THIS year’s busy diary of events for young farmers is about to begin.

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs is organising a variety night at the Royal British Legion Club in Leominster on January 18.

Doors open at 7pm and the show will start at 7.30 pm. Tickets are avaiable from Lucinda Rees at the YFC Centre at £7.50 for adults and £4 for under-16s.

The evening will be a feast of YFC singing, dancing and comedy sketches and will also feature the magic skills of international artiste Paul Dabek.

Paul was a member of the Shropshire federation and since his YFC days has gone on to entertain audiences far and wide.

January 27 is the annual HFYFC hedging match and a good entry is expected.

The match, sponsored by Hereford Mower Services Limited, is at Wall End Farm in Monkland, hosted by the Marfell family.

Competitors are required to stake, pleach and heather a specified length of hedge in the time allowed. The match has a history going back to 1948 and is an ideal way for young members to learn this traditional countryside skill.

There are classes for individuals or for a team of two.

“I am looking forward to telling a few of my jokes at the variety show,” said Alex Ross, county chairman.

“And I am very keen to support members competing at the hedging match – it’s a hard day’s work but the end result of a freshly laid stockproof hedge is very rewarding and provides a vital habitat for the wildlife population of our fantastic Herefordshire countryside.”

The Agricultural Valuers Association Trophy will be awarded to the club gaining the highest marks in all classes. The Pencombe Agric-ultural Society Cup will be awarded to the club gaining the highest marks in classes two and three.

Hedging will begin at 9am and hedge sections should be ready for judging early afternoon.

Admission is free.

For more information on events, visit hfyfc.org. uk or contact Lucinda at the county office on 01432 274187.