Strathearn Junior Agricultural Club (JAC) is proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
Based in the Perthshire district, the club boasts an active membership of around 40-50 individuals from a catchment area that includes Crieff, Comrie, Muthill, Auchterarder, and surrounding regions. Competing in both East area and national competitions, Strathearn is recognised for its enthusiasm and community engagement.
Welcoming new members
The year kicked off with a new members night on May 16 at Muthill Park, where existing members welcomed 10 newcomers, many of which have since become greatly involved in club activities over the last few months.
Fundraising initiatives
Following this, the first fundraiser of the year was the annual tractor run, starting in Crieff and finishing in Auchterarder. With more 50 vehicles participating, the event successfully raised £1300 for two chosen charities: Children’s Hospices Across Scotland and the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance.
As part of their 80th-anniversary celebrations, the club committed to a fundraising year, taking on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis in July. Twenty-nine members reached the summit and returned safely, bringing the total raised for charity to more than £4000. The group was fortunate with the weather, making it a memorable day for all involved. To culminate the fundraising efforts, an annual Bingo Tea is scheduled for February 20, at Muthill Village Hall.
Engaging events for all
Strathearn’s summer syllabus included traditional meetings such as successful stock judging at Lintibbert Farm in Muthill which attracted more than 60 attendees. Other events featured a mock auction and valuation at Bertha Park Farm, lamb dressing and sheep shearing at West Park Farm, and various activities aimed at diversifying participation. Emphasising their motto, ‘not just for those who wear wellies’, the club hosted events that appealed to those without farming backgrounds, including a sports night, a butchery tour and meal at Balgove in St Andrews, and a whisky tour at Glenturret Distillery.
An exciting highlight was the 80th Anniversary Old vs Young Challenge Day, organised by Perthshire Plant Training. Activities included digger driving, forklift handling, Argo Cat driving, and a rowing machine race, with past members claiming victory in a fiercely competitive atmosphere.
Competition-wise, the club has won the Perthshire Field Day and the East Rally Shield for only the second time in its history. Fifteen members participated in the East Rally in East Lothian, and Strathearn’s boys’ Tug of War team secured second place at the East Region competition.
The girls’ teams excelled, with one of the Perthshire teams qualifying to compete at the Highland Show. Additional honours include the Perth Show Trophy and the Boys’ Perth Show Tug of War Trophy. Looking ahead, the winter syllabus is in final stages of planning, with a new members night scheduled for Thursday, October 17. More information can be found on the club’s Facebook and Instagram pages by searching for Strathearn JAC.
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