FOR THE fifth year in a row, Mauchline Young Farmers Club was triumphant at the Ayrshire Association of Young Farmers Clubs' County Rally, which was held at its usual venue, Craig Wilson Ltd, Whitefordhill, Ayr.

After a number of competitions leading up to, and on the day of the rally, Mauchline YFC had a total of 541 points, while Ayr and District YFC were placed second overall, with 510 points, and Crossroads YFC were placed third, winning 422 points.

For the small clubs trophy section, New Cumnock YFC was placed first, while Beith YFC came second.

In the prestigious suckled calf competition, held on the day, Stewart and Jacalyn Dunlop, of Mauchline YFC, were crowned champion in both the hoof and hook section, with Silver Lining, a 13-month-old Charolais heifer, by Galloway Me Man, out of a Limousin cross cow. She was purchased for £1800 at the rally calf sale, from Mr A Wright, Pinmore Mains, Girvan.

Taking the reserve champion ticket, again in both the hoof and hook section, was James Hodge, also of Mauchline YFC, and that was with Silver Duchess, a 14-month-old, home-bred Charolais heifer. She is out of a British-Blue cross cow, and is by the stock bull, Thrunton Galviston.
Mauchline was top again in the beef from the dairy herd section, with club member, Robbie Watson, being placed champion, with a Limousin bullock.

Hoof section judge, George McCulloch, said: "Today I was looking for a show beast with plenty of meat cover for the modern beef industry, and I am very impressed with the quality of animals that have been presented here today."

Louise Allan, of Ayr YFC, was awarded champion in the best shown suckled calf section, with judge, Maureen McCulloch, commenting: "I was looking for the best dressed animal, and the best turned-out stocksperson, who was also the best at handling the animal.

"There's been a lot of work put in for this competition today, and it's great to see such a high number of young people taking part."

Champion in the sheep section, also judged on the day, was Ross Limond, of Ayr YFC, with a pair of Texel ewe lambs by Midcombe Axle, out of a gimmer by Deverondale Warrior, while Erin Shearer, of Crossroads YFC, took the reserve ticket with a pair of February-born Blue Texel ewe lambs, Candy and Cindy, which are part of the Burnockstone Blue Texel flock, and which are out of a ewe from the Millside Blue Texel flock.

Pirates was the handicrafts theme this year, and Ayr YFC was placed first, with Kilmaurs and District YFC coming second, while Crossroads and New Cumnock YFCs were placed joint third.

For full report, and pictures, see this week's The Scottish Farmer, out on Saturday, May 26, 2018.