TWO of the youngest competitors in this year’s Young Farmers Calf Wintering Competition proved that hard work can override experience when they scored the top profit margins of day.

Thirty nine members from young farmers’ clubs across the region entered the competition held at Hexham and Northern Mart, putting forward a total of twelve steers and 27 heifers. All of the animals were purchased in October.

The competition is designed to help the next generation of farmers hone their husbandry skills – from purchasing store cattle and taking care of the beast, to eventually securing a profit at the point of resale.

Siblings and Whitley Chapel YFC members Harry Willey, who turned 12 the day before the event, and 10-year-old Sarah Willey of Broomfield Farm, Chopwell were two of the youngest members in the competitions history, but that didn’t stop them walking away with the best profits on the day.

Harry came first with the £440 profit he earned for the black Limousin cross bullock which he purchased at the Bellingham sale from Messrs Walton of Toft House, Otterburn for £600, which in a fitting twist was the lowest sale of the day.

Sarah came close behind making a profit of £375 for her British Blue cross heifer.

“I first joined young farmers just so I could compete in the wintering competition because farming is what would like to do in the future, so I thought it would be good experience,” said Harry.

“The only plan I had was to buy cheap, but I looked for a calf with a good shape too.

“Because it was my first time entering, I felt especially proud.”