Yorkshire farmer, 24, elected to key role in National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs
A young farmer from East Yorkshire has been elected to help lead the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), emerging victorious from a four-way contest to help represent more than 23,000 rural young people across England and Wales.
Luke Brignall, 24, of Wetwang, who works full time in agriculture for the Sledmere Estate which comprises 500 acres of grassland more than 2,000 acres of arable land, has become one of two vice chairs of the national body’s council.
The 24-year-old will juggle the role with others as a Sledmere Parish councillor and as the chair of the Northern Area of Young Farmers Clubs.
A former county chair and a member of Beacon Young Farmers Clubs, Luke will be supported in the role by fellow vice chair Alex McMenemy from County Durham and both will assist the new chair of council Jessica Rose from Nottinghamshire to represent YFC members.
All three will also take seats on NFYFC’s Board of Management.
Luke has held numerous roles in YFC, including leading on safeguarding and is credited with improving communications across the county by introducing a new App filled with resources for members and parents.
Luke was a 2024 finalist for NFYFC’s Aspiring Rural Leader Award, which recognised his strengths in establishing a supportive, inclusive environment that ensured East Riding of Yorkshire FYFC remained a safe and thriving community for all members.
NFYFC’s Council elections took place last weekend in Warwickshire, where four Young Farmers Club members contested the two vice chair roles. Luke won the vote, alongside Alex McMenemy who was re-elected for a second term, and joined the top table during the meeting.
Luke said: "I am delighted to be elected as one of the new vicce chairs of NFYFC Council. This isn't about a title for me, it's about showing impact and raising the bar.
"My life revolves around the rural community, farming by day and YFC whenever I am not – and I also sit on Sledmere Parish Council along with other committees in East Riding.
"Young Farmers has played a huge role in shaping me, it's where I have built confidence, learnt to lead, organise events, dealt with challenges and taken responsibility.
"I have always believed that if you care about something, you don't sit back and criticise it, you step up and improve it. I am looking forward to the year ahead."
More than 80 members gathered in Warwickshire to elect the new officer team and pass motions that affect the running of the organisation.
The NFYFC Council is made up of YFC members, associate members and co-options from across England and Wales and is elected by YFC members to represent their views.
Through steering groups, the NFYFC Council also shape the programmes of work at NFYFC – planning events, competitions, projects and training for members. Groups also met last weekend to elect new steering group chairs and vices, and to discuss projects for the year ahead.