The Scottish Association of Young Farmers (SAYFC) gathered last week for a night of celebration at their Five Star Awards ceremony, where the achievements of Scotland’s future agricultural leaders were honoured in style.

With a fantastic turnout at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Dunblane Hydro, the event was a great success, celebrating the work of many shining lights within the young farming community.

National competitions and events chair, Jane Donald, praised the awards ceremony, stating: “SAYFC are immensely grateful to the clubs, members, and those who support us so brilliantly throughout the year. These awards are a small token of appreciation for the efforts and achievements of our outstanding young farmers community.”

Young Farmer of the Year

Jack Young claimed the honour of Young Farmer of the Year, surpassing his second-place finish in the 2022 competition to take home the coveted trophy, a £1000 prize fund from RBS, and the grand prize: a brand-new Can-Am Outlander Pro T Quadbike, provided by ATV Services.

Competing against four other contenders at the final’s day on Saturday, November 2, at SRUC Oatridge, Jack excelled in a variety of farm tasks and challenges. He then delivered a business plan based on Fearn Farm, with kind permission of John and Fiona Steel.

After receiving the Sir John Campbell Trophy, Jack said he was ‘delighted’ and added: “It’s a privilege to come out on top against four other really forward-thinking, competitive peers within SAYFC.”

Outstanding Contribution Award

The Outstanding Contribution Award went to Kay Adam of Newhouse of Glamis, recognising her influential work throughout her time as a member and supporter of the organisation.

Kay was awarded the honour by the SAYFC board of trustees for her longstanding commitment to the association, acting as a mentor to many in her local club, Forfar, and the Angus Tayside District.

As a director of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), she has also been the driving force behind numerous improvements at the Royal Highland Show, particularly concerning the welfare of young members.

Speaking after receiving the award, Kay said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award. As a past chairperson of Perth Young Farmers, I was deeply involved in the club, and I can say that young farmers has made me the person I am today.”

Kay thanked the organisation for the recognition and continued: “I didn’t come here expecting an award—it was really emotional. I’ve won cups in my time with Young Farmers, but this one is special.

“To be added to the list of winners of this award, there are some amazing people on that list, so thank you.”

Innovation & Wellbeing Award

The Innovation & Wellbeing Award went to Lesmahagow YFC, and specifically the members of the band Bagri, for their cover of ‘Leave a Light On’ by Tom Walker.

The rendition helped promote SAYFC’s ‘Are Ewe Okay’ campaign, amassing over 480,000 views and garnering global attention at a time where mental health is so paramount.

Mia Crooks, a Lesmahagow YFC club member and one of the main vocalists in the video spoke after the win: “We wanted to do something with this cover, make it mean something, and right now mental health is such an important topic in young farmers with everything that’s going on in the world.”