A record number of young farmers are set to take part in an activities weekend in Weymouth.

The event is taking place in the resort from Friday, March 8 to Sunday, 10 and is expected to attract 1,500 Young Farmers Club members aged from 10 to 26 for a weekend of entertainment and competitions.

The flagship event has attracted sponsorship from leading industry organisation Mole Valley Farmers. Julie Edward, head of agriculture and communications, said: “Mole Valley Farmers is delighted to continue its sponsorship of the SW Area event. YFC is a wonderful organisation that enables young people whether directly involved in agriculture or not, to learn a wide range of skills, establish social networks and importantly build their confidence.”

Representatives from the NFU, Mole Valley, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will form the panel of industry bodies debating how to improve safety in rural businesses under the forum title “Make Safety Your Priority.” The key focus of the forum is to create greater awareness of the dangers involved in agriculture and to get people to engage in seriousness of farm safety.

The weekend will be a showcase for the talent of our rural youth, comprising the Regional competition finals for Entertainments performances, Senior and Junior Member of the Year, Show Choir and Ballroom Dancing. There are also guest DJs entertaining young farmers at the evening dance events. On the Sunday Redlands sport centre will be the venue for the Regional sports finals of Hockey, Netball and Football.

It’s a welcome boost for Weymouth when YFC members stay in the town as it’s estimated that young farmers will contribute £1m to the local economy during the weekend.

SW Area Chairman Jake Sayer said: “It’s great that so many YFC members are attending our weekend in Weymouth. It’s the highlight of the YFC calendar and a chance for many of our members, who live and work in isolated rural communities, to unite with friends from across the region and showcase their skills.”

“It’s also a chance to acknowledge all of the amazing fundraising work our YFCs do throughout the year to support their communities. Last year the Southwest area Young farmers collectively raised over £250,000 for other charities. In the same period we have delivered mental health and safety training to hundreds of people across the rural communities through the accredited Curve training