Harper Adams University and Shropshire Young Farmers pledge to work together

Posted 2 February 2018

Harper Adams University has signed up to become the primary sponsor of the Shropshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs Rally on July 7.

The two organisations are keen to work more closely from 2018 onwards, towards achieving their common goal of reaching out to a wider demographic of young people.

Simon Pride, Director of Marketing and Communications at the University, said it made total sense for Harper Adams to work with SFYFC.

“Many local young farmers are our future, current and past students. We’re all moving in the same circles and seeking to broaden people’s knowledge of the food and farming sector and to open up new opportunities to young people.

“So we were delighted to agree to sponsor the Rally and to discuss ways in which we can work together at various events, starting in 2018.  In particular, we are hosting a big family festival on the campus, Field to Fork, on April 28th and we would love to get the young farmers involved.

“But we also want to promote the local YFC clubs as an opportunity for students who come from other parts of the university to study at Harper Adams, as an extension to the home-from-home culture we try to encourage.

“Particular thanks go to current County Chairman, Clarrie Hocknell, who is one of our students currently on placement and who is working with the university to develop our mutually-beneficial relationship.”

Clarrie Hocknell said SFYFC is excited to be working more closely with Harper Adams.

 “It is fantastic to be able to work with the university to promote the benefits of joining a YFC. As one of the leading agricultural universities in the country, many NFYFC members from around the UK come to Harper Adams to study. For those who have moved away from home, and possibly their local YFC, joining a new club in Shropshire can help with the transition to university.
 
“As well as a great place to make new friends with interests in farming and the countryside, YFCs also offer great opportunities to travel, develop CPD skills through our extensive training programme and provide access to bursaries and scholarships.

“Our County Rally is always an amazing weekend that showcases the wide variety of learning and fun that can be achieved through being part of SFYFC and Harper Adams is the perfect sponsor as they complement the YFC ethos so well.”