The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
From climbing Kilimanjaro to looking after racehorses
We will be speaking to some of Scotland’s Young Farmers. Here, we meet Sally Mair, SAYFC’s north chair
Q. What’s your background?
A. I grew up with my three siblings on a dairy farm near Turriff, which originally milked 350 Holsteins alongside a flock of pedigree Suffolks.
Q. What do you do for an occupation?
A. I am at home working on the family farm with my brother Kenny. In 2017 we dispersed our herd of dairy cattle and now run a mixed unit which is mainly beef and sheep.
Q. Are you an office bearer in Young Farmers or have you been previously?
A. I am delighted to be elected on as north chairperson for the year ahead. Previously, I sat as club and district chair in 2021/22.
Q. Why did you join Young Farmers?
A. I joined Young Farmers relatively late compared to some. I had an extremely busy childhood with all my hobbies (horse riding, swimming, running and shooting) so I didn’t have time to join.
I left home at 16 and moved to Kinross where I joined Young Farmers to meet people in the area outwith work. It really helped me settle into the area and make friends.
Q. What has been your most memorable moment as a Young Farmer so far? A. By far being selected to climb Kilimanjaro with
seven fellow young farmers from across Scotland. We are lucky with the travel opportunities in Young Farmers and it is something I would encourage anyone to apply for.
Q. Favourite time of year in the agricultural calendar?
A. Spring, when all the lambs and calves are turned out to field and skip around in the sunshine.
Q.
If you could change something in the world, what would it be?
A. General awareness of the impeccable attention to detail in the care of racehorses. Having worked in the industry after leaving school, I saw at first-hand the amount of work and individual care each and every racehorse gets. It really is an incredible industry.
Q.
How has Young Farmers impacted your life?
A. Young Farmers has pushed me outside my comfort zone and I now have friends for life across the country.
Q. What are your life ambitions?
A. In terms of farming, continue to work alongside my brother to progress our pedigree Beef Shorthorn herd and hopefully one day win the Royal Highland Show with a home-bred animal.
Q.
Why would you encourage somebody to join SAYFC?
A. You will gain friends for life and the opportunities within Young Farmers are extraordinary. There is something for everyone, from a farming background or not.