Each month we ask a young farmer for their views on farming and rural youth. This month we caught up with Kim Taylor from Turriff and District JAC who was recently appointed north regional chairman for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC).
Name: Kim Taylor
Age: 28.
Club: Turriff and District JAC.
Where do you stay? I currently stay in Insch, however I grew up on the family farm at Cauldwells, Turriff.
Do you hold or have you held any office-bearer roles? Previously I have held the roles of treasurer, vice-chairwoman and chairwoman at club level, and district secretary for East Aberdeenshire. Currently I am club leader for Turriff and the north region chairwoman.
Tell us about your background in agriculture: I grew up on the family farm which currently consists of finishing cattle and finishing lambs. When I was younger we also had breeding ewes and it was very much all hands on deck at lambing time. We also grow winter barley, spring barley and some neeps. During my summer holidays from university I kept myself busy with seasonal jobs including rolling wool for a shearing team, working at a local grain store and roguing tatties.
What do you do for an occupation? I studied for my Masters of Architecture at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and sat my final exams to qualify as an architect last year. I now work for a local practice based in the Glens of Foudland, Huntly.
What sparked your interest in agriculture? Having been involved in the farm from a young age I have fond memories of sitting with dad in the old Claas Dominator, or helping feed the “sickie” lambs at lambing time. It’s a way of life and a fantastic way to be brought up. For my 21st birthday I asked for a Charolais cow, and although my original cow is now gone I’ve gradually managed to build my herd up to three cows.
What is the most rewarding thing about working in the farming industry? For me there is nothing more rewarding than bringing a new life into the world. No matter how many times you watch a cow or a ewe give birth it always fascinates me how quickly their offspring can get up on their feet and take their first few wobbly steps.
As rural youth, do you think there is something we should be doing additionally or differently within the agricultural sector? There are a vast array of opportunities for rural youth to learn about different aspects of the industry. Within SAYFC itself the Cultivating Futures initiative provides business courses, discounted training courses, and leadership programmes. It is vital that we, as rural youth, take full advantage of every opportunity possible to allow us to be an integral part of the industry. Furthermore, I feel that a greater emphasis must be placed on educating both the children in the schools and the general public itself. Firstly, we need to ensure that the public understand why they should be supporting British and Scottish produce. Factors such as full traceability, quality assurance schemes and government regulations all contribute to the creation of first-class products, and these are the reasons why the general public should have confidence in and support their local producers. Secondly, I believe that agriculture needs to be promoted within schools as an exciting and progressive industry to be a part of, and not just for those whose parents or grandparents are farmers.
Where do you see the farming sector in 10 years’ time? At this time it is very difficult to predict where the farming sector will be in 10 years. With Article 50 signed, a general election on the horizon and Nicola Sturgeon calling for another independence referendum, UK and Scottish politics are very much up in the air – meaning the same for the immediate future of agriculture. However on a more optimistic note, in the last 10 years technological advancements have been significant and I very much believe this will continue in all sectors of agriculture, allowing farmers to work more effectively and efficiently.
If you could pass on one piece of advice to someone looking to get into the sector what would it be? Don’t be afraid to ask for help – farmers are generally a very friendly bunch and there will always be someone who is willing to help or give you advice.
We can’t end the interview without talking about Young Farmers so tell us about your experience – why did you join? A lot of my friends were already members so I went along with them. Fourteen years later and I’ve not looked back since.
What do you most enjoy about Young Farmers? Where do I start? Young Farmers has so much to offer its members and there really is something for everyone. What I enjoy the most is definitely the social aspect and meeting new people. I have been lucky enough to take part in a number of exchanges and trips through SAYFC including a three-month exchange to Montana, being part of the European Rally team travelling to Northern Ireland and spending a weekend in Wales for the Welsh Young Farmers annual meeting to name but a few. Along with taking part in regional and national competitions this has allowed me to meet and form friendships with members and rural youth from not only throughout Scotland, but from all over the world.
How do you feel Young Farmers has impacted your life? Young Farmers has definitely had a positive impact on my life. I have travelled the world with SAYFC, I have made lifelong friends and I have developed a huge range of skills. I have taken part in speechmaking competitions, boosting my confidence and communication skills, I have learned how to sew – always handy, I can turn some baler twine into a halter, the list is endless.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to join? SAYFC is the largest rural youth group in Scotland for a reason – don’t miss out on being a part of it.