Supporting Young Farmer Tom in Prestigious National Competition Bid

An Isle of Man Young Farmer is the first person from the island to compete in the final of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs’ Stockman of the Year competition, taking place in England at the end of August. 

Tom Cain, from the eastern branch of the Isle of Man Young Farmers’ Club, is one of only 20 competitors from across the UK taking part in the prestigious final. Stockman judging is a competitive event where participants evaluate livestock, typically including cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats, based on their conformation, structure, and overall quality. The competition hones skills in critical thinking, decision-making, and knowledge of animal husbandry, and it is a valuable educational tool in agricultural education.

As part of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s Manx Community Assistance (MCA) scheme, we are pleased to assist Tom with travel to and from the island to be able to compete in the competition. Farming is intrinsic to the Isle of Man and we are proud to support such an important sector. 

The goal of our MCA scheme is to support good causes and to ensure smooth and reliable travel for local initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life of island residents. We assist a variety of events, groups, and individuals travelling to and from the Isle of Man for sporting, educational, and cultural activities. 

Tom said: “I’d like to thank the Steam Packet for supporting me with the travel to the competition, without the funding it just wouldn’t have been feasible and it’s great that it’s opened up the opportunity for me to represent the Isle of Man Young Farmers at a National level.

“I’m looking forward to competing in the final, hopefully there will be a good range of high-quality stock to judge, and it will be a great experience to compete at such a high level against Young Farmers from throughout the UK.”

Tom qualified for the Stockman of the Year final after coming in second place in the Northern Area Stockman of the Year eliminator round, which was hosted on the Isle of Man by the island’s Young Farmers Federation in June and saw teams from across the UK compete.   

The National Federation of Young Farmers is one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK dedicated to young people who have a love for agriculture and rural life. Led by young people for young people, the clubs provide members aged 10 to 28 with a unique opportunity to develop skills, work with their local communities, travel abroad, take part in a varied competitions programme and enjoy a dynamic social life.

We’re sending the best of luck to Tom from everyone at the Steam Packet!

To find out more about the Manx Community Assistance Scheme and to make an application click here.
To learn more about the Isle of Man Young Farmers Club visit their Facebook page.