YFCU attends UFU’s Women in Agriculture Conference

By Darryl Armitage
Published 23rd Oct 2023, 14:30 BST
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On October 19th, Sarah Spence, the membership and club development executive of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), had the privilege of participating in the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) Women in Agriculture Conference held at the Greenmount Campus, CAFRE.

The 2023 conference’s theme was Farming Together for the Future.

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The conference’s keynote speaker was Abi Reader, a Welsh dairy farmer and deputy president of NFU Cymru.

Her talk, titled The Time is Now, emphasised seizing opportunities and the mindset that propelled her to one of the highest leadership positions in UK agriculture. Abi discussed her role in lobbying political figures at local, national, and international levels to represent Welsh farmers. She also shed light on the Cows on Tour initiative, which she co-founded to educate children about the origins of their food. Abi’s presentation encouraged conference delegates to recognise their own potential. She highlighted the lack of role models as a significant barrier for women in agriculture, underscoring her role as a trailblazer for female young farmers across the UK.

YFCU members attending conference: Rebecca Clarke (Seskinore YFC), Ashley McConnell (Holestone YFC), Lynne Johnston (Randalstown YFC), Chloe Alexander (Clanabogan YFC), Sarah Spence (YFCU HQ), Andrea McFarland (Newtownstewart YFC), Sarah McFarland (Newtownstewart YFC) and Lucy-Jo McFarland (Clanabogan YFC). Picture: YFCUYFCU members attending conference: Rebecca Clarke (Seskinore YFC), Ashley McConnell (Holestone YFC), Lynne Johnston (Randalstown YFC), Chloe Alexander (Clanabogan YFC), Sarah Spence (YFCU HQ), Andrea McFarland (Newtownstewart YFC), Sarah McFarland (Newtownstewart YFC) and Lucy-Jo McFarland (Clanabogan YFC). Picture: YFCU
YFCU members attending conference: Rebecca Clarke (Seskinore YFC), Ashley McConnell (Holestone YFC), Lynne Johnston (Randalstown YFC), Chloe Alexander (Clanabogan YFC), Sarah Spence (YFCU HQ), Andrea McFarland (Newtownstewart YFC), Sarah McFarland (Newtownstewart YFC) and Lucy-Jo McFarland (Clanabogan YFC). Picture: YFCU

Following Abi’s inspiring talk, the Farming Families Health Checks presentation, led by Christina Faulkner, delved into the critical topic of health and well-being, specifically relevant to female farmers.

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The morning session concluded with a financial and legal panel featuring NFU Mutual financial advisor Barbara Lewsley and JPH Law partner Kate Ervine.

They shared their insights on key aspects of their work that farm families need to be aware of.

Kate presented The Top Five Legal and Financial Tips Every Farming Woman Should Know.

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Ammonia workshop at the UFU Women in Agriculture Conference 2023.Picture: YFCUAmmonia workshop at the UFU Women in Agriculture Conference 2023.Picture: YFCU
Ammonia workshop at the UFU Women in Agriculture Conference 2023.Picture: YFCU

Subsequently, they opened the floor for questions, providing women in attendance the opportunity to seek information on topics such as prenuptial agreements, wills, and family dynamics.

After an enriching morning, the lunch break offered an excellent opportunity for networking and interaction with conference sponsors.

Post-lunch, conference delegates actively participated in practical workshops held on the CAFRE dairy farm. These sessions covered a range of topics that are relevant to all sectors, including new technologies in agriculture, safe machinery operation, ammonia management, grassland maintenance, and fundamental principles of young stock care.

Related topics:YFCUUFUYoung Farmers' Clubs of UlsterUlster Farmers' Union