The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society’s industry leading Youth Development Programme will be out in force at the Stirling Bull Sales this month selling raffle tickets to breeders, members and enthusiasts for the chance of winning some great prizes.
Top draw in the raffle, with funds going to the programme, will be a pedigree heifer from current junior vice president Angela McGregor’s Newcairnie herd. Angela has kindly donated a heifer from her Aberdeenshire-based 200-cow herd as she is incredibly passionate about the YDP and what it offers the next generation.
“Having been involved with the Society at Council level I’ve seen first hand what this programme offers young beef cattle enthusiasts. The beauty of it is you don’t have to be an Aberdeen-Angus breeder and we’ve seen across the UK and Ireland interest from youngsters who simply want to learn more about working with stock or who have a genuine interest in establishing their own pedigree herd.
“From eight-year old children up to young stock men and women, the programme offers various skills sets, such as stock handling, stockjudging, preparation techniques, animal husbandry, public speaking and confidence building. Year on year the programme has seen immense growth with a calendar of activities throughout the year for all ages and interests,” she explains.
“In order to take YDP to the next level, this raffle will hopefully encourage all Aberdeen-Angus breed enthusiasts to support the programme and, therefore, protect and grow the next generation of Aberdeen-Angus breeders,” Angela adds. More information will be available in due course as to the age and pedigree of the heifer.
Second prize in the raffle will be five straws of Idvies Fusion L531, kindly being offered by the Fraser family of Idvies. Fusion was sold in October 2014 for 10,000gns to the Glenbuchat herd of David Sole and is out of the prominent Flower family which originates from Cee Bar Favourite and includes the 14,000gns Idvies Fullback E250, the 6800gns Stirling February reserve senior champion, Idvies Fusilier and the privately sold Idvies Fellaini R699.
Meanwhile, his sire is the 24,000gns Perth February 2009 Intermediate Champion and top selling bull on the day Lockerley Legolas. This semen is not as yet offered on the market and should make a great addition to any herd.
Third prize in the raffle will be an Aberdeen-Angus branded Society jacket. Tickets are priced at £10/ticket and will be available at the Bull Sales, on the Society stand at shows and events throughout the UK and Ireland and at the YDP workshops during the summer (not direct from the Society office). The raffle will be drawn on the 23rd September at the YDP Weekend Final event.