Entries are now open for Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ (ANM) annual young farmers’ overwintering cattle show and sale.
The contest is aimed at young farmers who wish to enhance their stockmanship skills through purchasing cattle at autumn sales, rearing them throughout winter to then exhibit them in a spring show and sale.
The competition will come to an end in March 2017 when the young farmers will showcase their own purchased and reared cattle at Thainstone, Inverurie.
Last year’s competition saw Aileen Ritchie, of Tamala, Burnside, Whitecairns, take the overall championship and heifer championship with an October-2014 born Limousin cross heifer weighing 534kg. Grant Fraser, of Nairn, was also earning top awards taking the prize for overall steer champion.
The event is sponsored by law firm Ledingham Chalmers and a total of £2,200 will be offered as prize money. Various prizes will also be presented as well as an auction of the exhibited cattle.
With the aim to emphasise the commercial aspects of livestock production, a new trophy – the Calladrum Cup – for this year’s competition has been donated by Alan and Rhona Melvin, of Meikle Tulloch, Durris.
The trophy and a £100 cash prize will be awarded to the winner of the best overwintered animal based on the best overall achievements in the competition categories – highest feeders’ margin, highest average daily liveweight gain, best presented and paraded animal, and best quality animal.
Executive director at ANM Group, John Gregor, said: “We are delighted to have worked with young farmers to evolve the competition and place more emphasis on the commercial aspect of livestock production. The competition provides an excellent opportunity for young farmers to hone their skills, compete with their peers, and increase their livestock business knowledge.”
Animals for the contest may be purchased between Friday, August 26, and Friday, November 25.
National chairman of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs, Stuart Jamieson, said: “I encourage young farmers interested in livestock production to participate and gain experience in what promises to be a great opportunity for everyone.”
