Meet our new Group 1 Board Member: Joanne Hall

We’re introducing the newest members of the Rural Youth Europe Board and finding out a little more about their backgrounds, their involvement in rural youth organisations and what they hope to bring to RYE during their mandate.

First up, meet Joanne Hall, our new Group 1 Board Member, representing our member organisations across the UK and Ireland.

Joanne is a member of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) and has already been involved with Rural Youth Europe in a number of ways – including showcasing a little Scottish culture at two European Rallies!

We caught up with Joanne to find out more.

Firstly, introduce yourself! Where are you from and what is your involvement with SAYFC?

I’m Joanne Hall, from Lanarkshire in Scotland’s Central Belt. I’ve been a member of Carluke Young Farmers since I was 14 and have grown up taking part in all aspects of Young Farmers, from dancing, arts and crafts and speechmaking to tug of war. It’s been a very defining part of my life.

Tell us a little more about your involvement with SAYFC and the skills or experiences you’ve gained through the organisation.

I’ve been involved with my local club committee for nine years. At a national level, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved with three of our National Committees, before going on to serve as National Communications and Marketing Chair from 2025–2026 and sit on the Senior Leadership Team for two years. I’m now a Member Trustee on the SAYFC Board.

Young Farmers has brought so much to my life, both personally and professionally. I’ve built lifelong friendships and gained confidence, but it has also given me the skills and experience to lead groups, speak in front of others and put myself forward for new opportunities.

What has your involvement with Rural Youth Europe been so far, and is there a particular memory that stands out?

I first got involved with RYE in 2018, when the Rally was held in Scotland. As a Highland dancer, I was part of the group that helped entertain attendees and showcase a little bit of Scottish culture during the event.

I then had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Rally in Slovenia, where the highlights were definitely the international buffet and taking part in the talent show. It felt like a real full-circle moment to bring Highland dancing back to the Rally and share a part of Scottish culture with an international audience.

I really enjoy experiencing and learning from different cultures, and I think that’s one of the things that makes RYE so special.

Why did you want to become the Group 1 representative for Rural Youth Europe?

I think RYE is a fantastic organisation to be part of, and I really wanted the opportunity to join the Board and contribute to its work.

Through SAYFC, I’ve also had the opportunity to take part in club exchanges with many of the other organisations within Group 1. These experiences have given me a broader understanding of the different organisations, their members and the similarities and differences between them.

I feel that this wider perspective will stand me in good stead to represent the interests of Group 1 at RYE and help strengthen the connections between the organisations.

What would you like to achieve during your time on the RYE Board?

I would love the opportunity to build on the fantastic work Fiona has done, particularly by strengthening communication between the Group 1 organisations and ensuring that RYE opportunities are shared more widely.

I’d like to help make sure members across Group 1 are aware of the opportunities available through RYE and feel encouraged and supported to get involved. I would also like to contribute to other RYE projects as much as possible.

And finally, what is your favourite thing to bring to an international buffet?

It has to be Irn-Bru – Scotland’s ‘other’ national drink!

It’s so popular here that it even outsells Coca-Cola!

A big welcome to Joanne! We’re looking forward to working with her over the coming years and seeing what she brings to the Rural Youth Europe Board as our Group 1 representative.