Martyn is named Farm Champion

During a glittering gala ceremony, Martyn received his award which recognises his commitment and dedication of championing the cause of the Northern Ireland farming industry through innovation, promotion and campaigning.

A poultry farmer by trade, Martyn has been a member of YFCU for over fifteen years.

Having begun his time in Finvoy YFC, Martyn’s leadership skills were quickly identified and he rapidly rose through the Association’s ranks. Over the last decade, Martyn has served his club, community and country by acting as club committee member, club secretary, club treasurer, Co. Antrim secretary, assistant club leader, Co. Antrim chairman and in 2010 he was made club leader of Finvoy YFC, a task in which he excelled, eventually being recognised as the best club leader in Northern Ireland (2010).

For over a decade, Martyn has conducted himself in a manner that acts as a shining example to all present and future members of the agricultural community and with that in mind, the 3,000 strong members of the YFCU promoted him to Vice President of the organisation in 2008 and President in 2013.

During this time, Martyn has been keen to put his DARD funded Masters in Agri Marketing to work as he has tirelessly endeavoured to promote the Association both within Northern Ireland and abroad.

Martyn has encouraged YFCU members to take part in fun and exciting challenges to raise much needed funds for charity.

In 2013 he asked male members of the YFCU to stop shaving and raise money for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, the total of which was an impressive £16,000 and more recently, this summer, he asked members to take part in a skydive. So far in excess of £30,000 has been raised for Fields of Life charity.