FUTUREfarmer Sarah forges another bit of farriery history Highland farrier Sarah Logie has forged her own piece of history by becoming only the third woman in more than 650 years to join the elite of the ancient, male-dominated craft. The 29 year old, who is based at Kirkhill in Invernessshire, has hammered out a double for Oatridge College in West Lothian where she trained, by passing strenuous exams
to become an Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. She joins Glasgow-born Sarah Mary Brown (29) who achieved the qualification last year. They are the only women in the UK currently entitled to put the initials AWCF after their names. The only other female Associate retired several years ago. There are more than 200 men on the list.
Sarah Logie says she might have achieved her ambition to join the elite “Associates” last year, but health problems got in the way. Despite the delay she is delighted with the outcome: “I was really pleased with my results as I gained a Distinction. The theory part went really well again.” Associate status means that the two women have demonstrated the knowledge and abilities to work closely with vets in assessing and treating horses with conditions and diseases
which affect they way they move. Their traditional forging skills are also essential to enable them to tailor-make remedial horseshoes for individual animals. Oatridge College currently offers an entry-level City and Guilds Level 2 forgework qualification, developed by the Farriery Training Agency as a compulsory pre-requisite for beginning an apprenticeship with an Approved Training Farrier. ?hk ]^mZbel oblbm3 ppp' hZmkb]`^'Z\'nd
A Winning Scottish Young Farmer Congratulations are in order for the winner of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) ‘Stockman of the Year’ title. John Gilmour of Ayr Young Farmers Club was awarded the prize at this years’ Royal Highland Show. Competition was tough, with the candidates going head to head in livestock judging, demonstrations and interviews. As well as solo success on the day, John is also a member of Ayrshire A team, who successfully battled to joint third place in the group events.
New Young Farmers’ website launched The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) has launched a new website to increase its appeal to a wider public. As well as a significant benefit to members of Young Farmers’ Clubs, the new site - www.nfyfc.org.uk - is designed to encourage more people to understand what happens at Young 52
Farmers activities around the country. With a vibrant home page, clear navigation and a dynamic look, the team at the NFYFC hope that it will offer a better experience for all those wishing to find out more about the diverse programme that Young Farmers are involved with. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com
The prize was awarded to John by Graeme Crawford, account manager for Elanco in Scotland. “It is great to be able to be involved with events like this that encourage and support young farmers. John is a worthy winner and deserves to be very proud of himself”. Elanco are willing sponsors of the competition and have a strong relationship with the SAYFC in their mission to unite and educate young members of rural communities across Scotland.