Award-winning Elgin farmer Shaun MacLeod (18) making big strides in industry
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At the age of 18, Shaun MacLeod is already an award-winning farmer and is making big strides in the industry.
In March, the teenager won the agriculture category at Lantra Scotland’s Awards For Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS).
As well as that, he has already cemented his position as a lead tractor operator at Matheson’s – one of Moray’s biggest mixed farms.
Speaking about his career so far, Shaun said: “My mum worked in the office at Matheson’s when I was younger, so we have known the owner and his family for many years.
"As I grew up, I used to help out during the harvest or lambing season and at weekends.
"I wasn’t enjoying school and didn’t want to go to college so I decided to commit myself to farming at 15. Since then, I’ve never looked back.”
To further his development, Shaun did a modern apprenticeship through his employers, supported by SRUC Oatridge.
The apprenticeship delivered practical learning in the workplace, with support from the college for the theoretical framework and qualifications.
"My parents and I went to Oatridge to find out more about the apprenticeship," said Shaun. "Then they came out to speak to my boss at Matheson’s and it wasn’t long before I was signed up.
"It took two years to complete the 24 modules, which covered a range of areas, from animal welfare to cultivation, biosecurity and health and safety.
"I only did four days at college so most of my learning was building experience on a working farm, which I loved.”
Shaun would describe himself as a ‘tractor man’, but his role extends way beyond working with machinery.
The farm consists of 500 acres of land with a further 300 acres rented for sheep. They have 350 outdoor organic sows for breeding, 600 indoor breeding sows, 12,000 laying chickens, 1200 ewes, cereals, as well as land let out for organic potatoes and carrots. The farm also contracts out machinery and labour to neighbouring farms.
Shaun said “I get involved in all parts of the arable side from ploughing to sowing and subsoiling, as well as all the odd jobs around the farm such as fencing and general maintenance.
"I’m also contracted out to other farms and I do a lot with the livestock. I really enjoy the lambing season and working with the pigs and chickens. There’s so much to do, and no two days are the same.”
Speaking about his future, he added: “Right now I’m very happy where I am. Matheson’s is a great farm to learn your trade then build a career.
"I’d like to continue my training so I can learn new skills. Next on the list is my trailer test and first aid would be a good one to get too.
"I might want to own or rent a farm one day, but that’s a long way in the future.
"Outside of work, I’d like to continue competing in national and local ploughing competitions. I came third in the Scottish Championships last time, so I’m keen to beat my record next year.”
