Two Wales YFC members have just returned from a three-week trip to Illinois, America.

Both members travelled there as a part of an exchange programme through the Wales YFC International Programme, sponsored by E. H. Factors and Clothing of Llandysul.

Gwawr Parry Thomas, of Pontsian YFC in Ceredigion and Rachel Hughes, of Llangadog YFC, Carmarthenshire, were selected to travel to Illinois during the Wales YFC briefing and selection day held in November last year.

During their time in Illinois, they stayed on three different farms and took part in a variety of activities that included the opportunity to visit the John Deere plant in Moeline, a baseball match and an American football match.

They also visited a farm which milked 3,400 cows a day and the Kilgeses farm where they were able to bottle milk, chocolate milkshake and ice-cream.

A turkey and pig farm was also visited.

During their stay they spoke at three different schools about the experience and themselves.

Rachel said: “We had an excellent time, visiting various farms, attractions and socialising with people of different cultures, and have made many new friends. It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip.”

Gwawr added: “If anyone is interested in seeing how people in such a large country live and work then I would recommend that they apply for this trip. I had an unforgettable time.”