Scotland’s burgeoning Young Farmers movement has enjoyed an influx to its membership over the last year.
Figures from the rural youth network’s Scottish Association, the SAYFC, reveal numbers rose by 8% last year, taking the membership to more than 3,500 across Scotland for 2014/15.
Speaking at the association’s annual meeting at the weekend, outgoing national chairwoman Laura Fleming said the formation of new clubs on the west coast of Scotland, including the reformation of the North Argyll club, had helped boost numbers.
“The continuous development of our agri and rural affairs committee and introduction of regional visits and a conference has allowed us to provide more services to those interested in the agricultural sector,” said Ms Fleming.
“This combined with additional training opportunities such as our foot trimming courses and health and safety meetings and a strengthened network of support for office bearers has all contributed to an increase in membership,” she added.
Moving forwards to replace Ms Fleming for 2015/16 is Beith YFC member Scott Wilson, 27, who hails from Ayr.
On his priorities as the new national chairman he said: “I plan to keep momentum up and drive SAYFC forward with passion, continuing to grow the membership at all levels.
“My first objective is to see more young people benefit from our network through improved and increased services to members.
“Secondly, I would like to see us offer additional support and encouragement to the agri and rural affairs committee so that we can increase our voice within the Scottish agricultural sector.”
He said this will be achieved through improved links with non-members, investment in services to members, development of future training initiatives, a new communications strategy to raise the SAYFC’s online profile.
All this, he said, would come in tandem with the continued development of new clubs, while also assisting existing ones with further recruitment.
Stepping in to the role of national vice-chairman for the coming year is Stuart Jamieson, 28, of Belhevie JAC.
The regions will be headed up by Ruari Box, 23, of Mearns JC in the north; Jane Orr, 27, of Bell Baxter ADS in the east; and Sheena Foster, 27, of East Kilbride YFC in the west. Hazel Ritchie will continue to lead the association’s international programme, while Sarah Allison, 23, of Lanark YFC will now stand as the chairman of the agri and rural affairs committee.