We continue our look at the future of the show circuit – the young handlers!

With the 2020 show season once again falling foul of Covid-19, and most summer shows once again not taking place, we’ve asked the individual show societies to nominate a young handler or two, for us to speak to, and get their outlook on shows, and the wider industry. After all, they are the future.

Running in a similar order to the show calendar, we’re looking forward to hearing what the next generation have to say...

NEILSTON SHOW

Logan Ross (15)

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born and brought up at Romesbeoch farm, in Shawhead, on a mixed beef and sheep farm with a focus on breeding pedigree Galloway cattle. I’ve always had an interest in the pedigree side of the business, including preparing them for shows and sales, showing them and the breeding aspect behind it.

What made you get involved in showing livestock?

My family but mainly my grandpa, Jim Ross, who’s always encouraged me to get involved in young handlers and the show circuit.

Do you have a favourite breed?

It has to be the Galloway because I have been brought up around them and I believe they are an underestimated breed in terms of quality and profitability.

In terms of sheep, it would have to be the Bluefaced Leicester due to their crossing ability that produces a sought after breeding ewe, which can be put to any terminal sire and produce quality prime lambs.

What was the first show you went to? Do you have a favourite show?

The first would be the Royal Highland Show when I was two-weeks-old! However, the first show I showed at would have been Stewartry, aged five, with a Galloway heifer calf.

My favourite would be the Great Yorkshire Show because it’s a well organised and a great social event, whilst being laid back and projecting the best stock the country has to offer.

Do you have a favourite thing about showing?

Winning is always a great feeling. I also love the social aspect of it, as well as getting to show off the best of our stock and meeting new people.

What has been your biggest success so far?

It would have to be winning the Oban Young Handlers title five times at the Highland Cattle Society sale, as well as being asked to feature on Countryfile.

Have you had any disappointments so far?

I try not to dwell on the disappointments and focus on the positives.

Who do you look up to in showing?

The first would have to be my grandpa, Jim Ross, because of his expertise and knowledge of cattle. I also have to mention Dexter Logan and my mum, Carolyn, as they have both taught me a lot about good cattle and stockmanship.

Another would be Rich Thomson, as he took me under his wing and guided me, showing me the tricks of the trade as well as mentoring me. Dougie Ross is another because he instilled a hard working ethic within me and taught me all about general stock knowledge.

What is the best and worst piece of advice that you have been given?

The best would be 'Always listen to those more experienced within the industry'. No advice is bad advice – I look at it as constructive criticism. You just learn who to listen to and who not to listen to!

Outwith showing, do you enjoy working on the farm?

Yes, I really enjoy the commercial aspect of farming as it’s a great feeling knowing that you’re contributing to putting food on the nation’s table.

I also enjoy a bit of tractor work now and again, as well as having the opportunity of working with other farmers and breeders.

Do you have any other hobbies?

I’m heavily involved in my young farmers club – Stirling, Strathendrick and Strathkelvin YFC – and I take part in various events including stockjudging, concert, sports events, cattle dressing and tug of war. I also enjoy the social side to young farmers too, having met life-long friends through it.

Another would be breeding Bluefaced Leicesters. Having founded my flock in 2019, I now have eight females and I’m looking to grow the flock in the future.

Do you have plans for the future? Do they feature agriculture?

In years to come, I hope to still be working with livestock with the aim of breeding my own pedigree stock, preferably Galloways and Bluefaced Leicesters. I also want to be involved in the day-to-day running of a commercial farm.

Do you have any advice for young people wanting to try showing?

Every day is a school day and always listen to advice given from those more experienced. Showing gives you many opportunities to meet fellow breeders and promote yourself, as well as your breed.

The showing circuit has always been a massive part of my life and I hope, in years to come, that I am still heavily involved.