HAVING had a very successful weekend at its annual national convention, held in Blackpool, the England and Wales National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs has since released two statements via Facebook to express its disappoinment at some of its members' behaviour during the weekend, which was recorded on video and published online, and showed NFYFC members stopping motorists on the street and obstructing vehicles.

National chairman, Lynsey Martin, said that the recorded behaviour came from YFC members who she did not "wish to represent".

Since the publication of the footage, many members of the organisation have spoken out, and supported the chairman in saying that the behaviour came from a "small minority" and did not represent the organisation as a whole.

Positive comments have also been posted on social media about the benefits the organisation has given to many young farmers in England and Wales.

NFYFC's chief officer, James Eckley, released a statement on Facebook today to explain that those responsible have been identified, and that the organisation "is now carrying out its disciplinary process to ensure that those involved in causing anti-social behaviour are removed from the organisation".

He added: "These people cannot be identified publically for legal reasons.

"NFYFC is taking this issue very seriously.

"All of the incidents that occurred over the weekend, not just those caught on cameras, are being investigated and appropriate action will be taken with the support of the relevant local authorities."

Miss Martin also said that the members she knows fundraise for local charities, raising in excess of £50,000 on their way to Blackpool, for example, and over the course of the year, more than £1.2m, and that the weekend also proved to be very beneficial for all NFYFC members.

She said: "The YFC members I know spent the weekend competing in national finals at the Winter Gardens, and attending debates and discussions – developing skills and confidence and having pride in themselves and their clubs."

The organisation has now put a review in process with the event management team, which will also involve Blackpool authorities, and it said that the viability of the annual event is now under scrutiny.