Young Farmer's Club and Honiton Show

Last week we had the opportunity to learn all about how young farmers get things done in Devon! We were able to meet with members of the Honiton Young Farmer's Club and attend a meeting. A new friend who is in the club invited us first to a cycle ride along the canal in Exeter. It was nice to chat with her and learn about what people our age do for fun in Devon. We learned about her involvement with Young Farmer's Club (YFC) and different opportunities available in it. YFC is similar to Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Agriculturalists back home. They host social gatherings, raise money for charity, teach the public about agriculture, and have sporting events.

Later in the evening, we attended the YFC meeting. As soon as we walked through the doors, we felt like we were back at a 4-H or FFA meeting! People were in boots and some still had farm clothes on. Most of the girls had their hair pulled back in a quick ponytail and several people's hair was still wet. We love a good country meeting! We enjoyed listening as the club made plans for the upcoming Honiton Show, got volunteers for speaking events, and discussed other areas of business. Dana and I frequently made eye contact with little giggles as so many things reminded us of meetings at home! 

After the meeting, we were in for a real treat! The club had invited someone to lead the group in a few dances. We lined up with the lads on one side of the room, lasses on the other, to learn the Young Farmer's Club jig. We also learned another partner dance where we switched partners every turn. We enjoyed meeting new people through the dances, including a few who have been to Wisconsin for World Dairy Expo!

Young Farmer's Club is also known for Tug of War, which we got to witness at Honiton Show later in the week. Honiton Show is a one day agricultural fair with animal exhibits, old tractors, commercial exhibits (called stalls in England), and lots of delicious food! Dana and I loved seeing the sheep -which are smaller than ours in the States- and the Jerseys! I enjoyed seeing the alpacas as well. We visited with a few of the vendors and they were surprised to talk to two girls from the U.S.. There were some great craft, food, and vegetable exhibits in the YFC tent and we saw a few of the people we had met at the meeting. We tried some new food including traditional Christmas pudding and a scotch egg. We finished up our time at the show by watching the Tug of War finals. Tug of War is a huge deal here - they hold practices, have coaches, and wear ski boots for better traction. It was impressive! The competition was held between Devon clubs and the girls from the club we attended won! It was the perfect finish to a wonderful day at a fair!