Cornish Mutual named runner-up in YFC Supporter of the Year Award

Cornish Mutual has been named runner-up in the YFC Supporter of the Year category of the first YFC Achiever Awards, organised by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) and sponsored by NatWest.

The South West insurance company was shortlisted for the national award, along with three individuals who have gone above and beyond to support their local Young Farmers’ Club (YFC): Sarah Bolton of Clitheroe YFC in Lancashire, Sharon Jones of Langollen YFC in Clwyd and Jill Persey of Culm Valley YFC in Devon.  

Held during National Young Farmers’ Week, the YFC Achiever Awards were launched to recognise the great and good within the young farmers’ community. The seven award categories highlight the important work carried out by YFC members and their supporters throughout the year.

The finalists and winners of the YFC Supporter of the Year were decided by a panel of judges: TV presenter sheep and beef farmer Gareth Wyn Jones, farmer and former NFYFC Chairman Ed Ford and George Baxter, AGRI Chairman and Cambridge FYFC.

A unanimous decision saw Jill Persey announced as the winner in an online event on the evening of Wednesday 28 October. Gareth Wyn Jones said Jill’s submission “gave us all goose bumps,” and described her as being “truly an inspiration for the next generation of young farmers.”

Cornish Mutual was confirmed as runner-up and Managing Director, Peter Beaumont, said: “We were thrilled to find out that we had been announced as runner-up for the YFC Supporter of the Year Award.  We would like to congratulate everyone who was shortlisted in these awards, particularly the well-deserved winner, Jill Persey.”

The judges said: “Over the last decade, Cornish Mutual has built trusted relationships with the South West YFCs resulting in the company providing advice, mentoring and practical help as well as financial support.”

Judge Gareth Wyn Jones said: “Cornish Mutual have given so much time, effort and financial support to the young farmers, it’s truly amazing. We need this private investment to make sure that these clubs get an opportunity because they are the future of agriculture.”

Peter Beaumont added: “As we near the end of what has been a challenging year, this event has given us all a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of clubs and individuals across the UK.

“Through good times and bad, the YFCs provide a vital role in our rural communities and we are delighted to support them. Close to the hearts of many of our Members and employees, they continue to enrich the lives of young people and their families."