The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society’s Youth Development Programme (YDP) is marking a major milestone this autumn, celebrating its 25th anniversary with the Finals set to take place at Denhead Farms, Turriff, on October 11, hosted by Hamish and Margaret Sclater of The Deveron Herd.

Launched in the early 2000s as a scholarship scheme, the YDP was the vision of pioneering families including the Tilsons of Wedderlie, the Stebbings of Grimston Fen, the Porters of Old Glenort and Glympton Farms, Woodstock.

Over 25 years it has grown into one of the beef industry’s most respected youth initiatives, offering hands-on workshops across the UK and Ireland for young people aged 8 to 24. These cover clipping, dressing, ringcraft, stock judging, breeding knowledge, animal health and beef production – alongside developing confidence, teamwork and career connections.

Senior section winner in 2024, John Smyth, said: “I have been fortunate enough to win the senior section, but for me the biggest takeaway is the people I have met, the connections I have made and the experiences I have had.”

The celebrations will begin with a welcome evening on Friday, October 10, featuring an interactive presentation from the British and Irish Lions World Angus Forum Youth team, former YDP competitors who represented the UK and Ireland in Australia.

On the Saturday, finalists from regional workshops will compete in clipping, grooming, ringcraft, stock judging, presentations and interviews.

Former coordinator Stephanie Dick reflected on recent competitions: “The judges were given a difficult task, with the standard of these youngsters being so high, even some parents were taking notes.”

The weekend concludes with a 25th anniversary dinner and awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza, Aberdeen, where the overall winners will be announced. The senior champion will receive an international travel bursary, allowing them to study Aberdeen-Angus herds worldwide.

YDP’s global impact is well established. Finalists have represented the UK and Ireland at World Angus Forum Youth Competitions in Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Most recently, the team placed third overall and picked up the Spirit of Angus Award, the Team Spirit Award and the Outstanding Contribution Award.

This year’s finals will also see John and Marion Tilson, instrumental in founding the programme, return to present prizes, while former competitor Duncan Morrison will share his YDP journey.

Current chair Ewen Campbell said the programme has never been stronger: “2025 has seen the YDP, which is open to all young cattle enthusiasts and not just Angus breeders, go from strength to strength. Workshops across the country have been extremely well attended, and there is no doubt about the success of the programme and its reputation as a leader in developing the stockpeople of the future – thereby safeguarding the future of the breed.”

He added thanks to the Sclater family for their efforts in hosting the event: “With halter breaking already well underway, it is a huge undertaking, and we greatly appreciate the efforts of Hamish, Margaret and their team.”

As the YDP marks 25 years of inspiring, educating and supporting young people, it continues to set the standard for youth training in the cattle industry – building a legacy that looks certain to last for decades to come.