 706 410.

awards and to join with United in showing our support for thedairy industry and for the young farmers that will sustain it inthe future,” said Cormac McKervey, the Ulster Bank’s SeniorAgricultural Manager and one of the competition judges.

President’s foreword

Rural Dispatch

Editor: Amy HunterEmail: amy.hunter@yfcu.orgTelephone: 028 9037 0713

YFCU Headquarters, 475 Antrim Road, Belfast BT15 3BD

Designers: Page Setup

Printers: GPS printers

For all editorial and advertising queries pleasecontact the editor.

Next issue due out October 2010.Copy deadline Friday 10th September 2010.

Contact Details

It is hard to believe that it is show seasonagain and already Balmoral Show is behindus. The Association was once again wellrepresented with members taking part inthe various competitions and looking afterthe stand. Thanks to all.

The Beef and Sheep Judging is just around the cornerand I encourage you all to take part in thecompetition. Even if you don’t keep beef cattle orsheep, come along anyway.

We are delighted to be returning to Fermanagh forthis year’s John Bradley Challenge and I know thatan evening of fun awaits us all.

I know that the autumn and winter programme seemsa long way off but please try to make a start toplanning your club programmes. Club meetings arean important central pivot for the whole club.

Remember our theme for this year is “give a little,get a lot”. By embracing this I can guarantee you willnot be disappointed in the YFCU.

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HQ News

As part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, the YFCU hasteamed up with the charity Bóthar to help raise enough fundsto send 80 Irish dairy goats to Africa.

So far YFCU HQ has received cheques from clubs for funds for approx £15,000!

Our target is £18,000 so please keep up your tremendous efforts with yourfundraising.

If your club has been involved in a fundraising event and hasn’t as yetsubmitted a cheque to YFCU HQ, please let Amy at YFCU HQ know so we canadd the amount raised to our goat-o-meter.

Eighty families will receive the eighty goats to begin with and through timemany more families will receive the gift of livestock through the passing oncelebrations where the first female kid born is passed on to another family.

Bóthar was established in 1991 and raises funds to provide families indeveloping countries with the gift of a farm animal to establish micro-farmingunits.

It is hoped by providing families in Africa with Irish dairy goats, they will beable to generate income through milk and cheese production. Each familyinvolved in receiving a goat undertakes Bóthar’s comprehensive training.

If you are interested in holding a fundraising event and would like furtherdetails please contact Aoibheann Fearon, Bóthar representative, on 90 62 7308 or email Aoibheann@bothar.co.uk

80 Goats for 80Years Update

YFCU HQ is now taking club orders for promotional items.If your club would like to purchase any items pleasecontact Amy at YFCU HQ on 90 37 07 13 to receive anorder form.

Items for sale include YFCU branded ball pens (50p),stress cow keyrings (£2.00), YFCU fridge magnets(£1.50) and golf umbrellas (£20.00).

£

YFCU PromotionalItems for Sale!

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There was great excitement at this year’s Balmoral Show whenmembers of YFCU had the opportunity to meet Prince Charlesas he visited the Garden Village.

YFCU President Thoburn McCaughey was on hand to greet His RoyalHighness and with the help of the floral art finalists, Prince Charleshad the chance to admire the floral art displays created by thecompetitors of the YFCU floral art event.

For full coverage of this year’s show check out www.yfcu.co.uk

Pictured showing Prince Charles her winning display isRachel Gibson from Trillick YFC.

Royal Visitor to YFCUFloral Art Event

YFCU President Thoburn McCaughey greeting His Royal

Highness the Prince of Wales at the YFCUfloral art

display at the Balmoral Show.

YFCU Vice President Frances George who spokeat the ceremony,

pictured alongside Wendy Osborne OBE, director of the VDA, a fellow

Millennium Volunteer and the Minister of Education Catriona Ruane.

The Volunteer Development Agency hosted its annualMillennium Volunteers’ Award of Excellence ceremonyin Spires Conference Centre on Tuesday 23rd March tomark the achievement of young volunteers acrossNorthern Ireland for completing their 200 hour Awardof Excellence through the Millennium Volunteers Awardscheme.

Thirty members from the YFCU successful completed theAward of excellence and were invited to attend the ceremonyto mark this massive achievement. Guest Speaker, CatrionaRuane presented all the volunteers with their 200 hour Awardof Excellence and congratulated the young people attendingon their invaluable dedication to voluntary work throughoutNorthern Ireland.

The premise behind the Millennium Volunteers Award Schemeis to officially recognise the positive contribution thatyoung people throughout the UK are making in their localcommunities as a result of their involvement in voluntarywork. The scheme rewards young people aged 16-24 for 50,100 and 200 hours of voluntary work, with participants whoreach the 200 hour Award of excellence being invited toattend the annual Award Ceremony in Belfast.

The Millennium Volunteers Award demonstrates the time anddedication that young office bearers are investing in theirYoung Farmers’ Clubs and is evidence of the commitment ofmany young people to their local clubs. This highlights theenthusiasm of many YFCU office bearers and the integral rolethey play in the running of Young Farmers’ Clubs throughoutN. Ireland on both a local and national level.

Millennium Volunteers Awardof Excellence Ceremony

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Golden Results forNI’s Top Shearing Duo

Rodney Hume (c), Commercial Director of Glenfarm Holdingis pictured at the 2010 Balmoral Show with John Buchanan(l) and Kieran McCullough who will represent NI at theGolden Shears World Championships in Wales this July.

Former Lisnamurrican YFCU memberJohn Buchanan from Ballymena andcolleague Kieran McCullough fromCastlewellan are officially NorthernIreland’s ‘Golden’ shearing duo afterqualifying at the Balmoral Show, torepresent the region at the GoldenShears World Championships in July.

Thanks to sponsorship by Glenfarm, theGlenavy-based agri co-operative and NI’sleading fallen stock collection company(Tel: 028 94 451919) both local shearers willbe fully kitted out and prepared to take onthe rest of the world’s shearing talent at the2010 Championships in Wales.

The sponsorship confirms Glenfarm’s support forthe sheep sector and follows its recent offer ofa half price collection rate to directly supportfarmers who suffered significant sheep lossesduring the extreme weather conditions ofearly spring.

Congratulating the duo, Rodney Hume, Commercial Director ofGlenfarm said: “Both Kieran and John performed fantasticallyat Balmoral and we’re delighted that they will now go on torepresent Northern Ireland in Wales. I’ve no doubt the YFCUwill also be particularly proud of the fact that a past memberis now competing at such a high level.

“Having watched the competitors throughout the heats atBalmoral, it is obvious that they really do represent ourshearing elite. We’ve no doubt they’ll do their all to ensureNorthern Ireland earns its place on the world shearing mapwhen they compete against their counterparts from the likesof New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in July. Glenfarmis utterly committed to delivering a first rate collectionservice to the local farming community and we’re delightedto extend our support to the NI Golden Shears team. We wishthem every success.”

Kieran McCullough is no stranger to the event after beingawarded 3rd place at the 2009 World Championship. It willbe the first time John has qualified but collectively the duoare regarded as highly skilful and very focused, and willrepresent a strong force in Wales.

Edwin Adams, Chair of the RUAS Sheep Shearing Committeeextended his congratulations to the team: “We were veryencouraged by the level of shearing skill and expertise atBalmoral this year, particularly in the junior classes, andwe’ve no doubt many of the competitors will go on toconsolidate their shearing talents in the years ahead.

“Kieran and John are recognised as the elite and are worthyrole-models for the future generation of local shearers. We’re

Pictured announcing Glenfarm’s sponsorship of the NI team for the 2010 Golden ShearsWorld Championships are (from l-r): Edwin Adams, Chair of the RUAS Sheep ShearingCommittee, Robert Harkness, Wool Handling Judge, Rodney Hume, Commercial Director,Glenfarm, Walter Hoy (in cab), judge, and Gerard Kelly, Team Manager.

confident, thanks to Glenfarm’s support, the team will makeNorthern Ireland’s sheep sector proud when they take on theworld’s best in Wales. We look forward to following theirprogress.”

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HQ News

Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based sector, representing 17industries across the whole of the United Kingdom. As a Sector Skills Council, Lantra ensures thatpeople working in the sector have the right skills to carry out their jobs effectively, which in turnimproves productivity and performance.

Lantra has developed the Lantra CourseFinder website to assist businesses and individuals searchingfor training courses. Lantra’s CourseFinder is a free service that can be accessed via the web, phoneor email. It provides quick and easy access to a wide variety of courses, from industry specific (fromfloristry to chainsaw and forklift training) to management, health & safety and IT and contains detailsof funding opportunities available within the sector.

Assisting businesses andindividuals in finding theright training courses

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JANFEB

MONEYREA ARE IN THEMONEY AT NI QUIZ!

Moneyrea A Star were crownedthe winners for the secondyear in a row! They receivedthe top prize of £300 fortheir club, which was kindlyprovided by Ulster Bank.The winning team was madeup of Frances George, JenniferTownley, Beth Gregg andJonathan Connolly.

Second place went to asecond team from MoneyreaYFC, Moneyrea A, which wasmade up of William McMordie,Jennifer McMordie, RuthMarshall and Robert Wallace.

They were awarded £200 fortheir club and in third place,receiving £100, came HillhallYFC whose team memberswere Lily Hulatt, RobertPershaw, Alexander Sleatorand Philip Poots.

Pictured receiving their prize from Cormac McKervey, Ulster Bank are 1st place winners of the NIQuiz, Moneyrea A Star team members (front) Beth Gregg, Frances George, Jonathan Connolly(back) and Jennifer Townley with YFCU President and quiz master, Thoburn McCaughey.

form of a rare breeds picture competition. The teamfrom Derg Valley YFC, consisting of Gareth Young, AlisonCrockett, Adam Crockett and Emma Cummings weresuccessful and won four tickets to the Balmoral Showkindly donated by Ulster Bank.

The Association would like to take this opportunity tothank Cormac McKervey from sponsor Ulster Bank for hissupport and help, CAFRE Loughry Campus who providedthe superb venue, Willie Wilson for setting the excellentquestions, Thoburn McCaughey for his services as quizmaster on the night and everyone who helped with thestewarding and marking on the night.

Over 150 YFCU members descended on CAFRE Loughry Campusfor the ever popular Ulster Bank sponsored NI Quiz on Friday26th February 2010. The quiz consisted of eight rounds of tenquestions and included a picture and music round.

Cormac McKervey from Ulster Bank, who attended the eventand took part in the quiz with his son, commented;

“We were delighted to sponsor this competition onceagain. To have such a large turnout of members onsuch a wintery evening is testament to how much themembers enjoy the quiz. Our congratulations toMoneyrea A Star, Moneyrea A and Hillhall YFC and weare sure they will put the prize money to good use inhelping to further promote and develop their clubs”.

While the markers were totting up all the scores from theNI Quiz, an extra element was added to the night in the

MARCH

The YFCU’s arts festival recentlytook place in venues throughoutNorthern Ireland.Sponsored for a number of years by NFU Mutual Insurance SocietyLimited, the arts festival saw seventeen clubs take to the stage toperform a short drama piece which the members wrote and producedthemselves.

Each evening the performances were judged by independent adjudicatorswho looked at the content, presentation, technical competence,audience appeal and general effect.

Following the festival, the top five clubs made it through to perform atthe festival gala evening on Saturday 20th March 2010 at the MillenniumForum, Londonderry. This year we were very pleased to welcomeTurkington Livestock Systems as new sponsor for the popular VIPreception prior to the performances.

The five clubs who made it through were: Coleraine YFC, Glarryford YFC,Kilraughts YFC, Moneymore YFC and Finvoy YFC.

Arts FestivalGala Evening

FESTIVAL FEVER… YFCU Deputy President William Wilson joins specialguest Patricia Lewsley, NI Commissioner for Children and YoungPeople with the arts festival producers at the VIP reception at theassociation’s annual arts festival gala evening that took place in theMillennium Forum.

YFCU Deputy President William Wilson joins special guest PatriciaLewsley, NI Commissioner for Children and Young People and PamelaLee and Ernie Lee from sponsors Turkington Livestock Systems.Turkington Livestock Systems kindly sponsored this year’s VIP receptionat the association’s annual arts festival gala evening that took place inthe Millennium Forum.

YFCU Deputy President William Wilson joins special guest PatriciaLewsley, NI Commissioner for Children and Young People and MartinMalone from NFU Mutual, long term sponsor of the YFCU arts festival.

President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster Thoburn McCaugheyjoins Harold Hamilton from United Dairy Farmers and his wife Vera atthe VIP reception at the Association’s annual arts festival gala eveningthat took place in the Millennium Forum.

YFCU President Thoburn McCaughey joins special guest Patricia Lewsley,NI Commissioner for Children and Young People and Cormac McKerveyfrom Ulster Bank and his son Paul at the VIP reception at theAssociation’s annual arts festival gala evening that took place in theMillennium Forum.

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MARCH

80th Anniversary DinnerThe 80thanniversarycelebrationsrecently came to aclose with a finaledinner at theTullyglass Hotel,Ballymena.

Over 500 past and presentmembers attended the event.The evening was open toeveryone and proved to be agreat opportunity for memberspast and present to catch upand enjoy a four course mealfollowed by dancing to NoelMcKeary & Memory Lane.

Pictured at the 80th anniversary dinner are Thoburn McCaughey,YFCU President with William Craig, past Honorary Treasurer andPam Robinson, guest speaker.

Pictured at the 80th anniversary dinner are Sam Kennedy from DARDand his wife Lesley with Thoburn McCaughey, YFCU President andmembers of the presidential team, William Gilpin, Frances George,Martyn Blair, Joe Hawkins (YFCU CEO), James Taylor and WilliamWilson, deputy president YFCU.

Pictured at the 80th anniversary dinner are past presidents of YFCUfrom front left Linda Steele, Thoburn McCaughey (current President),Sharon McConnell, and middle row from left, John McAlister, RobinSwann, Joe Graham, WR Martin (centre), Ian Buchannan, Tom Topping,Wallace Gregg, Michael Graham and back row from left, Joe Patton,Ken Russell and Adrian Cooper.

Pictured at the 80th anniversary dinner are Thoburn McCaughey, YFCUPresident with Pam Robinson, guest speaker and honorary life memberof YFCU and Stephen Dowie, past CEO and honorary life member.

Pictured at the 80th anniversary dinner are UFU President GrahamFurey and his wife Julia with Thoburn McCaughey, YFCU President andmembers of the presidential team, William Gilpin, Frances George, JoeHawkins (YFCU CEO), James Taylor, Martyn Blair and William Wilson,deputy president YFCU.

Guest Speaker Pam Robinsonand YFCU President ThoburnMcCaughey cut the cake at the80th anniversary dinner

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APRIL

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Dairy Stockjudging Heats

YFCU’s annual dairy stockjudging county and areaheats, run in association with Ulster Bank, tookplace in April.

The heats began with County Fermanagh and Tyrone inBallinamallard on Alan Coalter’s farm. Over 140competitors came along to test their dairy stockjudgingskills. The County Down heat took place at RogerMcCracken’s farm in Ballywalter. One hundred and fiftycompetitors took part.

Co Antrim and Armagh had their heat at Gaston Wallace’sfarm, Nuttscorner. There was a great turn out with 208competitors taking part. Due to the severe weather at thestart of the month, Co Londonderry’s heat had to berescheduled and took place at Alec Brown’s farm inMoneymore. On this fine evening 124 competitorstook part.

YFCU President, Thoburn McCaughey, commented on therecent heats;

“In spite of the unseasonal spring weather, we havehad a great turn out at the heats which reflects thepopularity of this competition.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank UlsterBank for their continued support with thestockjudging competition and to thank their repswho came out

The YFCU voted in the presidential teamfor 2010/11 at the Association’s AGM andconference.

Thoburn McCaughey (Lisnamurrican YFC) was re-elected into the position of President of theAssociation and William Wilson (Cappagh YFC)was re-elected to the position of DeputyPresident.

Preparing for the stockjudging heats are Ulster Bank representativesAnn Calwell and Stephen Kane with YFCU President ThoburnMcCaughey.

in the snow, rain and gales and attended the heats!I’d also like to thank the judges and stewards whogave their time to help run the heats and of course,the farmers and their families who hosted the heats”,Thoburn added.

Silage assessment, run in association with John Thompson& Sons also took place at the stockjudging heats. The YFCUwould like to take this opportunity to thank HughMcCluggage from John Thompson & Sons who attended theheats and questioned the competitors.

YFCU Presidential TeamAnnounced at AGM

This year the positions of Vice President wentto Martyn Blair, Finvoy YFC who was re-elected, Frances George, Moneyrea YFC (re-elected) James Taylor, Coleraine YFC(re-elected) and Philip Richardson, CookstownYFC who was elected for the first time.

APRIL

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Almost 100 young farmers enjoyed a morning ofworkshops at the Association’s AGM andconference at Armagh City Hotel.

The Association put together a programme of four workshopsfor members and delegates from sister organisations Macra naFierme, the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs andthe National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs whose travelwas kindly sponsored by TESCO.

The delegates joined in with the YFCU members and rotatedin groups around four workshops delivered by the Health &Safety Executive NI, Streetwise, Big Telly Theatre Companyand St John’s Ambulance.

Before embarking on their workshops, members took part in abody combat exercise provided by LA Fitness. Refreshed andrevived members then took part in the workshops.

The first workshop was provided by Health & Safety ExecutiveNI who delivered an interactive presentation to highlight the

affects of alcohol on thebody. Members had theopportunity to try simpletasks while wearingspecial glasses. Theglasses were meant torepresent how the mindand body causereactions to slow downand become distortedwhen under the affectof alcohol. Followingthis, members tookpart in a first aidworkshop delivered bySt John’s Ambulance.This workshop allowedmembers to learnbasic life saving firstaid.

A new award, which has been set up with support from Harper AdamsUniversity, is for the Best Club Leader. Pictured receiving his awardas best club leader 2010 is Martyn Blair from Finvoy YFC. Martyn ispictured with Harper Adams University principle Dr David Llewellynand YFCU President Thoburn McCaughey.

“Wellbeing in Wellies”HSENI Young Farmers & Health Series

The Health and Safety Executive for NorthernIreland launched their “Wellbeing in Wellies” healthand wellbeing series at the YFCU AGM held in theArmagh City Hotel on Saturday 17 April 2010.

At the event, members were given a short taster of one ofthe free sessions available to clubs,” Alcohol – Why Spoil agood thing?”. The session, although having a serious message,was presented in an entertaining and informative manner.All members who attended the AGM received a HSENI goodiebag, which included a flyer on what their “Wellbeing in Wellies”series could offer individual YFCU clubs. The range of engagingsessions on offer include, drugs awareness, managing yourweight, cancer prevention and eating for health.

When organising your club’s programme for the new season,contact HSENI’s Health Promotions Manager, Norman Lyons on07896 623 991 or norman.lyons@detini.gov.uk

Members taking part in the first ai

d

workshop.

YoungFarmers TakePart inWorkshopProgrammeat AGM

The third workshop was delivered by The Big Telly Theatrecompany and gave members the opportunity to take part indrama and mime. The final workshop took the form of juggling!This was enjoyed by all and certainly tested the members’coordination.

The YFCU would like to thank LA Fitness for the energising bodycomabt and all of those who delivered the workshops to ourmembers. The association would also like to thank TESCO forsponsoring the delegates travel so that they could attend theYFCU’s AGM & Conference.

APRIL

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Pictured are the high ranking badge recipients Frances George andWilliam Cochrane, Jonathan Connolly and John Cochrane with YFCUPresident Thoburn McCaughey.

Pictured is Rosy Black from The Glens YFC who received the Alfa Laval trophyfor the recruitment of members and YFCU President Thoburn McCaughey.

Pictured are the Top Treasurer Jennifer Townley (Moneymore YFC),Top PRO Kathryn Taylor (Coleraine YFC) and Top Secretary Lester Kelly(Garvagh YFC) with YFCU President Thoburn McCaughey.

Simon Connell TakesCoveted YFCU UlsterYoung Farmer Title

Simon Connell from Dungiven YFC was named theYoung Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster ‘Ulster Young Farmerof the Year’ 2010 for the second year running at theAssociation’s AGM and Conference.

Sponsored by Northern Bank, the ‘Ulster Young Farmerof the Year’ competition is one of the most prestigiouscompetitions in the Association’s calendar and attractsover 400 entries each year.

After qualifying through two preliminary rounds, Simon madeit into the final, which took place in CAFRE Greenmountcampus earlier this year. During the final stage he had toanswer questions on a series of topics including finance,countryside management, beef, arable, machinery, sheep anddairy.

Awards are given for the member who scores the highest ineach of the sections and Simon took three of these individualtitles as well. Simon came tied first in the sheep section,sharing the McCausland trophy. He went on to take the topspot in the beef section and received the Ulster Farmers’ Marttrophy. He also was placed joint first in the grass section andreceived the Peter Fitzpatrick trophy.

Overall second place in the competition was awarded toJonathan Hutchinson (Curragh YFC) and third place went toCarrie Bonnar (Lisnamurrican YFC). The Best Ulster 21 resultswere also delivered at the AGM and Conference with WilliamClark (Straid YFC) in third place, John Oliver (Dungiven YFC)in second place and Trevor Wilson (Lisbellaw YFC) taking thetop spot in the Under 21 category for the second year runningand receiving the Golden Plough Trophy.

Following this, the results of the YFCU junior YoungFarmer Competition were announced. Gayle Adams fromLisnamurrican YFC took the top spot and received theRobin Swann trophy.

Simon Connell receiving his trophy from John Henning fromsponsor Northern Bank and YFCU president Thorburn McCaughey.

Pictured are the overall section winners of the Ulster Young Farmer ofthe Year with John Henning from sponsor Northern Bank and YFCUPresident Thoburn McCaughey.

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Lisnamurrican YFC

The New Year proved as busy as ever forLisnamurrican YFC. Members took part invarious events and activities including going tothe pantomime in Belfast Grand Opera House.The performance this year was Aladdin.

Members took part in competitions such as homemanagement, Ulster young farmer, member of the yearand so on to name a few. Congratulations to allmembers who have taken part in YFCU activities.The club’s AGM took place in February with clubpositions filled for the year.

One of our meetings earlier in the year consisted ofmembers from the PSNI coming along to show us theweapons and suits they use, inside their vans, the policedog working and we got to try out the self defence tactics.This was a very interesting meeting and everyone enjoyedit. The club also performed in the arts festival produced byFiona Cupples and Christine McCullough. Though we didn’tmake it through to the Gala we were proud of what we didas it’s not the winning that counts it’s the taking partthat counts.

The club was well represented at the association’s 80thanniversary dinner in the Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena.This was a great night and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Our final club meeting to our winter programme was whenMilebush came up to us. We played human twister sitting onthe ground (twisting around each other, not letting go ofeach others hands then two members had to try and untwistus), dodge ball, pass the parcel and then had supper.

The club committee would like to thank all those who havehelped the club in any way in with our activities.

Curragh YFC travelled to Armagh City Hotel on Friday16th and Saturday 17th April for the annual YFCUConference and AGM. Members dressed up on theFriday night as farmers and animals to dance the nightaway. Danielle McIlhatton dressed up as a peacock andwon the fancy dress competition which was a trip tothe New Holland Tractor factory in England.

Members attended the AGM and prize giving where the clubmembers are really proud of their fellow member JohnnyHutchinson when he lifted 4 individual cups and came 2ndoverall in the Ulster Young Farmer 2010 title. Johnny wonthe McCausland Trophy for Sheep Section, Pigs Marketingboard trophy for pigs/poultry section, Milk marketing boardtrophy for dairy section and NI Machinery dealers associationtrophy for machinery section.

Curragh YFC would like to wish Tanya all the best when sheheads to Norway on the YFCU International Exchange fromJune 25th to Aug 6th.

Jonathan Hutchinsoncollecting histrophies as part ofthe Ulster YoungFarmer of the Yearcompetition.

Curragh YFC membersare on Top of The World

Lisnamurrican members at a club event.

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It was time for Dungiven YFC to get their stock judgingskills into gear with a few practises before the CountyLondonderry dairy cattle judging heats. Thanks toBoyd Douglas and Jackie Dale for the use of theirfarms and the great help and effort they put in for us.On Tuesday 30th March 2010 members of DungivenYoung Farmers’ club travelled along to Alec Browns’farm, Moneymore to take part in the annual dairycattle judging and silage assessment. Well doneto all members who took part in the competition.Congratulations to Mark Irwin who came second placein the 14 – 16 age group. Also congratulations to JohnOliver for being placed in the silage assessment.

Many of our members attended the YFCU AGM and conference2010 in April. Simon Connell did us proud by being namedthe YFCU Ulster Young Farmer of the Year 2010 for the secondyear running! Simon took three individual titles as well.Simon came tied first in the sheep section, sharing theMcCausland trophy. Then coming first place in the beefsection and received the Ulster Farmers’ Mart trophy. Simonthen was placed joint first in the grass section and received

the Peter Fitzpatrick trophy. A big congratulation goes outto Simon for achieving this award once again.

Moving on to the Thursday 22nd April 2010 Dungiven YFCmembers took part in the tractor handling and soilassessment. Well done to all the members for taking part.

Friday 7th May was the Country Londonderry YFC sports night.Dungiven YFC entered two football teams, under 18’s and over18’s. Our under 18’s team showed of their skills by winningand coming first. Well done to Matthew Gault, Dean Stewart,Ricky Love, Steven Irwin and Mark Irwin for winning.

On 8th May was Diane Semple and David Nicholl’s big weddingday! Diane has been a member in Dungiven YFC for the past15 years and has been the heart of the club. Diane will besadly missed by all the members. Big congratulations toMr and Mrs Nicholl from everyone in Dungiven YFC and wewish you all the happiness for the years to come.

Dungiven YFC kicksoff for the summer!

Kesh YFC

It is hard to believe that Kesh YFC are approachingthe end of another hectic year. They have had agreat year which included lots of fun and goodparticipation from members in various activitiesand competitions.

Earlier this year they had a ‘Blind Date’ evening which wasgreat fun. They invited Fermanagh and Tyrone clubs to joinwith them and many found themselves a date! Joe Grahamwas Cilla for the night. Participants were treated to a mealin their very own restaurant which had been set up for thenight and were unaware that there was a camera in thecorner of the restaurant. So the members all had a goodlaugh afterwards.

They were delighted to have Castlecaulfield YFC join them fora chance to win on “Deal or No Deal”. The hall was full and itwas good fun.

A few weeks ago the members all headed by bus toBallynahatty Racing Track for a night of go-karting. Girls andboys all enjoyed their night and of course finished the nightwith a McDonalds.

The boys have beenbusy over the pastweeks practising theirtug-of-war skills.They took part in thetug-of-war at Balmoral Show where, not put off by theopposition, kept their spirits up and did their best.They are looking forward to more competitions over thesummer. The girls, meanwhile, practised their football skillsand headed to the 5 a side football in Cookstown.

The club hosted a drama night in the Lough Erne hotel withmany artists and Moneymore YFC showing them their playfrom the arts festival drama. The night ended with dancingto the band Honey. Another successful evening was therodeo bull night in the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown. Membersfrom the club also attended this year’s AGM and conferencein Armagh City Hotel.

So as the season comes to an end, preparations are startingfor the club’s “Emergency Services Night” on 21 August inLough Erne Hotel in Kesh. This is the night they allwait for!

16

Castlecaulfield YFC has been busy over the past fewmonths with activities and competitions.

Castlecaulfield YFC Report Back

Throughout the months Castlecaulfield have beenbusy what with their recent rodeo night which was inthe Valley, Fivemiletown, on Saturday 1st May withproceeds from the night going to Chest Heart andStroke. The club took part in the Beef Expo Sale atDungannon Farmers Mart with their ‘guess the weightof the heifer’ competition raising £250 for charity.They have recently hosted ‘It’s a Knock Out’competition at Parkanaur forest park which was heldon Friday 21st May with other clubs being invited tocompete for the Cup. A BBQ was provided after thenight’s fun and games.

Their visit to Co. Tyrone heat of stockjudging at the end ofMarch proved to be successful with David Graham comingthird in his age group of 12-14 qualifying for the finals atGreenmount in July. Castlecaulfield seem to be on the upwith a member, Victoria Calvert who came 2nd in the MissTyrone competition which was judged at the County TyroneDinner at the Silverbirch Hotel Omagh.

The girls’ football team paid a visit to Mid Ulster SportsArena Cookstown for the annual football competition, wherethey took part but unfortunately didn’t make it to BalmoralShow for the finals. Maybe we’ll have better luck next yeargirls! Their annual club dinner where the distribution ofcups and prizes are to be given out is to be held at Sally’sRestaurant Aughnacloy on Saturday 12th June.

The club is to host their annual BBQ at Aughnacloy GolfClub on Saturday 3rd July with an auction to raise moneyfor NI Chest Heart and Stroke. The last few months havebeen very busy for the club and are thankful for all themembers who help to make it a success. We would like totake this opportunity to thank our sponsors for their kinddonations. We look forward to another busy year comeSeptember with more members, more competitions andmore fun for all.

Castlecaulfield YFC football team 2010 who took part in the

competition at Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown.

Members enjoying a night of fun and games.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

JUNE17th June Co Tyrone and Fermanagh Stockjudging Competition18th June John Bradley Challenge, Share Centre, Lisnaskea21st June Home Management Final, Newry & Kilkeel College23rd June Co Down and Armagh Stockjudging Competition29th June Co Antrim Stockjudging Competition30th June Co Londonderry Stockjudging Competition29th – 6th July Junior Exchange to Latvia

JULY17th July Build It Final, Castlewellan Show26th & 27th July Tag Rugby heats31st July Tag Rugby final

Check out www.yfcu.org for all up to date club events and activities.

Spa YFC

Spa YFC have had a busy few weeks since theirwinter meetings came to an end and the summerseason began. On Saturday 8th May the club held itsannual charity tractor run in aid of the club’s chosencharity Epilepsy Action. On the day over 60 tractorscame and participated in the run; both modern andvintage. The tractors took the course of heading upover the Dramara hills and then home in round bySpa Lake back to the rugby club. This route providedbeautiful scenic views enjoyed by many. When allthe tractors were once again parked up it was timefor something to eat. There was a BBQ provided forall. The BBQ food was kindly donated by Dunbiameats in aid of charity. The sun was shining andprovided a brilliant opportunity for the afternoongames entertainment to begin.

That same evening entertainment was offered in the form ofa vicar and tarts fancy dress disco held in the rugby club.People came in many different outfits providingentertainment in itself. A great night’s fun was had by allwith a great turnout with the proceeds once again going tothe charity. The total money raised for charity from the entireday was over £1600, a tremendous amount that will begreatly appreciated and put to good use within the charity.I would like to thank all the participants for their help inraising money and donations, the rugby club for use of theirpremises and also Dunbia for donating the BBQ meat; thiswas a very generous donation and the club is gratefulfor this.

Following on from this successful day it was that time of yearonce again for Balmoral show and of course the showwouldn’t be complete without the participation of many

young farmer events over the 3 days. On Wednesday SpaYf member Samuel McConnell entered into the sheep shearingcompetition. After many grilling rounds Sam was awardedfirst place in his category. Well done and congratulationsgoes out to Sam from all the club. The following day seenthe tug of war competition commence. Spa this year hadtwo teams entered into the competition and proved to bevery good competition for the other clubs. After many pullson the rope it came down to the semi finals. Here the Spa Bteam were just beaten to the 4th place position and Spa Aprogressed on through. The tension was rising but Spa Akept their cool in their final pulls which paid off with themobtaining a very close 3rd place in the competition. Theclub would like to congratulate both the teams on theirsuccess and good luck in the other competitions theyparticipate in over the summer.

Spa YFC in action at the Balmoral Show.

Lylehill YFC members showing off their new rugby tops.

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A very successful and fun filled year for Finvoy wastopped off with getting through to the Arts FestivalGala on Saturday 20th March 2010 at the prestigiousMillennium Forum, Londonderry. Finvoy’sproduction of Toy Story was a real crowd pleaser andpicked up the award for Best Choreography. Finvoypicked up the award for second most efficient club inCo.Antrim Martyn Blair received Top Club Leader inCo.Antrim, Jonathon Campbell got second TopSecretary in Co.Antrim and Richard Beattie pickedup Junior Member of the Year in Co.Antrim.The success continued for Finvoy with the One ActDrama Festival with their performance of LooseDescriptions. The play was awarded Best Set andSamantha Williams also picked up the award for BestProducer at the Co.Antrim Drama Dinner.

Finvoy also held a charity carwash on Saturday 24th April toraise money for the Stranocum Community Rescue Service, at

which the members got wetter than Ballymoney on a rainyday! This was a huge success and a substantial sum wasraised for the charity. Finvoy also performed their One Actalong with Garvagh YFC on Tuesday 18th May to raise moneyfor the same charity, this again was a huge success and over£300 was raised for the worthy cause. This is only the startfor Finvoy YFC’s charity work for the summer!

John McElderry (M&T) Ltd Ballymoney has sponsored newT-shirts for Finvoy, giving us a fresh look for the summermonths and incoming year. The club would like to thankMcElderrys for this sponsorship. The summer is sure to bevery busy for the club, with numerous shows, sports nights,BBQ’s and Charity events to look forward to! The club will beholding their own sports night on 30th July at BallymoneyRugby Club, a Charity event and a Family Fun night and endof Summer Disco at Ballymoney Rugby Club on 27th August.Finvoy are looking forward to all the summer events and thecraic that each will provide!

Finvoy YFC pictured with their new look T-shirts sponsored by John McElderry(M&T) Ltd Ballymoney

A Successful Year and aNew Look for Finvoy YFC

19

With summer upon us usually things are slowingdown but this is not the case for Glarryford YFC.With members taking part in Club and County dairystock judging, attending the AGM & Conference andperforming at the One Act Drama Festival.

Club members performed ‘The Gooseberry Girls’ writtenespecially for the cast by past club member MargaretFerguson who also produced the play along with MervynDickey. At the recent Drama Dinner the cast were awarded aCertificate of Merit for Glarryford YFC for the production of‘The Gooseberry Girls’.

Before we knew it Balmoral Show was upon us, with thegirls’ football team through to the finals and Philip Dickeyrepresenting Co. Antrim in the tractor handling withLisnamurrican’s Derek Storey. Sadly neither girls nor boyswere placed in these competitions but all were wellsupported by clubs members cheering them on fromsidelines.

We trust that we will see many of you at Glarryfords annualsports night on Fri 16th July and BBQ on Sat 21st August.

For further information about these events contact JanetteStirling (Club Leader) on 07921384325.

Lylehill YFC has had a very busy start to the NewYear, with our 80th anniversary dinner taking placein February in the Dunadry Hotel. This event marked80 years of Lylehill being involved in the YFCU.

As part of the Lylehill 80th anniversary we were pleasedto announce the launch of our new rugby shirts which arekindly sponsored by Richard Martin of Martin Supplies atNutts Corner and Noel Gibson of GNG Credit Ltd.

Lylehill YFC is also proud to announce that we have beenawarded the Most Efficient Club in County Antrim andStephanie McCollam was also awarded third best PublicRelations Officer. Christina McCollam was also successfulin the Member of the Year Competition where she camesecond in the county.

Members of Lylehill YFC have been taking part in a numberof competitions such as the demonstration presentationcompetition where Christina McCollam was placed 3rd.Lylehill YFC girls have also been busy with the five-a-sidefootball where we had two teams entered in the heats.Those taking part were Ashleen Price, Zara Price, EmmaFleming, Judith Murdock, Kathy Graham, Victoria Price,Megan Uprichard, Alison Uprichard, Claire Taylor and ClaireMcBride. Stephanie and Christina McCollam were alsoawarded 2nd and 3rd place in the Northern Ireland craftcompetition.

Andrew Patterson, Gordon Armstrong, Christina McCollam,John Healy and John Wallace will all represent Lylehill YFCin the dairy final of the stockjudging competition and inthe next few months members will also be competing for aspot in the sheep and beef finals.

Lylehill YFC members have many events and activitiesplanned for over the summer, and we hope to continue toenjoy our 80th anniversary year!

All Go at Glarryford Lylehill YFC

Members collecting thier certificate of merit for their

production of the ‘Gooseberry Girls’

Lylehill YFC members showing off their new rugby tops.

Killinchy YFC

20

Coleraine YFC members have been busy since thebeginning of the year with not a moment to spare.The members, like always has been to the forefrontof all competitions at club, county and central level.

The highlights of the year so far include participating inthe Arts Festival Gala Evening. The endless hours of singingand dancing paid off and impressed the judges on theadjudication night in Ballymoney which gave them thechance to perform in the Millennium Forum on 21st March.Coleraine YFC’s performance was entitled ‘That’s Life’,produced by Sonya Smyth, Karen Kirkpatrick and GailMc Kechnie. The club also received best choral piece onthe evening to top off celebrations.

Another highlight for the club was bringing all six of theCEO special cups back to Coleraine. An achievement uniqueto Coleraine and shows the strengths, dedication and hoursof hard work put in by all the members.

The club would like to take this opportunity to thank allthose involved in the Arts Festival production and also to allparents, friends and coaches who have supported the club.

Coleraine YFC will hold their annual sports night on Friday11th June in Coleraine Showground’s; the sports will befollowed with a dance. For more details contact club PROKathryn Taylor 077491090802.

That’s Life forColeraine YFC!

21

As the summer approaches things are starting toheat up for Cookstown YFC and if the summer isanyway near as successful as the winter month’sclub members are sure to be smiling untilChristmas!

They say variety is the spice of life. Well Cookstown YoungFarmers Club are that spice and on Friday 11th June theyshall show one and all just how it’s done. Clear yourschedule, decline all appointments and get yourself aticket to CYFC’s variety night on Frday 11th June at whichthey will unveil their award winning play.

For many years CYFC have entered the County Tyrone KenRussell Rosebowl drama competition, and despite theirhard efforts and positive thinking, they failed to achieveany sort of silver recognition. This year, however, we arepleased to announce that the Club won four out of apossible seven awards at the competition, includingBest Play.

In order to celebrate such achievement and show off ourhard work we invite you to join us on Friday 11th June,in The Royal British Legion Hall, Burn Road, Cookstown.The event begins at 8pm sharp and shall include anassortment of dramatic performances from Young FarmersClubs throughout the province and some light musicalaccompaniment. Prepare your self for a side-splittingevening as the sparkling wit of our compere never failsto impress. It is surely and event not to be missed.

Tickets for this event are priced at £5 and all proceedsshall go towards Bothar, this years chosen charity for theYoung Farmers Clubs of Ulster. To book tickets or findout more information about this event please do nothesitate to contact Club Secretary Lynn Richardson on07716380513 or check out Cookstown Young FarmersClub on Facebook.

Cookstown YoungFarmers Club

They say variety is the spice of life. Well CookstownYoung Farmers Club are that spice and on Friday11th June they shall show one and all just how it’sdone. Clear your schedule, decline all appointmentsand get yourself a ticket to CYFC’s variety night onFrday 11th June at which they will unveil theiraward winning play.

For many years CYFC have entered the County Tyrone KenRussell Rosebowl drama competition, and despite theirhard efforts and positive thinking, they failed to achieveany sort of silver recognition. This year, however, we arepleased to announce that the Club won four out of apossible seven awards at the competition, includingBest Play.

In order to celebrate such achievement and show off ourhard work we invite you to join us on Friday 11th June,in The Royal British Legion Hall, Burn Road, Cookstown.The event begins at 8pm sharp and shall include anassortment of dramatic performances from Young FarmersClubs throughout the province and some light musicalaccompaniment. Prepare your self for a side-splittingevening as the sparkling wit of our compere never failsto impress. It is surely and event not to be missed.

Tickets for this event are priced at £5 and all proceedsshall go towards Bothar, this years chosen charity for theYoung Farmers Clubs of Ulster. To book tickets or findout more information about this event please do nothesitate to contact Club Secretary Lynn Richardson on07716380513 or check out Cookstown Young FarmersClub on Facebook.

Pictured are cast members from Garvagh YFC receiving their

award at the drama dinner. Included in the photo is their

producer Adrian Cooper (r), YFCU deputy president William

Wilson and adjudicator Arthur Webb (l)

Garvagh YFC

Cookstown members at a recent club night.

Looking for a change!Spotting

a change

in a mole,

freckle

or new

coloured

spot early

can save

your

life

Skin Cancer can kill - finding it early can save your life

Check your skin regularly

SIZE

Larger than

6mm (growing

or shrinking)

Ragged or

irregular

outline

Changing

colour

SHAPE COLOUR

www.ulstercancer.org or www.careinthesun.org

Change in...

colour

Skin cancer can grow from a freckle, mole or on a normal area of skin.

The important changes to look for are:

Melanoma skin cancer is strongly linked to episodes of sunburn.

Never allow your skin to burn.

Use sun protection.

Take extra care if you have pale skin that burns easily or if you have lots of moles or freckles or if your family has a history of melanoma.

Use mirrors or ask a friend to look at your back and front and don’t forget the soles of feet, between the toes, your scalp, neck and nails.

For information call:Ulster Cancer Foundation Helpline 0800 783 3339or www.ulstercancer.org or www.careinthe sun.org

CHECK YOUR SKIN REGULARLY

Cover up with a hat and shirt

Use high SPF 15+ sunscreen with UVA & UVB filter

Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm