Straw poll: Judges recognise bale art

A striking cancer-based bale art display 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 SAFYC. “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 prop.

Their podium line-up saw Peeblesshire JAC placed second, with Loch Lomond YFC in third place.

The Peeblesshire display drew attention to the work of MacMillan Cancer Support, while Loch Lomond YFC’s daffodil design included 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.