FROM tractor handling to battling it out in the hotly contested tug of war finals, young farmers from across Devon have been showcasing the very best of traditional agricultural skills and trades.

Sponsored by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, the Devon YFC’s annual Field Day was held on Sunday, August 1 at Bicton College, with a packed programme of competitions and sports finals.

Open to all Devon Young Farmer’s members aged 10 to 28, competitions included tractor handling and the ATV (all-terrain vehicle) challenge, which involved driving the vehicles around a set course.

Competitors were also judged on their ability to carry out daily maintenance and safety checks on the vehicles, having to carry out a risk assessment with the judge.

The group of young farmers clubs that took home the trophy for the most overall points was East Devon Group.

Its members were successful across the full programme of competitions and were crowned champions in Netball (North Devon), Football (East Devon), Junior Kwik Cricket (East Devon), Ladies Laser Clay Shooting (Lucie Hoskin, Meshaw YFC), Men’s Senior Laser Clay Shooting (Rupert Shinner, Ivybridge YFC) Intermediate Laser Clay Shooting (Ben Roberts, Whimple and Broadclyst YFC), Senior Tractor Handling (Sam Ball, Whimple and Broadclyst YFC), Intermediate Tractor Handling (Ben May, Newton St Cyres YFC)  and Pallet Up-cycling (George Shacklock and Jenny De Rochefort, Winkleigh YFC).

The winners of these competitions will go on to represent the county at a South West Area, and hopefully National level, later on in the year.

Matt Darke, Devon YFC County Chairman, said: “Following the success of Devon County Show, it has been brilliant to follow this up with our Field Day to keep up the momentum and get back to what Devon Young Farmers’ does best.

“Our Field Day is a great opportunity for members to showcase the skills that they’ve developed either through our training programme or on the farm at home, as well as to give something new a try!”

Roz Hills, South West Regional Manager for NFU Mutual, said: “We are proud to be supporting the Devon Young Farmers’ Field Day and it’s great to see that their agricultural programme of competitions is as popular as ever.

“After this difficult year it has been brilliant to help support the next generation of farmers, bringing these talented young people together for some healthy competition and a chance to showcase their talents and skills.”