Kaleb Cooper to judge new video challenge for Young Farmers’ Clubs

Kaleb Cooper will be judging a brand new video challenge set to encourage more young people to consider a career in farming. Photo credit: Plankl PR

The EIEIO Challenge, which is supported by Tama, requires clubs or individuals to record a short form video (Reel or TikTok) that promotes an area of agriculture they are passionate about and to showcase how their YFC connects with food, farming and the countryside.

Young Farmers Clubs (YFCs) will be encouraged to share their finished videos during National Young Farmers’ Week (9-13 October 2023) and with their local schools to showcase opportunities for young people in agriculture and with YFC.

Celebrity farming contractor Kaleb Cooper, who rose to fame as Jeremy Clarkson’s sidekick in the popular Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm, will be one of the judges involved in the challenge.

He said: “I’m really excited to be backing the EIEIO Challenge as encouraging young people into farming is so important to me. It’s a positive way for members of Young Farmers’ Clubs to share their passion about food and farming with people outside the industry.”

As a young farmer himself who began his career in his early teens, Caleb is best placed to judge entries for this brand new challenge to promote British food and farming.

“When I was at school, I already knew I wanted to work in farming – from selling eggs aged 13, to breeding sheep at 14 and buying my first tractor at 15. And over the past couple of years, I’ve been lucky to be able to share the highs (and sometimes lows) of farming to a wider audience,” he continued.

“I can’t wait to see what creative ideas these Young Farmers’ Clubs come up with as there’s so much talent in our industry and this challenge is a chance to inspire the next generation.”

Participants must submit their entries to NFYFC by 7 August 2023 and the winning club will have the opportunity to have their video professionally recorded, as well as win tickets to Kaleb Cooper’s new tour and signed copies of his second book, Britain According to Kaleb (out October 2023).

There are also a pair of tickets for two of the winning club’s members to attend Valley Fest 2024, courtesy of Yeo Valley.

YFC AGRI Chair Charlotte Garbutt said the challenge comes at a crucial time.

“Agriculture is facing many changes and challenges, and it can be discouraging for new entrants. NFYFC wants to bring some positivity back and promote how amazing the sector is and the role YFCs play in food, farming, and the countryside.

“This challenge builds on NFYFC’s Home Grown campaign, which is focused on promoting the benefits of sourcing local British produce and cooking from scratch.”

Video entries can be uploaded through the NFYFC website here.