13 Dec John Forbes is a Driving Force
The Driving Force Award (supported by Johnston Carmichael) recognises an individual who encourages and supports their club and district to be the best it possibly can be. Providing a positive influence for young members and being a true SAYFC ambassador. And throughout his time in Young Farmers John has fitted that ethos to a tee.
John is a committed member of the Young Farmers organization, having worked his way up through club and district to become chair of Caithness in its landmark 100th year. Alongside this role he also currently sits on two national committees, Agri and Rural Affairs and Competitions and Events. John has played a major role in organizing events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Young Farmers in Caithness, including arranging a commemorative centenary stone, a special episode of the OnFarm Podcast and an anniversary ball in November.
He has taken advantage of every national event and opportunity available to him and is always encouraging others to do the same. Alongside his role in Caithness’s centenary celebrations this year John has also travelled internationally on an Agri tour to Canada, been a finalist in the Member of the year competition and been part of the senior group guiding Bower YFC to win Highland Rally, the Five Star Community Engagement Award and ultimately National Club of the Year 2023!
Euan Bremner, who has been working alongside John this year as Caithness District Secretary had plenty of kind words to say about his Chair;
“His passion and enthusiasm for young farmers this year has been completely unmatched. In a very big year for young famers in Caithness with us celebrating our 100-year anniversary, John has been at the forefront, making sure that every event and competition has been a great success. We’ve had a lot of members taking part in events this year and the competition has always been to a high standard. You can often find John the night before a competition, phoning round members making sure that everyone’s going to turn up and making sure that everyone has what they need, he’ll never see anybody stuck and he’s been a great role model for the younger ones in the district this year.”
Here’s how John reacted to his big win:
“I am delighted and humbled to have been nominated for this ‘Driving Force’ award along with other very worthy nominees.
A massive thank you must go to my supportive team behind me who enabled me to win this. Being a member of the Young Farmers movement has provided me with unrivalled opportunities to see, learn from and take part in countless interesting tours, beneficial courses and exciting activities, all while meeting and getting to know a fantastic group of friends from across the country and beyond.
My Young Farmers years will most definitely be cherished as I look back on them and recall the times where I met so many friends for life. I can’t stress enough how highly I would recommend folk, especially from more remotely situated areas like Caithness, to grasp every opportunity SAYFC offers them with both hands.”