YOUNG farmers in Cumbria have been praised for rising to the challenge during Covid-19 and lockdown with Zoom becoming the new norm and staying in becoming the new going out.

Young farmers helped out in their local communities, clapped for the NHS, organised Covid-safe tractor runs and car treasure hunts and took part in virtual stockjudging, scavenger hunts, baking and photo competitions, quizzes and bingo.

At the 39th Northern District AGM, which took place via Zoom, northern district president, Richard Gardiner commended the young farmers for raising over £33,000 for charity in what he described as a difficult year, with district chairman, Robbie Tuer and young farmers from every northern district club joining him to raise £10,760 from his sponsored bike ride which saw monies raised split between Carlisle Eden Mind, West Cumbria Hospice at Home and the Northern District of Cumbria YFC.

Following on from Richard, chairman Robbie Tuer took to the virtual podium to give his chairman’s report. Robbie began his speech by commenting that the previous 12 months had flown by despite three national lockdowns and the country having to adapt to working from home and not being able to see family or friends.

During the early part of 2020, Robbie said he had enjoyed the successes of Brampton and Drigg in the drama and the jubilation of the county taking first and joint second places at the Northern Area Weekend. Another highlight for him had been attending the NFU Conference at the ICC in Birmingham which gave him the opportunity to network and see the future developments in store in agriculture.

The election of the district officials for 2021 took place with the following officers elected: president: Richard Gardiner; vice-president: Gill Winspear; chair: Emma Blaylock; vice-chair: Abigail Graham; social and competitions secretary: Sam Bell; minutes secretary: Emmy Gill; treasurer: Lisa Bowe; independent examiner: Helen Little. The President then announced the special awards on the night which were as follows: The Becklees Shield for Winter Competitions: 1, Raughton Head YFC; 2, Skelton YFC; 3, Drigg YFC. The Alan Bowe Trophy for Young Farmer of the Year: Emily Jenkinson, Drigg YFC; The Willie Whiteford Trophy for the Best Club:Wigton YFC.