Scotland’s leading forage producers were honoured as the winners of the annual AgriScot Silage Competition were announced.
In the young farmers category, David Smith, Deaconhill Farm, Mauchline, took first place, while the beef clamp section was won by Robert Black, Drochil Castle Farm, West Linton.
Top honours in the big bale class went to Gregor Nelson, Redcroft Farm, Castle Douglas and Graham Kerr, Kirklands Farm, Dunsyre took home first in the dairy clamp category.
Competition organiser Andrew Best, seed specialist at Watson Seeds, said the season created major challenges for growers. “Every growing year is different but the weather through this silage season is a complete contrast to last year,” he said, noting that a prolonged dry spell slowed grass growth markedly.
Best emphasised the wider importance of the competition: “It also highlights the importance of knowing your silage so you can supplement according to the fluctuating weather conditions. It is a competition that recognises the input and hard work that goes into making silage and why it matters.”
AgriScot chair Gilmour Lawrie said the long-standing competition continues to resonate with producers: “The silage competition is one of the longest standing events at AgriScot and consistently draws interest from attendees.
While farmers are always striving to produce top quality forage, entering a competition like this and coming out on top offers valuable recognition and reinforces the hard work and expertise behind the achievement.”
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Leading awards
Young farmers - 1, David Smith, Deaconhill Farm, Mauchline; 2, John Caldwell, Ladyyard Farm, Mauchline; 3, Jamie Smith, Southridgehill Farm, Beith.
Beef clamp - 1, Robert Black, Drochil Castle Farm, West Linton; 2, SRUC Easter Howgate, Edinburgh; 3, Ian Duncan Millar, Tirinie Farm, Aberfeldy.
Big bale - 1, Gregor Nelson, Redcroft Farm, Castle Douglas; 2, David Mackie, Westerboard Farm, Glasgow; 3, AF & PM Hamilton, Balmesh Farm, Glenluce, Newton Stewart.
Dairy clamp - 1, Graham Kerr, Kirklands Farm, Dunsyre, South Lanarkshire; 2, Andrew McGregor, East Law Farm, Carluke, Lanarkshire; 3, Barr Farms, Meldrum, Blair Drummond, Stirlingshire.
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