YOU don't have to live on a farm or even in the countryside to be a Young Farmer.

It takes all sorts to make one, whatever their bag, and most clubs have a packed diary of weekly events from discos to sporting events, and just about everything in between, writes Jen Green.

Sometimes it can be difficult for young people living in rural areas to lead an active social life. Young Farmers' Clubs -- or YFC as it is commonly known -- can help by offering opportunities for self development through sport, entertainment, arts and craft, and an extraordinary commitment to charitable, good works. And it's all wrapped up in good, all round, fun.

Since 1921, Young Farmers' Clubs have encouraged thousands of young people to take up vocational training as well as benefiting from positive, shared friendships.

The first YFC was formed in Devon by the then technical advisor for United Dairies who saw it as a way of encouraging better husbandry and improving the quality of livestock farming.

The idea soon caught on, gaining support from many quarters before eventually resulting in the formation of a national federation in 1932. Now, there are some 1,000 clubs across the country with over 30,000 members between the ages of 10 and 26. While each club is affiliated to the national federation, it plans its own meetings, programmes and events.

In the early days, members were expected to keep something that lives and grows, and to maintain a strong link with the countryside. However, the broader world of farming is open to them through International Farm Experience Programmes offering work experience in agricultural and horticultural placements across the United States, Canada, the Antipodes and Europe. In China they can even join a working co-operative.

Community is important to Young Farmers. When push comes to shove they really do get involved in helping to improve the environment -- litter picking, stone walling, hedge-laying, fundraising for charity and caring for the less fortunate.

And they can party too: discos, barn dances, black-tie balls and a touch of the military two step, all danced in a good cause and mixed in with a lot of fun.

Young Farmers' rallies are big on the agenda, inter-club competition is keen and Countryside Challenge awards and local competitions provide plenty of scope for talents as diverse as drama and public speaking, culinary and floral art, woodwork and crafts, town crying to sheep shearing. You name it and Young Farmers will give it a go.

Being a young farmer gives members the chance to make their voices heard on issues affecting everyone and their input can really make a difference. It is also seen as a platform for future projects and further development.

Last weekend, Worcestershire Young Farmers were on show at Bentley Farm, near Bromsgrove, and this weekend, May 24, south Shropshire groups gather at Craven Arms for their annual shindig.

Joining YFC is easy, the South Shropshire Federation of YFCs can be contacted on 01743 254689; for Tenbury and the Teme Valley call Duncan Edwards (chairman) 07812720.