The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) held its much-anticipated Annual Agri & Rural Affairs Conference this weekend, bringing together young farmers, industry experts, and key stakeholders for a series of engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences.
The conference got off to a fantastic start with a lively Networking Dinner on Friday evening, where attendees had the opportunity to connect with professionals from leading industry organisations, including Galbraith, Cefetra Grain, NFU Scotland, and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks. Unsurprisingly one of the hot topics of the weekend was the recently announced budget and the impact that it will have on those attending the conference.
One of the highlights of the evening was a thought-provoking discussion led by Hugh Fraser and Alistair McNab from NFU Scotland. The pair shared insights into the ongoing partnership between NFU Scotland and SAYFC, first announced at this year's Royal Highland Show. They also addressed concerns surrounding the recent budget announcements, the importance of collaboration across the agricultural sector, and the vital role of young people in shaping the future of farming.
Day two of the conference saw attendees brave the chilly weather for a tour of Rhynie Farm, graciously hosted by Donald Ross. The award-winning mixed farm, which includes arable, beef, and sheep enterprises, provided an excellent setting for discussions on best practices in farming. The tour also featured a 'Back to Basics' talk on veterinary care from Lucy Rogers, MRCVS, of Foundry Vets, who focused on Health Management Plans and disease prevention on farms.
The afternoon sessions were packed with practical advice and industry knowledge during a series of 'Back to Basics' workshops. Topics ranged from farm safety and understanding tenancy agreements to contract farming, disease recognition in crops, and cybercrime in rural areas. Participants also learned about soil sampling and analysis, rural crime prevention, and strategies for tackling rising concerns about cyber threats in the agricultural sector.
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The visit concluded with a question-and-answer session focused on business planning and the industry’s future, with Mark Ogg, Agri & Rural Affairs committee member stating those present were provided with a lot of insight and went home with a lot to think about.
On the final day of the conference, delegates visited Cawdor Estate for a comprehensive tour, organised in partnership with BASC. Estate factors and gamekeepers guided attendees across the expansive grounds, which stretch from the Moray Firth coastline to the grouse moors of the Cairngorms National Park.
The tour showcased the estate’s varied operations, including farming, renewable energy (wind turbines), sporting activities such as grouse, pheasant, and partridge shooting, as well as holiday lets. The focus was also on conservation efforts to enhance biodiversity and sustainability, providing valuable insights for those unfamiliar with the workings of a sporting estate.
Special thanks were extended to the organisations leading these workshops, including Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, Police Scotland, Scottish PARC, Galbraith, Scottish Agronomy, and Cefetra Grain. Their sessions were described as informative, interactive, and full of actionable insights that attendees could apply directly to their own farming operations.
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