NEW OFFICE BEARERS AT THE RNCI

The Royal Northern Countryside Initiative (RNCI) which aims to give school children a better understanding of the countryside has appointed a new chairman and vice-chairwoman.

At the recent AGM Martin Birse, Pitgaveny Farms, Elgin was appointed as chairman, succeeding Alyson Hunter of Wedderburn, Huntly.

Mr Birse, who is a former president of the Royal Northern Agricultural Society, is a regular visitor to schools as well as hosting visits to Pitgaveny Farms. He has completed a MSc in organic farming and is an active member on various agricultural related committees.

On his appointment Martin said “In the last 10 years the RNCI has made a significant breakthrough into establishing the links between farming, food production, the countryside and education. I see the challenge for the Initiative will be to develop this further within the remit of a curriculum for excellence and to promote all facets of the countryside in the North-east”.

The organisation 's new vice-chairwoman is Jill Catto. Miss Catto brings a wealth of knowledge to the position, through her previous position as a rural business consultant with SAC and her current work with the SRPBA as north east regional manager. Jill also holds an MSc in agri-business management. Jill commented, “I am very pleased to accept the role and happy to support the RNCI in helping to raise awareness of the countryside through its educational work”.

ROYAL NORTHERN SPRING SHOW SELL-OUT

Trade exhibitors looking to secure stand space at this year's Royal Northern Spring Show will have to be quick off the mark to avoid disappointment.

Trade stand applications for the show at Thainstone Centre on Wednesday, February 27, close in the next few days and Scott Raeburn, secretary of the Royal Northern Agricultural Society, warned last night that exhibitors who fail to book on time may have to be turned away.

"We simply don't have enough space to accommodate all the trade stands and this inevitably means that some potential exhibitors will be disappointed," said Mr Raeburn.

"I would urge all exhibitors who have not yet booked trade space to contact me right away and we will do our best to accommodate them."

This year's show is expected to attract a bumper entry of livestock following the decision of the organisers to increase prize money by 10% and keep entry fees at the same level.

"The directors have decided to increase the prize money in the livestock sections to reward exhibitors and encourage an increased entry," said Mr Raeburn.

The show cattle will be judged by James Forsyth, Mid Bishopton, Whithorn, Newton Stewart, with prime hoggs coming under the scrutiny of Moray farmer and meat wholesaler, Colin Taylor, managing director of Rhinds of Elgin.

Retired Angus farmer, Scott Watson, Carnoustie, a former exhibitor of the supreme champion at the Royal Smithfield Show, will judge the carcase cattle on the hoof and retired Torphins butcher, George Sinclair, will be the judge on the hook.

Entries for the large horse and pony section are also flooding in and an increased entry is expected in the cereals, roots, silage and hay classes which are increasing in popularity. The overall horse and pony championship will be judged by Mrs Polly Lochore, Burgie House, Forres.

The cost of entry to the show is unchanged from last year.

Judges
Beef cattle - James Forsyth, Mid Bishopton, Whithorn, Newton Stewart
Carcase cattle - Scott Watson, Carnoustie
Prime hoggs - Colin Taylor, Kirkhill, Alves, Elgin
Breeding sheep - Kenneth Cooper, Mains of Thornton, Bourtie, Inverurie
Carcases (cattle and sheep) - George Sinclair, Balgrennie, Kincardine Road, Torphins
Clydesdale horses - John Dunbar, Stepends Farm, Plains, Airdrie
Shetland ponies - A M Howie, Millhouse, Dunning, Perthshire
Highland ponies - Bruce Haliburton, Darroch Cottage, Muirton, Blairgowrie
Mountain and Moorland ponies - Mrs Fiona Cameron, Hillhead Farm, Lilliesleaf, Melrose
Hunters and Hacks - Mrs Lorna Baird, Mains of Dun, Montrose
Arab and ponies - Mrs S A Clark, Fieldfare, Upper Bolton Farm, Haddington, East Lothian
Warmblood and sports horses - Mrs Margot Kennedy, Upper Balblair, Midmar, Inverurie
Overall horse and pony - Mrs Polly Lochore, Burgie House, Forres
Cereals - George Boyne, Cashmill Farmhouse, Auchtermuchty, Fife
Roots - Mike Fettes, SAC, Clifton Road, Turriff
Silage and hay - David Younie, SAC, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen
SWRI competition - Mrs Margaret Glass, Dorsell Cottage, Alford
Trade stands - John Telfer and David McClelland.