James Speers has been re-elected as the president of the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) for a second term.

“It’s a tremendous organisation. I’m over the moon and very privileged to be elected for a second term," Speers told the Irish Farmers Journal.

We have the opportunity now to rebuild the UK agricultural policy

“The dedication and commitment of the membership base is brilliant, and I believe it’s a fantastic organisation that offers education, travel and friendship."

The election took place at the Armagh City Hotel this weekend, during the YFCU conference and AGM.

The YFCU is the largest rural youth group in Northern Ireland and will be celebrating its 90th anniversary next year.

There’s a great future in farming

The theme for the organisation this year is, embracing change, and Speers spoke passionately about the role young farmers have to play in welcoming the challenges facing agriculture.

“Brexit is coming down the line and as an organisation we need to be prepared to embrace change," Speers said.

“We have the opportunity now to rebuild the UK agricultural policy.

“Young farmers are key to driving efficiency on farms and there’s a great future in farming and agriculture if you look at the increase in world population.

“We’ve also developed a new land mobility programme with the Ulster Farmers Union, and as an organisation we’re involved with stakeholders to make the wider public more aware of the important farm-to-farm message of sustainable and traceable food."

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