From Field to Future: My Journey with Forfar & District Young Farmers
My name is Beth Steele, and I am a Graduate Rural Surveyor based in Bell Ingram’s Forfar office. I support a wide range of professional services, including property valuations, land management, sales and lettings, as well as work within the renewables and utilities sectors. I am currently working towards my Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), with the intention of sitting the exam in autumn 2026.
Outside of work, I am an active member of the Forfar and District Junior Agricultural Club (JAC), where I currently serve as Club Secretary. I was initially encouraged to join by friends who had been involved previously, and I quickly recognised it as a brilliant opportunity to meet like-minded people, develop new skills, and give something back to the local community.
As Secretary, I am responsible for helping the club run smoothly through a variety of administrative tasks. I organise meetings, coordinate communication between members, and assist with planning our busy events calendar. I also maintain club records and support the committee’s decision-making processes. Since stepping into the role earlier this year, I have found it to be a rewarding challenge. I am following in the footsteps of some exceptional past secretaries, and although it can be hard work, it is a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and passionate organisation.
Our club enjoyed an outstanding year in 2023, filled with sporting victories, agricultural successes, community involvement, and plenty of fun along the way. In 2024, members of all ages have continued to contribute through charity fundraising and volunteering efforts. A personal highlight for me was the annual Christmas Eve Tractor Run, where over 200 tractors lined the streets of Forfar, raising an incredible £10,500 for our chosen charities – a truly memorable achievement.
The range of competitions and events offered by the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) is unmatched by any other youth organisation. Our club has been fortunate to enjoy success across many of them. Last year, Forfar JAC was named Angus–Tayside Club of the Year, and our former secretary, Glen Barclay, placed second in the National Member of the Year competition. We also took home top honours at the District Field Day, Agri-Skills Competition, and District Cabaret Competition, where our performance secured first place. These opportunities have allowed me to develop new skills, step outside my comfort zone, and contribute to the club’s continued success.
Looking ahead, I am excited to build on these achievements. I am particularly focused on strengthening our community engagement, advancing agricultural initiatives, and helping members grow and develop, ensuring they have access to the same opportunities that I have been fortunate to enjoy during my time with SAYFC.
Being part of Forfar JAC, and the wider Young Farmers movement, has been an invaluable experience. It has enabled me to connect with inspiring individuals, gain confidence, and stay closely involved with rural life. This experience ties directly into my work at Bell Ingram, where I collaborate closely with rural landowners and farmers. Both my career and my involvement in Young Farmers share a common goal of supporting agricultural communities and finding practical solutions to the challenges they face.
On behalf of Forfar JAC, I would like to sincerely thank the local community for their continued support, as well as the businesses, including Bell Ingram, whose generous sponsorship makes so much of what we do possible.