Young farmers helping to spread the message

Bale art competition to raise awareness of cancer won by Strathmore

A striking cancer-themed bale art display next to the A94 between Coupar Angus and Meigle has won Strathmore JAC the top award in this year’s Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC) bale art competition.

Young farmers clubs were tasked with constructing bale displays to assist a range of cancer charities with their awareness campaigns, while also highlighting the importance of health and wellbeing.

The theme of the Strathmore sculpture was “Breast Cancer Now” and “Cahonas Scotland”, with the bales arranged to raise awareness of the importance of checking for signs of both breast cancer and testicular cancer.

“The competition has helped to harvest an eager rural network who have the emphasis of self-health and wellbeing checks at heart,” said SAYFC.

“Clubs from far and wide are aiming to engage their local communities, to highlight the significance in cancer awareness across all age ranges.”

The competition was judged by Robert Taylor, partner in charge of rural valuations and AMC agency with the Galbraith Group, and Pietro Ceccarelli, Edinburgh Rugby’s Italian prop.

Their podium line-up saw Peeblesshire JAC’S original Train to Recovery design placed second, with Loch Lomond YFC in third place.

The Peebles-shire display drew attention to the work of Macmillan Cancer Support, while Loch Lomond YFC’S daffodil design included a colour matching a yellow “Fergie” tractor as part of a presentation to register club members’ appreciation of the work done by Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The other finalists were Harray YFC, Biggar YFC and Callander YFC.

Callum Neill, 23, of Easter Denhead farm, with the Strathmore JAC bale art which took first prize. Picture: Gareth Jennings.