The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) has formed a new partnership with three machinery rings as part of their "Cultivating Futures" agriculture and business training programme.

Supported by Borders Machinery Ring, Tayforth Machinery Ring and Highland Machinery Ring, SAYFC can now offer Scotland's rural youth discounted, practical training. This includes forklift, chainsaw, welding, sprayer and pest control management.

SAYFC National Chairman Stuart Jamieson explained the objective of this new partnership: "Over the last couple of years we have identified a skills shortage, and following a demand from our members we felt it was essential to facilitate training opportunities with our partners. This in turn will not only improve the level of skills available within the agricultural sector, but play a crucial role improving health and safety.

"This affordable, practical training will be delivered at a venue and time to suit them, with the sessions exclusive to their group. This will give them the confidence to ask questions and gain the relevant knowledge required to support their careers."

Michael Bayne, Manager at Borders Machinery Ring added: "The project aims to not only increase skill levels, but also raise awareness of health and safety on farm."

The programme is now open for bookings, and anyone interested should contact SAYFC National Office via 0131 333 2445 or rebecca@sayfc.org. A full list of courses and costs can be found at www.sayfc.org/hub.

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 15,684 North Country Cheviot lambs at Lairg on Tuesday. All classes were firmer on the year, although the auctioneers said that a larger number of smaller lambs prevented the overall average reflecting the true rise on the year.

Wether lambs sold to a top of £68 and averaged £54.43 (+£2.57 on the year) for 11,454, while ewe lambs peaked at £145 and levelled at £70.79 (+£1.02) for 4,194.

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 4,673 store lambs in Longtown on Tuesday. Top prices and averages for selected breeds: Suffolks to £73 and averaged £61.33 (-£1.55 on the week); Texels £79 and £59.63 (-£1.65); Greyfaces £68 and £56.40 (+£5.96); Blackfaces £54 and £43.50.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1359 prime lambs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £100 per head and 208p per kg to average 182.6p (+7.5p on the week).

The 188 cast sheep were also cheaper on the week with ewes selling to £112 for a pen of Texels and £49 for Blackfaces.