From genning up on their stock-judging skills to dusting off their baking trays, hundreds of young farmers in Cornwall are warming up for a hotly contested Competitions Week which will now take place online.

Members of Cornwall YFC right across the county will battle it out in six classes.

These include picture and video submissions for ‘Cake for our amazing key workers’, ‘Selfie with my pet’ and ‘Bouquet from my garden’. They also include ‘I love YFC because…’ poster design, ‘My favourite place’ landscape drawing and ‘Beef stock judging’, which will require a three minute presentation.

Sponsored by NFU Mutual, Cornwall YFC’s special online Competitions Week takes place from May 17-24 , with the winning club being announced on Sunday, May 24.

Hosted this year by Warleggan Young Farmers Club, the online competition is open to all Cornwall Young Farmers members aged ten to 26, with three categories in each class for juniors, intermediates and seniors. In previous years the competitions have been a key feature of the Annual Competitions Day which is normally held in May but has been cancelled due to Covid-19.

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Jim McLaren, Chairman of NFU Mutual, said: “Supporting the next generation of farmers has always been a priority for us and, in the current climate, we can see that it’s more important than ever before to boost morale, celebrate young farmers’ skills and bring people together for some healthy competition, albeit virtually.

“One thing I know is never to underestimate the resilience and creativeness of our Young Farmers. It will be fascinating to see what Cornwall’s members can create at home for Competitions Week and we are all looking forward to seeing the results!”

Entries must be submitted online by Saturday, May 16 and the winners of each category will be announced via the Cornwall YFC and NFU Mutual social media channels over the following days.

Kelly Evans, Cornwall YFC county organiser, said: “The social calendar is really important for our members, especially for those living and working in very rural areas who might be feeling even more isolated than normal at this time.

"After cancelling the Competitions Day event because of Covid-19 we were keen to do something in its place and with NFU Mutual’s sponsorship, we’ve been able to create a series of online competitions that will challenge our members.

“Many of our Young Farmers are working hard on their family farms to keep the nation fed while some are in other key working roles including the NHS and giving up their time as volunteers. Taking time out to get creative and show-off their skills is very important right now. We’re excited to see what members come up with when they can only use what they have at home!”

The overall winner of each class will be selected by a panel of judges, with second to sixth place decided by Cornwall YFC members’ ‘likes’ on Facebook. Overall results are to be announced on Sunday, May 24.