At just 27, Callum Simpson has achieved what many SAYFC members can only dream of: he was named Young Farmer of the Year at the Scottish Agriculture Awards.
The accolade, a new category run in conjunction with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), is unique in that it evaluates both practical farming skills and business acumen.
Previously, the award had been run solely by SAYFC and presented at their Five Star Awards ceremony, making this year’s integration with the Scottish Agriculture Awards a significant milestone in raising the profile of young farmers across the sector.
Growing up on the farm
Callum’s love for farming runs in the blood. He grew up at Mains of Leslie, a family-run farm near Insch, Aberdeenshire, where he works alongside his parents, Alan and Elaine, and occasionally his brother Ewan.
The farm, originally purchased by his grandfather in 1965, has grown over the decades, expanding its land, buildings, and livestock operations.
Today, the farm runs 200 acres of spring cropping, alongside 550 acres of rented or owned rough grazing and silage ground. They use a Stabiliser bull on Limousin and Simmental heifers, as well as Mule Texel crosses in their sheep flock. All stock is finished on the farm, and they also grow malting and feed barley.
“My grandfather bought Mains of Leslie in 1965, and a lot has changed since then,” Callum reflects. “Dad has added more land and built more infrastructure over the years, and he continues to grow the business. I’m proud to be part of that journey.”
Some of Callum’s fondest childhood memories are simple yet formative.
“I remember being out on the farm with my family, helping wherever I could. One of my favourite memories was hurling in the tractor with my grandfather, doing various jobs together. It was hands-on learning from the very beginning, and it stuck with me.”
He discovered his passion for agriculture early.
“Even at school, I knew I’d rather be outside than stuck in a classroom. I always knew I would be involved in farming somehow. I didn’t have hobbies as a child beyond spending time at home and helping my parents. Farming wasn’t just a job – it was life.”
Callum left Gordon Schools in Huntly at 16 to work full time on the farm.
“I wasn’t academic. I learned more by watching and listening than from books. My father and grandfather taught me everything, and I continue to learn from anyone willing to show me something.”
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Expanding horizons
Despite his early immersion in farming, Callum has sought out experiences beyond the family farm.
Travel has been a major influence, broadening his perspective on all types of farming systems..
“When I was younger, we visited New Zealand as a family, and I always wanted to go back,” he says.
In 2023, he spent the harvest season in Australia before touring New Zealand in a campervan for about a month.
He has also attended Agritechnica in Germany, the world’s leading agricultural trade show, and visited the CLASS factory in Harsewinkel, gaining insight into cutting-edge machinery and techniques.
“These experiences give me new ideas and ways to improve things back home on the farm.
“It’s about seeing how others work, learning, and adapting it to our own operations,” Callum said.
A SAYFC journey
Callum’s involvement in the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) has been central to his development. He joined at 14, inspired by his older brother, Ewan.
“I enjoyed hearing about the meetings he attended, so I started going along myself,” he recalls.
Over the years, Callum has taken on multiple roles, including club convenor, treasurer, and chair, as well as North Region Agri and Rural Affairs chair.
“Taking on roles at club level built my confidence and gave me insight into the work behind the scenes within the organisation,” he says.
“Through district, regional, and national roles, I’ve met and made friends with people across Scotland, and the opportunities I’ve had wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.”
It was at the Grampian Rally eliminations that Callum was encouraged to enter Young Farmer of the Year.
“The current North Region chair twisted my arm, and I thought, why not? I had nothing to lose. I qualified and knew I’d have to go to the next stage to represent the North.”
Competing in Young Farmer of the Year
The competition tests a wide range of skills, from practical farm tasks to business management. Callum faced six challenges at SRUC Oatridge, including sheep handling, tractor driving, ATV operation, baler maintenance, fencing, and a business plan presentation.
“Most of the practical side I’d done at home – sheep work, driving tractors and quad bikes, and machinery maintenance. Fencing with Clipex was new to me, and presenting my business plan was the biggest challenge. I’d never really presented before and I’m not a confident public speaker.”
He admits he was surprised by his victory.
“I didn’t think I was going to win, so when my name was read out I was shocked. I still couldn’t believe it when I was on stage or getting photos with the bike.”
ATV Services, long-time sponsors of the award, presented Callum with a CanAm Outlander Pro, adding a tangible reward to his achievement.
Life on the farm
Spring is Callum’s favourite time of year, when crop work and lambing coincide.
“It’s busy but rewarding, especially when my partner, Sally, is on leave and helps in the lambing shed. Working alongside family is a major influence.
“It’s good, but you know how it is – you might have a bad day or a dry spell, and my grandfather would always say, ‘Ach, it’s still not as bad as back in 1980.’ It put things in perspective. Even on a tough day, his advice kept you positive. Having that knowledge around was huge – free knowledge, really. It was always there for me to learn from, and it still is with Dad.”
Callum has also been inspired by others. “While working in Australia, I spent time with Tom Woods from the Woods Group. He was organised, fair, and showed me different ways of farming and managing challenges. Experiences like that shape your approach.”
Looking ahead
Callum’s ambitions are straightforward: to grow the family farm, embrace new technologies, and support his community.
“I want to keep farming and expanding the business, while introducing new technology to make life slightly easier for everyone. It’s tough – capital requirements are high, land is expensive, and government support is limited. Inheritance tax changes and schemes like FFIS not awarding grants add to the difficulties.”
His advice to young farmers is equally pragmatic. “Work hard, take every opportunity to learn, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Take part in social events to build friendships and support others.”
Celebration of farming
Winning Young Farmer of the Year is a celebration of farming and the people who make it thrive.
“The atmosphere at the awards was amazing,” said Callum.
“Sally and I really enjoyed celebrating the agricultural industry, its winners, and all the champions who work tirelessly to keep farming strong.”
For Callum, the award is a milestone, but also a stepping stone in his farming career..
With his family, mentors, and SAYFC experience behind him, he embodies the next generation of Scottish farmers at a time where positivity is vital.
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