Suffolk Young Farmers doing it in wellies J enny Binder, assistant accounts executive at Scrutton Bland’s Ipswich office and an active member of the Suffolk Young Farmers explains what really happens when they get their wellies on. Suffolk Young Farmers (SYF) has been running for over 25 years and has members ranging from 10–26 years old. Offering opportunities both New Beginnings. We raise funds by organising activities and events such as the ‘Muck Chuck’ held in June, where a number of farmers move farmyard muck for a week and all the money they raise is donated to charity. We also have a number of parties and balls during the year and we have even made calendars to raise funds.” Suffolk Young Farmers prides itself in
on farming forums at their fingertips. I’m really pleased to see Scrutton Bland’s innovative new cloud-based offering SBLive, as coming from a farming background I can see how useful this technology can be in helping agricultural businesses who are increasingly relying on new technology as well as traditional farming techniques.” To find out more about Suffolk Young Farmers contact Jenny on jennifer.binder@scruttonbland.co.uk Alternatively visit the SYF website www.suffolkyoungfarmers.com To learn more about SBLive and how it can help streamline your accounting contact us on 0333 234 7144 or email info@scruttonbland.co.uk
working closely with Easton and Otley College, keeping up to date with recent advances in technology and software. Jenny adds: “With recent developments in satellite-controlled navigation systems, precision farming is becoming increasingly the norm, reducing the amount of resources that are wasted. Similarly, new apps are being brought out enabling farmers to access the most accurate weather updates and discuss new strategies
locally and abroad for people interested in agriculture that are based in Suffolk, it gives young people who are thinking of pursuing a career in this sector a foot in the door towards their future. The junior clubs are situated around Brett Valley, Gipping Valley, Lark Valley, Deben Valley and Blackbourne and cater for 10–16 year olds. The senior clubs are for those aged between 17–26 and are based in Bury St Edmunds, Debenham, Stowmarket, Hadleigh, Halesworth and Melton. There is also an alumni organisation run by Suffolk Young Farmers called ‘Friends of YFC’ which meets a few times a year for events such as cheese and wine evenings and quizzes to reminisce about former Young Farmer days and see how their clubs have evolved. Over the past few years, SYF has seen an increase in members, which has been helped by the introduction of new clubs and the resurrection of some dormant ones. The current membership stands at 289 which is a 16% increase on 2014. In Suffolk we have been experiencing a consistent 15% increase in membership for each of the past 4 years. So what happens at the meetings? Jenny explains: “We have talks almost every week from charities, social media experts and the police, or visits varying from tours around local farms, local businesses like Greene King brewery and activities like go-karting - there really is something for everyone. The clubs tend to keep the visits and talks based around local businesses and ventures which make it easier for members to attend. We also engage in inter-club competitions throughout the year such as sports, wheat competitions and we have been known to do a turkey curry competition. This brings an element of rivalry yet is all in good heart and a fun-filled way to bring the clubs together and meet new people. “Our charitable work is a key component, with each club every year aiming to donate as much as possible to their chosen charity. Previous charities that have benefited include St Elisabeth Hospice, RABI and Fresh Start
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