Young farmers across the country were bemoaning the loss of their annual convention after they allegedly became too boozy to bear for organisers.
For 50 years, thousands of new generation farmers have attended the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs annual convention to celebrate the achievements of British youth in agriculture.
Yet event organisers felt they had no choice to call time on the party after recent conventions allegedly caused problems with policing and clean-up in the towns were they were held.
A NFYFC statement read: “Following a review, it was agreed that the successes and celebrations inside the event venue are being overshadowed by incidents taking place outside of the organised official NFYFC activities. Many attempts to tackle this issue have not resulted in a satisfactory outcome.”
The organisation denied that it had been barred from holding events in Blackpool and Torquay, where the past two events were held, although admitted that “poor behaviour” at this year’s convention had dominated recent meetings.
Young members of the federation said the bad behaviour came from a minority of attendees, and expressed frustration at the decision to cancel on social media. Many of them had already booked accommodation for next year’s meet-up.
The NFYFC Board of Management urged its members to create a culture of better conduct in the future. “Every member, guest, staff member or supporter connected to the NFYFC has a responsibility to uphold the expected standards of conduct for the organisation,” their statement read.
“We will continue to promote, manage and challenge behaviour which falls outside of these standards. Anyone witnessing behaviour which is unacceptable should report it through the appropriate channels.”
