Jessica Rose from Nottinghamshire has been elected as the new chair of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC).
The 31-year-old will represent more than 23,000 rural young people across England and Wales, alongside two vice chairs; Alex McMenemy from County Durham and Luke Brignall from East Riding of Yorkshire.
The group were elected yesterday (Sunday, February 22) at the organisation’s council meeting in Warwickshire.
The three officers will join the NFYFC’s board of management, and will help to deliver NFYFC’s new five-year plan.
During the meeting, the board outlined its “strategic goals” which include achieving financial stability, strengthening NFYFC’s reputation and public perception, deepening the understanding of its membership, and building organisational resilience.
NFYFC
Jessica, who lives on her family’s farm in Newark is a customer services manager and fashion buyer for a clothing boutique and is a former county chair for Nottinghamshire Federation of YFC.
A member of Tuxford YFC since she was 17 years old, Jessica has been part of the NFYFC officer team for the past two years as its vice chair of council.
She also held the position of Chair of NFYFC’s Membership and Marketing Steering Group for 2025-2026, helping to improve the membership experience.
Jessica said she plans to safeguard the future of the federation by working with the team to champion and deliver the new plan for the federation.
“It’s a huge honour to be elected to represent more than 560 Young Farmers’ Clubs across England and Wales and more than 23,000 members.
“We are only six years’ away from NFYFC’s 100-year anniversary where we will celebrate the impact our organisation has made on rural communities over 10 decades.
“I hope to promote this positive impact and show how YFC provides vital connections in rural areas. Bringing together and inspiring all generations,” she said.
“I have grown up in a farming family but didn’t pursue a career in the industry. I am hoping my story will inspire others not directly involved in farming to join YFC to develop their skills and friendships by belonging to their local club,” she added.
Council
There were four candidates vying for the two vice-chair of council positions, with Alex McMenemy retaining her seat for a second year in office and Luke Brignall being elected for the first time.
Alex McMenemy, (29), from Durham City YFC, works for the Environment Agency as an agricultural regulator.
“YFC has given me so much over the years, and I want to continue giving back at a national level, helping to support and strengthen the organisation for current and future members.
“I care deeply about YFC and will always represent members with integrity, enthusiasm and their best interests at heart,” she said.
24-year-old Luke Brignall, from Beacon YFC, works full time in agriculture on a local country estate in East Yorkshire and is a councillor for Sledmere Parish Council.
“This isn’t about a title for me, it’s about showing impact and raising the bar.
“My life revolves around the rural community, farming by day and YFC whenever I am not – and I also sit on Sledmere Parish Council along with other committees in East Riding,” he said.
“I have always believed that if you care about something, you don’t sit back and criticise it, you step up and improve it. I am looking forward to the year ahead,” Brignall added.
The NFYFC Council is made up of YFC members, associate members and co-options from across England and Wales and is elected by YFC members to represent their views.
Through steering groups, the NFYFC Council also shape the programmes of work at NFYFC – planning events, competitions, projects and training for members.
The following members were elected to lead NFYFC Council’s four steering groups, which help shape the programmes of work:
- Competitions: chair Sophie Olds from Cornwall and vice chair Rebecca Ludlow from Oxfordshire;
- Membership Experience: chair Kayleigh Lovegrove from Devon and vice chairs Hermione Moore from Wiltshire and Ben Johnson from Norfolk;
- Training: chair Rosie Finney from Lincolnshire and vice chair Alice Wood from Derbyshire;
- YFC AGRI: chair Nathan Greenwood from Yorkshire and vice chair Jessica Radnor from Herefordshire.
