An improved sense of health and wellbeing is just one of the many benefits of being a member of a Young Farmers’ Club (YFC), say respondents to a new national survey.

The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) has released early results of its membership survey in celebration of National Young Farmers’ Week, which is sponsored by Agrii UK.

The survey highlights the broad range of benefits the organisation offers to rural young people, with 93% of respondents stating that participating in YFC activities has given them a greater sense of health and wellbeing.

This year’s National Young Farmers’ Week theme is YFC is for Everyone, and early results highlight that 96% of members who responded to the survey feel welcomed and included when taking part in YFC activities with 98% saying they feel safe.

NFYFC launched its YFC is for Everyone initiative at its council meeting in February this year, which focuses on championing wellbeing, respect and inclusion in YFC.

New resources have been developed for clubs to deliver during recruitment meetings. These include inclusive games that are accessible for all and presentations that set out the organisation’s code of conduct and support for members.

Additionally, more training opportunities have been introduced for club officers, alongside the development of workshops that emphasise YFC values and the key pillars of the YFC is for Everyone initiative.

With most respondents to the survey (97%) stating they would recommend YFC membership and 95% saying they valued being a YFC member, NFYFC Chair of Council Drew Bailey said he is thrilled to see the organisation so highly regarded by its members.

“After more than 100 years of Young Farmers’ Clubs, it’s amazing to see how loved and relevant the organisation remains to thousands of people.

“This National Young Farmers’ Week we are sharing the message that YFC is for Everyone – regardless of your background. Our early survey results highlight how welcoming and supportive YFC is perceived to be.

“I didn’t grow up in a farming family and I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I have enjoyed many years in YFC, made friends for life, felt included and accepted, and even been inspired to become a farmer! I’d encourage everyone to find their local YFC and get involved.”

Other key results from the survey included:

• 86% said they had developed practical skills

• 95% said they had developed new friendships

• 85% said they have a sense of belonging in their community

• 78% said they believed they had improved their career prospects

• 89% said their confidence to present themselves in public has increased

National Young Farmers’ Week runs until 11 October. Anyone interested in joining their local Young Farmers’ Club can find out more information on the NFYFC website nfyfc.org.uk/joining-yfc