Sally Blowey
A young farmer in every way
Many of you may know Sally Blowey or certainly one or more members of her extended family who have lived and farmed in this part of Devon for more generations than Sally can actually remember! And for someone who has only just passed her 24th birthday, she has achieved an enormous amount, in no small part to her loyal and longstanding association with Tavistock Young Farmers Club.
Sally grew up on her parent’s beef and sheep farm at Lower Godsworthy, Peter Tavy, surrounded by her extended family consisting of two uncles, aunts, siblings and cousins. Her mother also grew up on a dairy farm, so farming is clearly in the blood. Of the ten young Abel’s, eight currently belong to Tavistock YFC along with Sally, with the remaining cousins still too young to join – but as Sally says ‘they will’ !
Young Farmers Clubs are well known as a good ‘dating’ agency and a great way for social networking and Sally can vouch for this as she met her husband Phil during her first year as a young farmer at the tender age of 16 whilst rehearsing for the annual YFC pantomime that year, ‘Cinderella’. He didn’t play the part of Prince Charming (that really would have been a cliché!) but the part of Cinderella’s aged father instead - along with cushions for added rotundness and grey hairspray to add authenticity. Clearly Sally thought he was going to age well and they duly started courting.
Young Farmers Clubs are open to all those aged 10 to 26 (although Tavistock as a relatively small club is recommended for those from 14+) from any walk of life, not necessarily farming. They officially meet regularly on the first Tuesday of every month, however events and activities take place regularly throughout the year, keeping all members extremely active. Competitions seem to be a constant theme, with something for all talents and interests whether it be baking, livestock handling, crop classes, flower arranging, drama or public speaking and debating.
Once a year in September the club competes in the annual ‘Field Day’, where all these various abilities are judged. This is a fun day for all, where talents can be expressed in a multitude of ways, including the less likely, such as ‘how many people can fit in a car’ to tug o’ war and It’s a Knockout, as well as the more serious farming subjects like stock judging or fence erecting. They are held on farms throughout the South Dartmoor area and this year was on a farm at Diptford. Category winners will go on to compete against other Devon areas, and if successful then on to regional and often national finals.
Raising money for charity plays a large part in many of the activities organised and each year a local charity is chosen to support. Last year £2500 was donated to Pals of POOCH (Plymouth Oncology Outpatients and Chemotherapy Department) and the Devon YFC Federation, from money raised at the annual dung sale, carol singing and bingo. This year with a ‘Big Breakfast’ and a ‘Speed Shear’, it has been possible to donate a staggering £9000 to Children’s Hospice South West and the Little Princess Trust.
For Sally belonging to Young Farmers has been a bedrock that has stood her in very good stead for life so far. Her university application to study Rural Enterprise and Land Management (REALM) at Harper Adams University in Shropshire was supported with a Personal Statement overflowing with skills and achievements. Whilst at Harper Adams University Sally truly excelled and was top student in her first two years, finishing her degree with a first class honors. Sally is now combining full time employment with Ward and Chowen, at their livestock market, whilst also studying to further qualify as a Rural Chartered Surveyor. Sally explains that she is not so keen on the physical side of farming and is still a little nervous around her husband’s dairy cattle, in comparison to the Galloways she grew up with on her parent’s farm. As such she is hoping that a career as a Rural Chartered Surveyor will keep her in the farming world but a little further away from the muck!
Young Farmers is an organisation that not only gives a great social outlet for young people (particularly those who may live or work on isolated or remote farms), but it helps identify and grow skills and talents that may otherwise be overlooked in the normal education system. Sally is not only testament to how well the organisation works but also how it forms a major part of a young persons life from the skills it imparts to the lifelong friendships it creates. Although membership ends at aged 26 – older members are invited back each year for the Annual Dinner or to come and speak during meetings to encourage the next generation.
Following the Annual General Meeting in October where a new Chair, Secretary and Committee are formed – a meeting is then held in November for potential new members to come along and find out what it is all about, ask questions and generally be encouraged to get involved.
For more information please visit the Young Farmers website: www.devonyfc.co.uk or view the Club’s facebook page ‘Tavistock Young Farmers’.
Lizzie Watt