Andrew Little, a new YFCU vice president, and a member of Lisbellaw YFC has been named the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster Member of the Year at the Association’s Annual General Meeting and Conference.

Sponsored by United Feeds, Andrew was one of six finalists for the award. The County winners were Catherine Armstrong (Glarryford YFC) for Antrim, Amy Richardson (Bleary YFC) for Armagh, George Shaw (Spa YFC) for Down, Peter Smith (Derg Valley YFC) for Tyrone and Kathryn Taylor (Coleraine YFC) for Londonderry.

All six finalists were on the edge of their seats before the result was announced as it is the most eagerly anticipated of all the YFCU competitions.

A spokesman for the YFCU stated: “Andrew has been a committed and influential member of Lisbellaw YFC over the past six years. He was nominated by his club for Member of the Year as he is very enthusiastic and has participated in a wide range of competitions. He has been a keen member of the Executive Committee where he attends various meetings and regularly liaises with the club and county about competitions and develops members’ knowledge about the young farmers. As a member of the committee, “Andrew got the opportunity to attend the Spring Seminar in France and the Welsh AGM through which he increased his knowledge and gained valuable experience. Andrew has also taken part in hosting an exchange and is a great support to his club and county. At this year’s YFCU annual meeting, Andrew was voted in as vice president of the Association. The President, Martyn Blair was re-elected and Deputy President, Roberta Simmons was also re-elected. Courtesy of United Feeds, Andrew received a commemorative plaque and £100 worth of vouchers from the shop of his choice.” The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) voted in the YFCU Presidential Team for 2014/15 at the Association’s AGM and conference.

Martyn Blair (Finvoy YFC) was re-elected into the position of President of the Association and Roberta Simmons (Rathfriland YFC) was re-elected to the position of Deputy President.

The positions of vice president went to re-elected members James Speers (Collone YFC), Janette Stirling (Glarryford YFC), Geoff Thompson (Annaclone & Magherally YFC), and newly elected Andrew Little (Lisbellaw YFC).

Also at the Conference, Dara Walker from Kesh YFC was named the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster Junior Member of the Year at the association’s Annual General Meeting and conference which took place at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast. Sponsored by United Feeds, Dara was one of six finalists for the award.

Dara, 12, was nominated by his club because of his dedication to the club and participation in YFCU competitions. He has a strong interest in his club and a strong interest in farming. Dara was described as having a great asset to his club.

Courtesy of United Feeds, Dara received the William Wilson Cup, a commemorative plaque and £100 worth of vouchers.