-
News
Strong entry announced for Young Farmers Overwintering competition at Thainstone
Posted: March 17, 2026
The annual Young Farmers Overwintering Competition, organised by Aberdeen & Northern Marts in partnership with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) and kindly sponsored by Miller Plant Ltd, will take place on Saturday 28th of March at the Thainstone Centre, Inverurie.
Judging of the show will kick off at 9am, with the sale following at 1pm and the presentation of prizes at 3pm. Jimmy Fawceltt, Kitson Butchers, 25 South Side Hutton Rudby, Yarm, will judge the competition, which features 44 exhibitors showcasing 80 calves, comprising of 54 heifers and 26 bullocks. The event also will feature 10 first time exhibitors.
The Young Farmers Overwintering Competition continues to provide a platform for Young Farmers to hone their stockmanship skills and engage in the cattle buying and selling process through the live auction ring.
Young Farmers from across the Northeast of Scotland and Angus will compete for the prestigious Calladrum Cup, with additional categories including Best Quality Animal, Best Presented & Paraded Animal, Highest Average Daily Liveweight Gain, Highest Feeders’ Margin, Best Overwintered Animal, Novice Award, Junior Young Farmer Award, and the Young Farmers Club Award.
Scott Chapman, Auctioneer at Aberdeen & Northern Marts, said: “The change in format introduced last year proved very successful, and we are delighted to have another strong entry forward for this year’s event, including 10 novice exhibitors.
We are grateful for the continued support of Miller Plant Ltd and look forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors alike for what promises to be another excellent event.”
At last year’s event, the Calladrum Cup was presented to Keely Mitchell, Carron Mains, Aberlour from Keith Young Farmers Club.
Jack Hendry, Heads of Auchinderran, Keith won the Best Quality Animal position with a Limousin cross heifer scaling 645Kg, which also took home the overall bullock prize. The best quality animal went on to sell for £3,250 to Blair Duffton, 2 Bogie Street, Huntly.
