Loch Lomond YFC have been announced as the winners of SAYFC’s National Bale Art Competition 2024, which saw a total of 60 clubs competing for the top spot – and the winning display can be found just outside Cardross.
Supported by the Galbraith Group, the eye-catching creations have been assembled in roadside fields across the nation in support of the #KeepTalking campaign run by farming charity RSABI.
The message is clear: to remind everyone in the Scottish agricultural community about the importance of looking out for each other.
This year’s winning display caught the judges’ attention with its inventive word play linked with colourful cartoon farm animals.
“Well done to all the other clubs across the nation, it has been great to see all the creativity that has gone into promoting the same important message about mental health.” she added.
This year, the competition was judged by RSABI’s #KeepTalking ambassador, the well-known Perthshire farmer and comedian Jim Smith, alongside Edinburgh Rugby’s Angus Williams and Madeleine Lillie of Galbraith.
Afterwards, Smith praised the Young Farmers involved for their ‘hard work’ and the ‘high standard’ of entries across the board.
The runners-up this year were Turriff JAC with their tribute to Doddie Weir – a bale art tractor decked out in the famous Doddie tartan and hauling a giant rugby ball.
They were closely followed by Keith YFC who kept their entry topical, capturing the Gallagher brothers of Oasis in bale form with the message ‘You’ve gotta roll with it’.
A special mention was also given to Crossroads YFC with their giant pink bale elephant towering over the Ayrshire countryside.
“We are so touched and grateful for all the trouble the young farmers have gone to – the results are simply outstanding.“We know how much work has gone into making these wonderful bale art displays and we know that as well as raising a smile right round the country, the bale art will also serve as a powerful reminder to farming and crofting families to look out for others and look after their own mental health.”
She added: “Sadly, our industry has a poor track record for mental health and suicide but there are many excellent steps being taken to improve this and good progress is being made.
“We are proud to work closely with SAYFC on a range of initiatives including the RESPECT campaign which is seeing RESPECT ambassadors appointed in every club. We are also pleased to be providing training, including mental health, first aid, suicide prevention, and alcohol awareness to SAYFC club members.”
“Our thanks go to everyone involved, not only club members but the wider farming community who have really got behind their local clubs and helped with logistics and ensuring the bale art creations were carefully and safely put in place.
“The bale artwork which has appeared around the country is a great example of all that is wonderful about our membership and the aims of SAYFC.”
She added: “It’s a fantastic example of teamwork, community spirit, innovation, and talent.
She continued: “We are delighted that everyone has risen to the challenge of getting across RSABI’s #KeepTalking message, with very wide-ranging interpretations of the message – ranging from ‘Tea and Talk’, ‘Bee Positive’ to ‘Health is Wealth’ and ‘Spirits Raising’.”
RSABI offers emotional, practical and financial support via a friendly, confidential and professional service.
The service can be reached via a 24/7 freephone Helpline number which won’t show on your phone bill – 0808 1234 555 – or via live webchat at www.rsabi.org.uk or by emailing helpline@rsabi.org.uk during office hours.
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