Young farmers enjoy the sun as they prepare for show time

The welcomed spell of dry and warm weather following last week’s rain has allowed farmers to ‘plough on’, with mowers running non-stop, silage is being cut, most of the maize ground has been planted, new season lambs are heading into market and the busy shearing season has started.

Although we are all enjoying the sunshine, there is the hope of having a few more rain spells than last summer to produce excellent crops and keep livestock healthy and well.

Shropshire Young Farmers will be taking a well-deserved break over the next bank holiday where there is an action-packed day planned for Shropshire County Show on May 25 followed by Shropshire YFC 75th celebrations on the Monday.

Members across the county have been busy preparing for the annual show where they will partake in competitions such as flower arranging, cake making, sculpture building and other activities incorporating this year’s theme of ‘Nursery Rhymes’.

Weeks of planning and endless nights have been taken up with float building, a highlight in the YFC, which visitors of the show can see parade around the ring in the afternoon, this year’s theme being children’s TV programmes. Please give our members a wave as they go by!

Many members of Shropshire YFC (both young and old!) will also be showing their pedigree ewes, cattle and other livestock.

A huge amount of time, patience and dedication is given to ensure their animals are in top form for show day. It is highly recognised day within county stock judging.

In the run up to the County Show, this Sunday Young Farmers have their annual stock judging day where members aged from 14 to 26 will be stock judging lambs, ewes, beef and dairy animals. It's a fantastic competition for members from both farming and non-farming backgrounds which also improves public speaking skills.

On May 27 all generations of Shropshire YFC members will be together in celebrating 75 years of our federation.

Guest speakers from over the years are lined up to discuss their experiences during their time in YFC and the opportunities it has given them.

Over the years the organisation has adapted and evolved to keep with the times but the heart of it remains the same, providing young people in rural areas with an organisation where they can make lifelong friends and gain invaluable skills that stand you in good stead for future life.

Laura Wilde, Shropshire YFC