Members battle it out to be crowned YFCU Silage Maker of the year

Connor Creith from Moycraig YFC has claimed the top spot in the 2022-2023 YFCU Silage Making Competition, proudly sponsored by John Thompson and Sons Limited.

YFCU were delighted to have over 25 entries from members across Northern Ireland which has seen this competition go from strength to strength on previous years. Members showcased their silage making skills first at regional heat level, where they battled within their own county in order to find out if they had what it takes to get through to all Northern Ireland Final.

Ronald Annett, from John Thompson and Sons Limited judged alongside David Dunlop of Hillsborough YFC. They travelled to 5 farms across Northern Ireland, carrying out a visual inspection of each finalist’s silage, taking into account its fermentation, digestibility and dry matter content as well as the sealing of the silo and the way in which the effluent was collected. As well as this, judges conducted interviews with each finalist to determine how they made the silage.

1st Place - Connor Creith, Moycraig YFC.

2nd Place – Matthew Gault, Dungiven YFC.

3rd Place – Richard Mardshall, Clanabogan YFC.

Judges would like to commend all other finalists Ashley Neill, Collone YFC and Isaac Moore, Newtownards YFC for their efforts.

Ronald Annett, John Thompson and Sons Limited stated that “The standards were very high in the finals of the competition and the scores are very close. David and I literally had to split hairs in the end to separate some of the finalists. But a clear winner in the end in Connor Creith, well deserved.”.

YFCU would like to extend the utmost thanks to our Judges Ronald Annett and David Dunlop for taking the time to share their expertise with our members.

YFCU would also like to extend our gratitude to our sponsor John Thompson and Sons Limited for their continued support for this competition.