A HAMPSHIRE farmer has been recognised for his support of the Young Farmers Club (YFC).

Michael Bailey, from Denmead, was named the YFC Supporter of the Year at the recent National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs Achiever Awards in Birmingham on Saturday, February 11.

Michael, known locally as Speedy, has supported YFC in Hampshire since 1987 and is described as a true ambassador for the organisation.

A former YFC member, he encourages as many people as possible to get involved with YFC and boost the county’s finances, raising more than £10,000 through parties and 10 ‘Speedy’ film nights.

Michael said he was “very pleased to win”, saying: “I was surprised because I didn’t think I was quite in the running for it. I had kicked off my shoes under the table and didn’t have time to put them on!

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“I have been involved in YFC since I was 14 years old and was the County President mostly during the pandemic. I have hosted parties to raise money for Hampshire County Federation and the Air Ambulance.

“Someone local to me also made a film about me, which is on YouTube. We showed that around local village halls and raised money from that as well.”

Judges for the category included Katie Thorley, knowledge transfer executive for the Texel Sheep Society, Russ Carrington, manager at Knepp Regenerative Farms, and Sarah Stobart, membership and marketing group chair. The judges had a tough decision to make in choosing a winner and gave a runner-up award to Wendy Davies from Herefordshire for the 40 years of support she had given to her county.

The YFC Supporter of the Year Award is one of eight award categories, with all the winners being revealed during the ceremony.