Turriff and District JAC was formed in 1932 and recently celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2022. The club currently has 77 members, making it the 13th largest club in Scotland.
With an increase of 20 members in the past three years, the club hopes this trend continues, as more new and younger members joining in years to come. The club’s large size means they attract great attendance at meetings as well as lots of help at fundraisers.
A significant effort goes into raising funds through organised events throughout the year, which enables the club to help other local charities as well as support some members in organised trips.
Each year, Turriff young farmers takes a stand to local shows and festivals to advertise the club and attract new members, as well as encouraging young people to get involved with agriculture. They attend Turriff Show each year, which is the biggest two day show in Scotland.
They also attend the local Turriff May Day festival as well as the Fogie Truck Show. At these events members host a range of games and attractions on their stand to show the public what they get up to throughout the year and to get them involved.
The main fundraiser for the year is hosting a marquee dance during the last week of May. Historically the marquee has been very well supported, seeing almost 1000 people attend. Club members put a lot of effort into the organisation, raising good money from both ticket and bar sales, which is invested back into the club and donate to their chosen charities for the year.
Currently the team are in the process of organising the 2024 marquee which will be held in The Haughs, Turriff on May 25.
Back in November 2022, past and present members of Turriff young farmers got together to organise Turra's Tartan Fling fundraiser. This event was held at Thainstone Exchange to celebrate 90 years of Turriff and District JAC. Around 300 guests enjoyed a three-course meal, after dinner speakers, a charity auction and raffle, before dancing the night away to The Haggis Chasers Ceilidh Band.
The club was delighted to announce the final fundraising total of £25,691.25, all raised in aid of five worthy charities; RNCI (Royal Northern Countryside Initiative), RSABI, Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA), Turriff and District JAC, and Farm Safety Foundation - Yellow Wellies.
Young Farmers has enabled many club members to experience organised trips to a variety of locations across the world. Turriff member, Sally Mair, said: “We are extremely lucky with the travel opportunities within Young Farmers, and it is something I would absolutely encourage anyone to apply for.”
Sally climbed Kilimanjaro with seven other young farmers from Scotland for charity in August 2022.
Turriff Young Farmers have two members, Greig Christie and Amy Dalgarno, going abroad this year on trips organised by Young Farmers, Greig is going to Vietnam and Amy is going to Morocco.
Giving back to the local community is something that members always like to do at Turriff young farmers. Each year the young farmers donate to charities and organisations in their area. Last year, they visited the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Fraserburgh for a tour of the station and were shown around one of their lifeboats. Members then also presented RNLI with a donation of £250.
The second chosen charity last year was the Turriff Fire Station, where again members were given a very interesting tour around the station. Throughout the year the young farmers try to help the local community in whatever way that we can. Each year this includes helping to set up the Turriff Show by erecting security fencing and painting fences.
They also visited three sheltered homes and the local hospital last December singing carols to try and bring some festive cheer. Additionally, members helped the local cemetery and swimming pool with weeding and painting. As well as making an annual donation to the local Turriff Food Bank.
The club’s committee has recently finished organising the club’s summer syllabus, which will start with a new members’ night on April 30. This will include a tour of Fyvie Castle followed by team-building games in the grounds. In return for this, members have offered to help at some of Fyvie Castle’s own events (e.g. car rally, 1644 battle re-enactment, outdoor theatre).
Their syllabus consists of eight meetings which will include stock judging; a butchery tour and demonstration at Ian J McIntosh, Fraserburgh; a tour of Ugie Valley Feeds, Peterhead; BBQ and games night hosted by vice chairman, Blair Christie, and a few more.
The more competitive side of the club is seen at the Grampian rally, where members compete against other local clubs in the area. Taking part in competitions such as rope making, stock judging, construction, football, netball, tug of war and more. This year’s rally is to be held at Keith show ground on June 8.
Turriff and District JAC has had many achievements in the last year with Turriff placing first in the district bowling competition as well as the Grampian pool and darts competition. Both Turriff senior teams placed first and second in the district brains of the north quiz.
Every year the club hosts their own ploughing match which is very well attended by club members and is a skill the club would like to see younger members continue to support as they don’t want it to disappear in the future.
In conclusion, Turriff and District JAC is a great way for young people to spend time and meet new people, offering fantastic opportunities and lots of fun.
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