After a gruelling qualifying day in Caledonian Mart in Stirling on Saturday 3 February, six finalists have been identified in the SAYFC Young Farmer of the Year competition.

The qualifying challenges were spread across arable, beef and sheep, dairy and machinery. Out of the four sections, competitors had to compete in at least three.

Dairy

1. Foot Trimming

Either perform or talk through five step foot trimming method.

2. Bull Mating exercise

Select bull for certain cow and justify why they would be best match.

3. Questionnaire

Beef and sheep

1. Condition scoring

Practical & written elements, condition scoring then how you would deal with condition too lean/or over-fat.

2. EBVs

Bull selection most suited for scenario and justify answer.

3. Forage management

Silage analysis and grazing requirements.

Arable

1. Show a picture of a crop

  • Identify the disease.
  • Name the crops you find it in.
  • Give cultural control methods – variety choice, rotation, trash control, cultivation methods, effects of climate/rainfall.
  • Chemical control options – naming of active products, mention of prophylactic treatments, resistance management/use of differing chemical groups.

    • 2. Calibrate a sprayer

    3. Crop rotation/establishment of the said crops

    Machinery

    1. Health and Safety Quiz

    2. ATV Driving

    3. Welding (MIG)

    The final six are listed below. The final of the competition will take place at the Royal Highland Show and the winner will be announced at a dinner hosted by the Royal Bank of Scotland on Friday 22 June 2018.

    Prizes

  • £1,000 prize money.
  • Accommodation and ticket to Oxford Farming Conference 2018.
  • Plus more to be confirmed.

    • Principal supporters:

  • ATV Services Scotland.
  • Royal Bank of Scotland.
  • RHASS.