Northamptonshire Young Farmers

County Rally
SATURDAY 25th MAY 2024

To be held at Park Farm, Brigstock, Kettering, Northants, NN14 3NG

By kind permission of The Millbank Family

Download a .pfd of the Rally Schedule here

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
THEME: THE OLYMPICS
RULES TO ACCOMPANY RALLY CLASSES

GENERAL

All competitors must be paid-up members of the Young Farmers’ Club they are representing – membership cards
may be checked at the Rally.
For all National competitions please read the National Rules carefully beforehand.
Completed Entry Forms must be returned to the Rally Committee no later than Thursday 18th April 2024. Entries
Submitted to northantsyfcrally@gmail.com using the entry form provided.
Age groups as follows:
SENIOR: Aged 30 or under on 1 September 2023
INTERMEDIATE: Aged 21 or under on 1 September 2023
JUNIOR: Aged 16 or under on 1 September 2023
OPEN: A YFC member of any age, including Associate members
Unless otherwise indicated, any member aged 30 or under on 1 September 2023 may be entered in a class.
Please read the notes overleaf and comply with all deadline dates.
Please bring a change of clothes if taking part in Main Ring competitions.
In all classes, two points will be deducted for the non-appearance of any competitor or exhibit previously entered in
the class.
All Judges’ decisions are final.
PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE A COMPETITORS BRIEFING AT 9:15AM IN THE MAIN RING WHICH ALL COMPETITORS
SHOULD ATTEND. THE JUDGES OF CLASS 70 WILL BE OBSERVING TURNOUT AND CONDUCT DURING THIS BRIEFING.

SECTION ONE NOTES:

Grain Samples – One entry per class from each club. All Grain samples to be submitted to the YFC Office or Rally
Coordinator no later than Tuesday 23rdApril 2024. Sample bags must be used and labelled with class and club
number only.
Hay & Straw Samples – will be judged on the day. Two entries per class from each club.

SECTION TWO NOTES:

A maximum of 2 competitors/teams from each Club may enter each Section Two class – Rally Points will be awarded
for the five highest placed entries as follows – 1

st= 10, 2nd= 8, 3rd=6, 4th=4, 5th=2.

Class 13 – Whiston Cup to include National Sheep Shearing – 28 & under – SEE NATIONAL RULES

SECTION THREE NOTES:

All entries to be displayed and ready for judging by 9.00am (late items will be penalised) and remain
until 4.00pm. Two points will be deducted for any item removed without permission before 4.00pm. Competitors
may bring items to the rally site the night before at their own risk. Please arrange with the Rally Committee.
White coats MUST be worn for Floral Art, National Cookery, Auctioneering and Livestock classes.
It is essential to comply with National Rules for National competitions, including the Competitions General Rules
2023/24– failure to do so may result in disqualification. Please note – the county has a different age limit for Senior
compared to National competitions.
All pre-prepared entries must be solely the work of the competitor & photo evidence must be supplied.
A maximum of 2 entries from each club may enter each Section Three class (except Classes 31 and 43, 47, 48, 49, 50,
51, and all Promotional Classes 52-58 inclusive.)
Rally Points will be awarded for the five highest placed entries as follows – 1st= 10, 2nd= 8, 3rd=6, 4th=4, 5th=2.

All entries that are not placed 1st-5th will receive 1 point for being presented by 9am on the day of the Rally. Any
entries in Section 3 Classes (Handicrafts) that are not displayed by 9am on the day of the Rally will be deducted 2
points, but can still be presented for the competition.
Classes 23 to 39 (inclusive) – There will be no recipes issued for the pre-prepared cookery classes, instead
competitors should supply a recipe card for each entry, to include a list of ingredients and brief method, and a photo
board (up to 4 photos) as evidence of bakes. The recipe card and photos will form part of the mark scheme.
Club Yearbook Reports to be submitted to George Davies by Friday 29th March 2024 so they can be included in the
Yearbook. Any material for inclusion in the Yearbook must be e-mailed to northantsyfcrally@gmail.com

SECTION FOUR NOTES:

Please remember a spare change of clothes if you are competing in any of the Section 4 competitions. One team
entry per club for each of these classes.
For any further information on any of the competitions please contact Grace Millbank on
northantsyfcrally@gmail.com

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES 2024

SECTION ONE:

GRAIN – Samples to be submitted to the YFC Office or to the Rally Coordinator by Tuesday 23rd April 2024 to be
judged. Grain Sample bags must be used.
1. Sample of MILLING WHEAT
2. Sample of MALTING BARLEY
3. Sample of PEAS From Harvest 2023
4. Sample of OILSEED RAPE One sample bag full
5. Sample of OATS
6. Sample of FIELD BEANS
HAY AND STRAW – Samples to be submitted by 9.00am on the day of the Rally
7. Sample of MEADOW or SEED HAY
8. Sample of WHEAT STRAW A small bale
9. Sample of BARLEY STRAW (or 1 segment)
10. Sample of OAT STRAW

SECTION TWO:

11. GRAIN JUDGING – A Jnr, Int and Snr member from each club to place a number of grain samples in order
from best to worst.
12. STRAW & HAY JUDGING – A Jnr, Int and Snr member from each club to place a number of straw and hay
samples in order from best to worst.
13. WHISTON CUP – To include NATIONAL SHEEP SHEARING (28 & under) – SEE NATIONAL RULES.
Teams of 3 members, any combination of Jnr, Int or Snr. All members to individually judge a pen of 6
breeding ewes and estimate live weight of one fat lamb. One member to shear 3 sheep as part of the
National Sheep Shearing competition. Competitors required to assist in sorting sheep & wrapping wool for
other competitors. (Please bring your own hand piece & wear suitable clothes & footwear)
14. VALUATION OF FARM ITEMS – Any Jnr, Int or Snr member to value various farm items, which may include
livestock, machinery and crops, as directed by the judge.
15. JUNIOR CHALLENGE – Two junior members to complete a task set out by the judge on the day.
16. NATIONAL FARM SAFETY SKILLS – SEE NATIONAL RULES – Team of 4 members, all 28 or under to compete in
set tasks. 1) Loader Tractor and Trailer Task; 2) Tractor and Pasture Topper; 3) ATV Handling; 4) First Aid.
Please see National rules for more details on tasks & certificates/licences required.
17. ONE FOR THE GIRLS – Team of 3, at least 2 people from different age categories to compete in a surprise
challenge.
18. ONE FOR THE BOYS – Team of 3, at least 2 people from different age categories to compete in a surprise
challenge.
19. WEED, PEST & DISEASE IDENTIFCATION – One member, either intermediate or senior to identify common
arable and grassland weeds, pests and diseases.
20. GUN SAFETY – Any Jnr, Int or Snr member to answer questions and demonstrate safe use of the gun
(provided).

21. TRUCK & TRAILER – One member aged over 17, to complete a mock trailer test (Full car licence required on
the day or cannot compete).
22. TRACTOR HANDLING – Two members, one male/one female, Jnr, Int or Snr to take part in a challenge set on
the day.

SECTION THREE:

23. NATIONAL COOKERY – SEE NATIONAL RULES
Teams to consist of three members, one 28 years or under, one 21 years or under and one 16 years or under,
on 1 September 2023.
Each team will be required to prepare a three-course meal for a Gala Dinner at the 2024 Chelsea Flower
Show. Teams must promote local produce within their displays. Please note that the Rally Committee has
elected not to include 3 mystery ingredients to be incorporated into the menu but this rule will be used at the
NFYFC Final. The menu must include one sweet and one savoury course and each course must involve a
cooked element.
A drink does not count as a course and will not be scored. Teams must ensure each course involves a cooked
element, prepared from raw ingredients, demonstrating cookery skills. (It is advised that the combination of
smoked salmon and cream cheese is not included).
Teams to provide their own gas rings, gas and equipment. To be done on the day as a team, not individually.
One hour allowed, including preparation & tidying of site.
PRE-PREPARED COOKERY – One member to bake a specified item in advance and display it at the Rally with a recipe
card, list of ingredients & photo board of a maximum of 4 pictures as evidence of bakes. Marks will be awarded
for both taste and presentation.
SWEET DISHES:
24. FOUR GINGERBREAD COOKIES to fit the Olympics Theme (Junior)
25. FOUR CHOCOLATE BROWNIES (Intermediate)
26. FOUR CHELSEA BUNS (Senior)
27. GLUTEN FREE VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE (Open)
SAVOURY DISHES:
28. FOUR SAUSAGE ROLLS (Junior)
29. FOUR CHEESE TWISTS (Intermediate)
30. FOUR PRETZELS (Senior)
31. OLYMPICS PARTY GRAZING BOARD – (1 entry per club) Board of a maximum of 30cm x 45cm. To serve two
people. Must include a minimum of three baked items, and a homemade jam/chutney/preserve and all
ingredients including the dressing will be awarded additional marks for being in season in Britain on the day
of the competition. List of ingredients provenance should be displayed and will form part of the marks
awarded.
DECORATED CAKES:
Cake can be of any type, Victoria Sponge, Chocolate etc. but the decoration MUST depict the themes stated.
They will be judged on decoration only and will be available to be used for the Auctioneering competition.
32. OLYMPIC SPORTS (Junior)
33. PARIS 2024 (Intermediate)
34. PREVIOUS OLYMPIC GAMES HOST CITIES (Senior)
35. GOLD MEDAL WINNERS (Open)

Drinks Classes
36. THE PERFECT CUP OF TEA (Junior) – to freshly prepare and pour for immediate judging. Hot water provided,
everything else to be brought by competitors including ingredients and crockery.
37. SPORTY FRUITY MOCKTAILS (Intermediate)
38. GOLD MEDALLIST COCKTAILS (Senior – can only be entered by over 18’s)
39. THE PERFECT PIMMS NO1 (Open – can only be entered by over 18’s)
NATIONAL HANDICRAFTS
40. NATIONAL JUNIOR FLORAL ART – SEE NATIONAL RULES
Exhibit Title: “Table Decoration” Centre Piece – should be viewed from all angles to the theme Christmas.
The maximum display area for each competitor MUST NOT exceed 76cm wide x 60cm deep x optional height
(i.e. no limitations to height). Exhibits to be composed of natural plant material, with or without accessories.
Exhibit is to be viewed from all sides. Competitors own backboard and base boards are allowed and must be
provided by the competitor if required and must adhere to the size limitations. The reverse of these
backboards MUST complement the theme and be neat and tidy.
41. NATIONAL INTERMEDIATE FLORAL ART – SEE NATIONAL RULES
Exhibit Title: “Door Wreath” A Front Facing Exhibit to the theme Christmas.
The maximum display area for each competitor MUST NOT exceed 76cm wide x 60cm deep x optional height
(i.e. no limitations to height). Exhibits to be composed of natural plant material, with or without accessories.
Exhibit is to be viewed from the front. Competitors own backboard and base boards are allowed and must
be provided by the competitor if required and must adhere to the size limitations. The reverse of these
backboards MUST complement the theme and be neat and tidy.
42. NATIONAL SENIOR FLORAL ART – SEE NATIONAL RULES
Exhibit Title: “Bouquet” viewed from all sides to theme Christmas.
The maximum display area for each competitor MUST NOT exceed 76cm wide x 60cm deep x optional height
(i.e. no limitations to height). Exhibits to be composed of natural plant material, with or without accessories.
Exhibit is to be viewed from all sides no backboards allowed.
43. NATIONAL CUBE EXHIBIT – SEE NATIONAL RULES. One Entry Per Club.
The overall theme for 2023/24 is ‘Country’ of the competitors choice, each exhibit to contain 5 craft items –
including floral art; cookery; textile; natural handicraft and art.

ART – To be prepared prior to and displayed at the Rally.
44. VEGETABLE ART – Farm Animals (Junior)
45. FEATHER ART – Olympic Legends (Intermediate)
46. MINIATURE GARDEN – A miniature garden planted in an upcycled item from around the farm yard. (Senior)
47. FACE HOLE BOARD – One entry per club – Theme: Olympic Countries. Each Club has drawn an Olympic
Country for their Face Hole Board to be based on and these are:
Grendon: Japan
Kelmarsh: Egypt
Oundle: Mexico
Thrapston: France
Towcester: Australia
Storyboard to be submitted with entry.
48. CLUB SCRAPBOOK – One Entry per Club. Each Club to produce and display a scrapbook from the past 12
months of their Club activities, successes and achievements! This can be dated back to the Northants YFC
County Rally 2023.
AUCTIONEERING – See rules attached
49. JUNIOR: One junior member to auction 3 lots using various items of pre-prepared entries

50. INTERMEDIATE: One Intermediate member to 3 lots using various items of pre-prepared entries
51. SENIOR: One senior member to 3 lots using various items of pre-prepared entries
PROMOTIONAL
52. CLUB YEAR BOOK REPORT – This class is mandatory. Each Club to prepare a report (two A5 pages) on the
year’s activities along with photos. To be submitted to George Davies at northantsyfcrally@gmail.com no
later than Friday 29thMarch 2024. Entries will be included in the Year Book/Rally Programme.
53. FRONT COVER – Design a front cover for the 2025 Northants YFC Year Book/Rally Programme (A5
size). Picture only, the text will be added in 2025 by the yearbook editor.
54. CLUB BANNER – Members to create approximately 6ft x 3ft Banner which advertises their Club. It will be
displayed around the main ring on the day of the Rally. Professionally manufactured banners will be
disqualified.
55. ADVERTISING BOARD – Advertising the date and location of the rally. To be displayed by the 25th April 2024
and location to be emailed to the Rally Committee on northantsyfcrally@gmail.com prior to rally day.
56. ERECTION OF COUNTY RALLY ADVERTISING SIGNS – Each Club to erect 5 signs provided by the Rally
Committee in their local area. What3words coordinates along with photos of each board erected to be sent
on email to the Rally Committee on northantsyfcrally@gmail.com by 25th April 2024. 2 points awarded per
board that is erected. This class will not be placed 1st-5th but does allow Clubs to accrue Rally Points.
57. PROMOTIONAL VIDEO – to the theme of “3 Reasons Why Our Club Loves The County Rally”. To be submitted
by 12th May 2024. Clubs and members can share on their own social media.
58. CASH COW – Please see the separate County Rules for this competition, available from the County Office.
Clubs to complete their Cash Cow activities prior to the Rally, and display the outcome of their fundraising at
the Rally.

SECTION FOUR – MAIN RING EVENTS:

59. SHEEP SHOWING – In the Main Ring from 10:30am. Clubs can enter one entry per age category, Junior,
Intermediate, Senior. Competitors to show a haltered lamb or ewe.
60. NATIONAL MEN’S TUG OF WAR. See National Rules. Team of 8. There will be a weigh in for this. One team
only per club.
61. NATIONAL LADIES’ TUG OF WAR. See National Rules. Team of 8. There will be a weigh in for this. One team
only per club.
62. NATIONAL GENSB TUG OF WAR (Mixed 12 – 16 year olds). See National Rules. Team of between 7 and 10
members. One team only per club.
63. BALE STACKING – One team per Club. Team of 4, stacking bales from one trailer to another. To take place
throughout the morning in the Main Ring.
64. ROUND BALE ROLLING – One team per Club. Team of 4. Maximum of two pushing at any one time around a
relay course.
65. YFC LIVE – One team per Club. A team of two to conduct and answer an interview in the main ring at
11:30am.
Interview topics will be disclosed 20 minutes before the interview.
Member 1: to conduct an interview on a member from another Club
Member 2: to be the interviewee whilst also performing a mystery task to be revealed on the day.

66. EGG & SPOON RACE – (Open) Team of 4 to race with an egg & spoon. One team per Club.
67. ASSAULT COURSE – (Open) Team of 4 in a relay race. One team per Club.
68. WHEELIE BIN RACE – One team per Club to race a wheelie bin around a course. Be as creative as possible.
Fancy dress to the theme “Farmyard Animals and Machinery” is required and marks awarded for wheelie
bins decorated to the theme.
69. CHAIRMAN AND SECRETARY CHALLENGE – Club Chair & Secretary to compete in a relay race.
70. BEST TURNED OUT CLUB — Points will be awarded to the best presented club throughout the day. Behaviour
and conduct will be a factor.
71. CLUB FLOATS – Theme is Countries Competing at Paris 2024 Olympics. The Country that each Club will
decorate their float to the theme of will be determined at the County Executive meeting on 6th February
2024. Float to be a maximum of 14ft long. Any Club throwing water or other objects during the float
procession will be deducted 100 Rally Points. There will be a clear signal from the commentators as to when
the water fight can begin.

Each Club has drawn an Olympic Country for their Float to be based on and these are:
Grendon: Japan
Kelmarsh: Egypt
Oundle: Mexico
Thrapston: France
Towcester: Australia