The West Region converged once again at Ayr for the first big show of the season for SAYFC, with young farmers from across the region out in force.

There was plenty of action going on in the tent and throughout the show ground, with West Area Arts and Crafts on display, members competing in the open tug of war, RHET’s charity cycling challenge and even a live recording of the Rural 2 Kitchen Podcast.

The main SAYFC competition for the day was West Arts and Crafts, kindly supported by DairyFlow, with entries being displayed in the tent. The senior handicrafts theme this year was 'Travel the World', where the Crossroads YFC team of Holly Leitch, Sofia Lindsay, Craig Baird, Emma Kerr, Fiona Cuthbertson and Lisa Brown lifted the title in a tough section. In second place was Lower Nithsdale YFC, whilst Avondale and Kilmaurs YFC stood joint third.

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In the junior section it was all about celebrating sheep farmers with the theme being 'Golden Shears'. Taking first place Biggar YFC, namely Eilidh Armstrong and Lucy Graham. Ayr YFC came a close second with Machars YFC standing in third place.

The day also saw the return of our open tug of war competition in the main ring. With four ropes on the go and a fantastic 24 teams competing, it was an action packed morning with competitors being judged by the Scottish Tug Of War Association. In the ladies section it was SSS A team that stood victorious, whilst the gents section were led by Tinto Tug of War, both of which will be heading to the Royal Highland Show to compete in the National competition.

Leading Awards

Senior handicrafts – 1, Crossroads YFC; 2, Lower Nithsdale YFC; 3, Avondale YFC and Kilmaurs YFC.

Senior special prizes – Sewn item – Holly Leitch, Crossroads YFC; Decorated journal – Janey Inglis, Callander YFC; Souvenir – Hazel Partlett, Carluke YFC; Decorated cake – Aileen McColm, Lower Nithsdale YFC; Fresh flowers – Jenna Reid, Lower Nithsdale YFC; Further Article – Lisa Brown, Crossroads YFC; Appearance and display – Abbie Brown and Joanne Kerr, Ayr YFC.

Junior handicrafts – 1, Biggar YFC; 2, Ayr YFC; 3, Machars YFC.

Junior special prizes – Poster – Louise Kerr, Ayr YFC; Knitted item – Eilidh Armstrong Biggar YFC; Sewn article – Tammy Campbell, Machars YFC; Further article – Kirsty Hutchison, Avondale YFC; Appearance and display – Holly Veitch and Fiona Boswell, New Cumnock YFC.

West Area Tug of War – Gents – 1, Tinto TOW team; 2, Ayrshire YFC; 3, Crossroads A. Ladies – 1, SSS A; 2, Carluke A; Biggar YFC.