Brecknock County Young Farmers recently set aside tractors and livestock to focus on a different but equally important skill, as members came together for their annual Public Speaking Day.

The event showcased the confidence and communication abilities developed through Young Farmers’ Clubs, skills that often prove invaluable in education, careers and public life. Many former YFC members have gone on to prominent roles, including in the Senedd, where strong public speaking is essential.

Sennybridge YFC enjoyed a particularly successful day across a range of competitions. In the English Public Speaking competition, the team of Darcy, Evie and Kaitlin were judged the overall winners. Darcy impressed judges with her speech on Six the Musical and the importance of questioning one-sided narratives in history.

In the English Brainstrust competition, Abigail, Evie, Kaitlin and Darcy worked as a team to discuss topics selected by the judge, earning a well-deserved third place. Meanwhile, the English Mace Debating competition saw Elin, Nia H and Libby chair, propose and second their arguments confidently, taking first place.

Strong performances continued in the Welsh competitions. The under-16 Welsh Public Speaking team of Evie, Kaitlin and Lowri D were placed first, with Evie speaking on the Welsh Government’s target of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050 - showing what diverse subjects the speakers can pick to speak about. The Welsh Brainstrust team, made up of Abigail, Evie, Kaitlin and guest member Fern, also secured first place after debating the chosen topics.

The senior Welsh Debating team of Ffion, Morley and Lowri W completed a clean sweep, taking first place after tackling the subject set by the judge.

Organisers wished the very best of luck to all those who will be progressing to the Wales round of the speaking competitions.