Young Farmers vs. 4-H

The United Kingdom is one of the few countries in the world that do not have a 4-H program. Instead, they have very strong Young Farmers Clubs (YFC),which are based on similar principles to 4-H. It is these YFCs that have been hosting me over the past 2 months as part of my 4-H exchange. I'll provide you all with some comparisons of the Young Farmers programs in Scotland, N. Ireland, and Wales that I have discovered so far.

Kansas 4-H:  http://www.4-h.org/  or  http://www.joinkansas4-h.org/about.php

In America and in Kansas, the 4-H program reaches children from ages 5 to 19, though full membership often starts at age 8 depending on the state. Nationwide there are over 6.5 million members in around 90,000 clubs. The organization is ran by the national headquarters, and then at the state level by the state's land grant university. In Kansas, this university is Kansas State University and their Research and Extension department. At the county level, the K-State Research and Extension office oversees membership, fairs, etc.

Scotland: http://www.sayfc.org/

The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) is the organization in charge of the clubs in Scotland, for members ranging in age from 14 to 30 years old, with full membership ending around age 26. There are over 80 clubs throughout Scotland.  The SAYFC differs from 4-H in that it is an entirely member led organization, even at the national level. This is possible because of the older age of their members. Most positions are volunteer, though some of the higher level positions which are more full time receive payment.

N. Ireland:  http://www.yfcu.org/what-we-do

Founded in 1929, the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) oversee all young farmers in N. Ireland. Their 2,500 members are between 12 and 25 years old throughout 60 clubs.YFCU is also ran entirely by members and volunteers. 

Wales:  http://www.yfc-wales.org.uk/
Starting in 1936 and for ages 10-26, 12 counties have around 160 clubs and 6,000 members.