Insch Young Farmer David Massie: ‘Why I chose career in agriculture’

What’s your background?

I am 21 years old and live on my family farm, Goukswell, near Insch in the heart of Aberdeenshire.

The business is based on a mixed system of breeding sheep, using Scottish Mules tupped with Suffolks.

Our suckler herd is made up of dairy beef cows, with a range of Aberdeen-Angus and Beef Shorthorn breeds. These are crossed with a Saler bull to provide finishing cattle that are kept on farm.

Besides our suckler herd, dairy beef calves are bought in.

These calves are reared the same as our own, with some being kept for replacements.

Apart from livestock, machinery contracting is carried out during quieter times of the year to provide further income.

Cereal and forage crops are also grown to feed the livestock.

I was brought up around farming from a very young age, with both my parents and grandparents working in the industry.

My sister and I were never forced to proceed with careers in agriculture, but it is what we both do today.

We were always pushed to do what we enjoy.

Our parents were never shy to show and teach us things, giving us hands-on experience around the farm.

What is your occupation?

I have recently finished studying for my BSc honours degree in agriculture at Scotland’s Rural College in Aberdeen. Throughout my years of study I have taken on seasonal work, mainly operating machinery.

I’ve worked for Mid Coul Farms (near Inverness) and Mertoun Estate Farms (Scottish Borders), picking up valuable experience.

I have also worked for free range egg producer Duncan Farms (Aberdeenshire), gaining eye-opening experience into the poultry sector.

At Duncan Farms I’ve learned why genetics, technology, new ideas and people are essential in driving agricultural businesses to tackle a never-ending list of challenges.

Are you an office bearer in Young Farmers or have you been previously?

Yes, I am currently junior vice-chairman for our club and stock judging convener for our district.

We are very lucky as a large club, as it makes appointing roles around members a lot easier.

I am also on the centenary committee, organising a celebration in aid of the club’s 100th year of continuous activity.

Why did you join Young Farmers?

There is no other organisation for young people in agriculture to meet up weekly and take part in a range of activities.

It’s ideal for meeting other members in your local area who you may never have known.

It’s also an opportunity to pick up new hobbies, learn new things and have a laugh.

What is your most memorable moment as a Young Farmer so far?

I wouldn’t say I have a “most” memorable moment.

There have been so many enjoyable times in the club, whether it’s competing at stock judging events, taking part in tug o’ wars, or our exchanges with other clubs across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

What is your favourite time of year in the agricultural calendar?

It would have to be harvest and seeing the livestock outside with, hopefully, the sun on their backs.

Also getting machinery geared up for another busy season, with long days of work but also a rewarding feeling when crops are in the sheds and next year’s is in the ground.

If you could change something in the world, what would it be?

It would be to make good food available to everyone around the world.

We often get stuck hearing about political scandals, ever-changing policies and radical new schemes.

In reality, both domestically and internationally people face the challenge of knowing where their next meal is coming from.

How has Young Farmers impacted your life?

It has made a huge contribution. I have learnt so many things from meetings, tours and, especially, other Young Farmers.

Being in Young Farmers has helped me talk to others about their farming systems and how they make money off the land they live on, while also gaining new contacts with people across the country.

What are your life ambitions?

One of them is to travel and learn about how genetics, technology and new systems are used in different countries, in order to progress agricultural businesses in modern times.

I also want to understand more about the problems facing farmers, both internationally and closer to home, and find out how these challenges have been overcome.

It’s about gaining contacts and learning from farmers around the world, while also picking up knowledge along the way which can be used at home, or to help the next generation.

Why would you encourage somebody to join SAYFC?

I would highly recommend Young Farmers to everyone, whether you are already in agriculture or looking for a pathway in.

Young Farmers can be a great starting point, with many opportunities to grow.

You also get to travel the world, pick up new skills and meet lots of interesting people.

[Source: Press and Journal]