Teen farmer smashes Orkney cattle auction record

A 14-year-old young farmer from Orkney has set a new market record, selling his prized heifer for £6,100 and winning the unhaltered champion award.

Rowan Donaldson, from Redland, Stromness, was one of 18 local young farmers who took part in the overwintering competition, organised jointly between the local Young Farmers Club and Orkney Auction Mart.

See also: Young farmer honoured in UK-spanning tractor relay

Now in its eighth year, as part of the competition the market provides each young farmer, aged 14 to 30, with £1,000 towards the purchase of a cow of their choosing.

Senior auctioneer Graham Low said this year was one of the best sales of its kind: “It is a great way to encourage the next generation to get involved and see how the buying and selling process works, as well as all the time and effort involved in looking after an animal.”

Rowan, who was one of the youngest competitors, purchased his British Blue heifer for £1,600 back in the autumn, and fetched £6,100 for the 690kg animal at the mart.

© Graham Low

“The mart erupted with applause for young Rowan,” said Mr Low.

“The previous record for an animal sold in Orkney Mart was £3,400, achieved at the 2022 Young Farmers Sale.

“The young farmers should be very proud of themselves as every one of them turned out some high-quality animals and all managed to realise a healthy profit,” said Mr Low. 

Rowan’s heifer sold to Harry Emslie, from Kinnockie, Mintlaw, who intends to sell the animal as an in-calf heifer.