The club, which was founded by former principal Dennis Hurst amongst others, was organised to bring together like-minded farmers from across the region to discuss related issues and hear speakers of note.

The founding of the club also followed the success of Professor Harwood Long's Yorkshire Adventurers, a group of 100 notable farmers from across Yorkshire who met in Leeds.

Founder member John Dunning, who farms at Bishop Burton, left the club 10 years ago after retiring from farming. He had been a member for 40 years.

"The whole idea of the club was to bring together leading agriculturalists to meet and discuss any problems," said Mr Dunning.
"In that sense the club has exceeded all of our expectations. Fifty years of full membership proves that it has been successful."

In the early years, prospective members of the club were vetted for their suitability. Now membership runs at around 80-100 and many areas of agriculture are represented.

Changes in the industry have reflected the use of relevant speakers and industry representatives, as well as inviting students, who can make useful contacts for project work, to attend.

Caley Sackur of Tibthorpe, is the club's current chairman and has been a member for 25 years. He feels the organisation has something to offer farmers of all ages.

He said: "We always have interesting and topical speakers and usually a summer farm visit too. We encourage members of young farmers to come along and see what it's all about and hopefully they will join us in later years too.

"The club offers its members the chance to get together once a month for a social gathering where they can have a chat, offer support to one another and get advice on the latest developments in the industry. I would encourage anyone who's interested to come along and see what it's all about."

Bishop Burton College principal Jeanette Dawson hosted the event.
"It's inspiring to see a club of this nature celebrating its 50th anniversary," she said. "Farming is a job that requires a great deal of hard work and determination and to be able to offer farmers a chance to socialise together is of great importance."

Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Jill Pearson on (01964) 553080.