Crossroads Young Farmers Club, located in central Ayrshire, is one of the largest clubs within the Scottish Association of Young Farmers, boasting around 100 members. The club attracts members aged 14 to 30 from across Ayrshire and beyond, who gather regularly in the small village of Craigie.
Regular activities and events
The club meets frequently throughout the year to host a wide range of activities. These include sports tournaments, stock judging, speechmaking, and handicrafts, along with numerous fun outings.
Currently, the club is preparing for its annual Variety Concert, scheduled to take place from Tuesday, November 12, until Friday, November 15, at Centrestage in Kilmarnock. Members will take to the stage to sing, dance, act, and entertain in what promises to be a busy and fun-filled week.
Achievements and competitions
Crossroads YFC takes great pride in not only hosting its own events but also in seeing its members represented at competitions across Ayrshire, the West Area, and nationally. Over the past 12 months, the club has celebrated numerous successes. Notably, former chairman David Smith was crowned National Young Farmer of the Year, while junior member Kyle Scott secured first place in the National Junior Young Farmer of the Year competition.
The Royal Highland Show also witnessed Scott Anderson and David Smith lift the title for the Sheep Pairs in stock judging. Scott won sheep individual and David was placed third overall in the prestigious Stockman of the Year.
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In February, at the SAYFC national weekend, Crossroads members competed in all but one of the competitions. A particularly special moment was the speechmaking team of Scott Anderson, Fiona Cuthbertson, Andrew Taylor and David Smith winning the national competition for the second time as a team. At this year’s Ayr Show, the club’s senior handicrafts team took first place, in collaboration with Ayr Young Farmers. The Highland Show also saw multiple mentions for the club’s junior and senior boys in the stockmanship programme.
For many members, the highlight of the year so far has been the club’s victory at the West Area Talent Spot competition at the Armadillo in April. The team performed their piece entitled ‘Sold as Seen, Stormy SW19’ and lifted the trophy for first place, marking their second consecutive win after also claiming victory in 2023.
Community and charity work
Crossroads YFC consistently prioritises finding new and exciting ways to engage with the community and raise money for charity. Last year, the club raised over £8,500 through its Three Peaks Challenge and Silage Pit Sheeting initiative. In July, eight members took on the UK’s Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon – all within 24 hours.
The team, comprising Scott Anderson, Craig Baird, Fiona Cuthbertson, Sofia Lindsay, Glen Martin, David Smith, Amber Steel, and Callum Steel, along with their dedicated driver Gregor Young, completed the challenge in 21 hours and 11 minutes, proudly raising £6,336 for Ayrshire Cancer Support.
The remainder of the funds raised last year came from the Silage Pit Sheeting initiative.
For the past four summers, Crossroads YFC members have volunteered to help sheet silage pits, with local farmers donating to support the club’s chosen charities in return.
This initiative has not only been a significant success in raising funds but has also strengthened connections with local farmers, provided social opportunities, and promoted the club.
So far, the club has raised an impressive £1150 through sheeting silage pits.
The Crossroads YFC experience
Members agree that being part of Crossroads Young Farmers is undoubtedly a fantastic experience. There are countless highlights for all, from competitions to charity events. However, they underline that what truly makes the experience special is not just the events themselves or the joy of winning trophies, but the people. The camaraderie among members, both within the club and from other districts and regions, creates lasting memories.
Crossroads members also state that there is great pride in striving for excellence, not only for personal achievement but for the benefit of the entire group. Those interested in joining are encouraged to visit the club’s Facebook or Instagram pages to see what they get up to.
As the club slogan says, ‘It’s good to be a Roadie!’
Upcoming events: Annual Variety Concert: Centrestage, Kilmarnock, November 12-15.
Facebook: Crossroads Young Farmers Club
Instagram: xroadsyfc
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