The Hi-De-Hi Production & Shropshire YFC Chairman’s Concert on Thursday 25th August was  host to the Winning Novartis NFYFC travel scholarship winner - Ludlow YFC’s Sarah Grantham was presented the scholar as Simon Crisford of Novartis gave a talk to an audience detailing what the scholar and trip to New Zealand involved. This took place at the Shropshire chairman’s ball venue on Thursday 25 August at Lower Wigmore, Halfway House. The concert open to YFC members, parents and public also included Hi-De-Hi YFC Style productions  in aid of Cancer research. The 10 minute Hi-De-Hi production was performed by each participating YFC Club including Ludlow – a very popular event.

 Sarah Grantham of Ludlow YFC has won this year’s National Federation of Young Farmer Clubs (NFYFC) Novartis Travel Scholar to New Zealand. This once in a life time opportunity is the result of Sarah’s drive and enthusiasm to win. NFYFC receive many applicants each year - Sarah’s 4500 word report and video presentation on sheep care and business planning shone above everyone else and short listed her for an interview with four other finalists. Sarah was given the result shortly after the interview, which has made national news. Sarah is due to take of for New Zealand in October.

The 21-year-old animal health specialist for Masstock Arable is studying sheep farming methods for two weeks in the county focusing on parasite control. She will blog her findings and keep a video diary for the national audience to follow her trip. On her return she’ll produce a report covering parasite control in the area of blowfly strike and anthelmintic resistance, and how effective control affects productivity and farm management systems in New Zealand.

Sarah, from Chelmarsh, said: “I’ve never really travelled and now I am about to go to New Zealand and study something I work in. I’m hoping to gain lots of experience for work, find out about sheep farming in New Zealand, and spend some time after the two-week visit meeting Young Farmers there.

“I’m over the moon and it hasn’t really sunk in yet – it probably won’t really hit me till I’m on the plane by myself. It is out of this world and all thanks to YFC. The fact that this opportunity is available through NFYFC is just amazing.

“When I get back to work, my employers want me to put what I learn to good use, I’ll produce a report and conduct briefings, and I also want to get round the YFC county federations and new members evenings to show that YFC is not just a club but will take you everywhere.”

Extracts from NFYFC & Ludlow YFC