A BALE ART competition, organised by the West Region of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC), to raise awareness of the association, has been won by Crossroads YFC.

After reviewing photographs of the 18 sculptures built with bales and visibly displayed in fields across the west region of Scotland, Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland fly-half Duncan Weir judged Mr and Miss Teddy, by Crossroads the winning entry. Second place went to Biggar YFC with “All Sorts” sweet structure, while “Three Little Pigs” by Thornhill YFC came third.

Mr Weir said: “The club had really focused on the detail on their sculpture, with a good use of colour and height to ensure it made a real impact. The male and female teddy bear was a great way of showcasing the association is open for all, and the addition of a musical instrument highlighted it is not just for those from a farming background.”

Following the phenomenal success of the competition there are plans to roll out next year’s across the whole of Scotland so all 80 YFCs can get involved.

Market round-up

Lawrie & Symington Ltd held their second annual show and sale of suckled calves in Lanark on Tuesday when 431 heifers sold to £1600 per head (412.4p per kg) for the champion from Messrs T Laird & Son, Sunnyside/Cabello and averaged £820.76 and 228.7p (-2.7p on the year), while 488 bullocks peaked at £1200 and 472.4p to level at £896.75 and 239.8p (-0.3p).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd had 8805 store lambs forward in Longtown on Tuesday that included 3323 Cheviots and 2187 Blackfaces. Top prices and averages for selected breeds: Hill Cheviots to £60 and averaged £47.64 (-48p on the week); Blackfaces £53 and £34.71 (-£4.85); Suffolks £72.50 and £57.79 (+£9.84); Texels £75 and £56.69 (-63p); Greyfaces £58.50 and £48.68 (-£2.29).

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold six prime heifers at Ayr on Tuesday to a top of 238p and an average of 221.6p.

In the rough ring, 76 beef cows averaged 116.8p (+7.2p) and 120 dairy cows levelled at 81.4p (-2.8p). The firm also sold 16 dairy cattle to a top of £1620 for a Holstein Friesian heifer and an average of £1369.

Wallets Marts sold 1573 prime lambs in Castle Douglas on Tuesday to a top of £90 per head and 190.7p per kg to average £72.66 and 165.5p (-0.3p on the week, but +26.5p on the corresponding sale last year). The 760 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £90 for Texels and average £52.38, while light ewes peaked at £58 for Cheviots and levelled at £35.79.