{"id":7465,"date":"2021-12-10T08:09:31","date_gmt":"2021-12-10T08:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sayfc.org\/?p=7465"},"modified":"2021-12-10T17:33:13","modified_gmt":"2021-12-10T17:33:13","slug":"young-farmer-of-the-year-award","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sayfc.org\/young-farmer-of-the-year-award\/","title":{"rendered":"Lanarkshire\u2019s James Hamilton wins prestigious Young Farmer of the Year award!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Earlier in summer 2021, at SAYFC Young Farmer’s<\/strong> three Regional Rally<\/strong>\u00a0days – members completed various tasks to qualify for the final of the 2021 Young Farmer of the Year competition<\/strong> where successful were (in order of photo left to right); Sarah Whitelaw\u00a0[Avondale YFC<\/em>], Alastair MacIver [Inver Ross YFC<\/em>], James Hamilton\u00a0[Avondale YFC<\/em>], Craig Bell [Kinross JAC<\/em>], Daniel Skinner [Garioch JAC] & Gregor Bousie [Bell Baxter ADS<\/em>].<\/p>\n

Measured on expertise, knowledge and entrepreneurship throughout the day – James Hamilton of Avondale YFC<\/a><\/strong> was crowned on Saturday evening, 2021\u2019s winner, lifting The Sir John Campbell [Glenrath Farms] Trophy! In second place was Daniel Skinner of Garioch JAC and in third was Sarah Whitelaw of Avondale YFC.<\/p>\n

All six Scottish Young Farmers undertook the final stages of a comprehensive assessment. Firstly at a farm arranged by Galbraith\u2019s earlier in the autumn, from which they presented and were judged on a business plan including a mix of elements; market analysis, borrowing for investments, land management plan, livestock management plan, carbon farming, agri tourism and what professional advisors would be required.<\/p>\n

Battling not only each other for victory, the competitors were also required to battle the tail end of storm Arwen in windy and rainy conditions at The Royal Highland Showground.
\nThe huge variation of tasks alongside presenting their business plans to a panel on the day included; completing a quiz, sire selection, ATV driving, tractor driving and loader skills, setting up a yoke, chainsaw maintenance (and working<\/em>), putting up an electric fence (whilst being timed<\/em>) and sheep crutching.<\/p>\n

There is something for everyone and all thanks to SAYFC\u2019s incredible sponsors, it is one of the best supported competitions within SAYFC. A huge thank you to Royal Bank of Scotland<\/strong><\/a>, ATV Services Scotland Ltd<\/strong><\/a>, Galbraith<\/strong><\/a>, RHASS<\/a><\/strong>, Regatta<\/a><\/strong>, KiwiKit (Roxan)<\/a><\/strong>, Bryson Tractors Ltd<\/a><\/strong> & FarmFit UK.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2021\u2019s champion, James Hamilton was overwhelmed when sponsors ATV Services Scotland decided to up the winning prize of 12 months use of a quad bike, to a gift for life!
\nHe commented:<\/strong>
\n\u201cWinning the competition on Saturday night, after a day of intense competition, was an incredible feeling. I would like to encourage anyone with an interest to give the competition a go next year, as it isn\u2019t as daunting as you may think. It is a great opportunity to push yourself, as well as test and expand your knowledge, with plenty people always on hand to help in the sections you feel less comfortable with!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

John Yuille of ATV Services Scotland Ltd highlighted:
\n<\/strong>\u201cATV Services Scotland Ltd have been involved with the \u201cScottish Young Farmer of The Year\u201d since its very beginnings and have enjoyed watching it grow in to fantastic event that it has become today. We sincerely hope by extending our support beyond the previous \u201cA new ATV for 12 months\u201d to \u201cA new ATV (Quad for Keeps)\u201d for the winner, shall only encourage more participants to enter and give the competition the even higher profile that is truly deserves.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Overall prize included:\u00a0 <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n