Young farmers in day-long competition (From Hereford Times)

Young farmers in day-long competition

8:00am Friday 25th May 2012 in Farming

THE annual county rally of the Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs was a marathon, not a sprint.

As the Olympic torch arrived on British soil, the Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs began 24 hours of competitions in Canon Frome.

In the 68th year of the Herefordshire federation there were about 1,000 entries.

The pre-rally stockjudging classes in April had already attracted more than 100 entries and it was the members from Dilwyn YFC who collected the stockjudging shield.

There were another 100 entries taking part in the other pre-rally classes which included the popular fence erecting and welding classes.

The young farmers’ annual showcase event entertained supporters and spectators throughout the day with a packed programme provided by members of the 18 clubs in Herefordshire.

Teme Valley YFC collected five trophies having gained very high marks throughout the domestic section and competitions held on the stage, all of which contributed to their overall first place and the coveted rally shield, winning by over 400 marks from second place Welsh Newton YFC.

The smaller clubs did very well and the most improved club Challenge Cup went to Orleton YFC, with Lugg Valley YFC in second place and Eardisley YFC in third.

These improved placings were also reflected in the John Crofts Memorial Cup with Eardisley YFC top, Lugg Valley second and Orleton third.

Elsewhere, the men’s and women’s tug-of-war competitions were dominated by the teams from Pontrilas who collected first place in both sections.

Longtown men’s team made a welcome return and came in second earning a place to compete at the Three Counties Show.