The annual Young Farmers Overwintering Competition, organised by Aberdeen & Northern Marts in partnership with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), welcomes Miller Plant Ltd as its new event sponsor.
The annual event will return to the Thainstone Centre, Inverurie on Saturday 29th March 2025 in its new format. Miller Plant Ltd, headquartered in Midmar, provide specialist plant contracting and hire service across the North-east of Scotland, servicing the construction, housebuilding, energy, forestry, agricultural and public sectors. Offering a wide range of services including earthworks, plant hire, demolition, aggregate supply, contract crushing as well as heavy haulage and tipper hire, Miller Plant provide high quality, tailored service to their clients.
This year’s event will feature a new format, with both the show and sale to be held on a Saturday for the first time. This change is to ensure Young Farmers are supported and continue to gain exposure for stock entered, enhancing the experience for both competitor and visitors.
Judging of the show will kick off at 9am, with the sale following at 1pm and the presentation of prizes at 3pm. Taylor Holloway, of Crawlaw Farm, Galston, East Ayrshire, will judge the competition, which features 48 exhibitors showcasing 100 calves, comprising of 69 heifers and 32 bullocks.
The Young Farmers Overwintering Competition continues to provide a platform for Young Farmers to hone their stockmanship skills and engage in the cattle buying and selling process through the live auction ring. Competitors have had the opportunity to purchase cattle at autumn sales and feed them through the winter and compete in categories such as feeders’ margins, and daily weight gains.
Young Farmers from across the Northeast of Scotland and Angus will compete for the prestigious Calladrum Cup, with additional categories including Best Quality Animal,
Best Presented & Paraded Animal, Highest Average Daily Liveweight Gain, Highest Feeders’ Margin, Best Overwintered Animal, Novice Award, Junior Young Farmer Award, and the Young Farmers Club Award.
Scott Chapman, Auctioneer at Aberdeen & Northern Marts, said: “We are looking forward to another successful Young Farmers competition at Thainstone and are grateful for the support of new sponsor Miller Plant Ltd.
This year’s entries are particularly strong, with Young Farmers from across the Northeast and further afield showcasing their stockmanship. The competition continues to be a key platform for young stockmen, providing them with opportunities to showcase their cattle, conduct business, and gain exposure in the industry.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to Thainstone at the end of the month.”
Ian Miller, managing director of Miller Plant Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be this year’s sponsor of the Young Farmers Overwintering competition as we feel passionate about supporting and encouraging the younger generation in to livestock production.
We have some of the most talented young stockmen and women in our area and this competition continues to demonstrate this year on year. Good luck to all the competitors.”
At last year's event, the Calladrum Cup was presented to Amara Nairn, Upper Clashnoir Auchnarrow, Ballindalloch from Keith Young Farmers Club and Finn Christie, Newton of Balquhain, Pitcaple, Inverurie won the Best Quality Animal position with a British Blue cross heifer achieving the top price of £4,000.