NEWLY elected SAYFC vice-chair Gemma Bruce of Udny JAC has demonstrated her commitment to the future of Scotland’s young farmers, as she also takes on the role as the new chair of the north region of SAYFC.

Gemma will lead the committee in the 2019/20 term with the help of new vice-chairman Gemma Duguid of Bower YFC and has revealed that her aims for the year include increasing attendance at north, national and Agri Rural Affairs events; improving interclub relations; and encouraging all of the regional clubs to hold a new event or try a new skill.

Retiring chairman Michael Gunn led the meeting on April, Saturday 13 at Dingwall and Highland Marts, which saw the election of the new regional committee, as well as results of the North Club of the Year Competition and the Recruitment and Participation awards announced.

Michaels’s closing words to the committee were: “I could never have imagined when I was a 14 year old lad joining the Forss club that I would ever have been given the opportunity and honour to become north area chairman but it really has been a great experience and I’d highly recommend it to anyone. So, all that leaves me to say is I wish Gemma and the new north committee all the best of luck for the year ahead.”

Results for North Club of the Year were also revealed, with first place going to Mearns JAC, with runner up being awarded to Garioch YFC and Bower YFC in third place. The judges, Claire Cameron and Maxine Scott commended the clubs who took part in the competition and wished the two top places clubs well as they go on to represent the north region at the national finals.

First place award for Regional Recruitment went to Inver Ross YFC with a 43% increase in membership, while runner up was awarded jointly to Kinneff YFC and Inverurie JAC with an increase of 24%.

The top place for Regional Participation went to Gemma Bruce’s own club Udny JAC with 93 points, second place to Bower YFC with 78 points and third spot to Turriff JAC with 63 points.