Two East Yorkshire young farmers up for national awards
Two young farmers in East Yorkshire have been shortlisted in this year’s YFC Achiever Awards.
Katie Acey is nominated for the Heart of YFC award, while Toby Gee is in the running for the Aspiring Rural Leader accolade.
Katie has championed member wellbeing, mental health awareness and charitable fundraising throughout her membership.
She has organised events, supporting organisations including Yorkshire Air Ambulance, the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and local mental health charity Ruben’s Voice, where she also became a trustee.
Known for his maturity, positivity and willingness to go the extra mile, Toby has played a key role in building club spirit and encouraging participation.
Passionate about inclusion, he is particularly supportive of younger members and those with additional needs, ensuring everyone has opportunities to take part and succeed.
Leading industry figures met with the 40 finalists who were shortlisted from more than 260 nominations across eight categories to learn more about their achievements in YFC.
The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on Saturday, December 12.
TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty helped judge the Young Farmer of the Year Award, which is sponsored by Crystalyx, alongside Jill Hewitt, the CEO of The National Association of Agricultural Contractors and NFYFC’s Vice Chair Luke Brignall.
The panel were impressed with the range of young people they met who were making a difference in the industry.
Jimmy Doherty said: “Meeting the finalists for this award was truly inspiring. Each of them demonstrated determination to succeed in an industry that can often be challenging. From those just beginning their agricultural journey to those who have grown up in farming, every finalist was working hard to achieve their goals while encouraging others along the way.
“It was impressive to see how Young Farmers’ Clubs have played an important role in supporting these young people, providing not only encouragement and opportunities but also a fantastic environment in which to develop their confidence, skills and potential. A huge well done to all five of the Young Farmer of the Year finalists.”