26 Feb Sarah Backs the Big Build
Chief Executive Officer of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Sarah Millar, is lending her support to the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs’ (SAYFC) Big Build, crediting Young Farmers for the role played in her early development and shaping her career in Scottish agriculture.
Sarah joined Young Farmers at 14, first getting involved with junior speechmaking competitions and developed an interest in agricultural policy, with early exposure to governance and rural advocacy.
Young Farmers gave Sarah access to a powerful network where she built strong connections with agricultural leaders, not only across Scotland, but throughout the UK and Europe. This network supported her involvement in rural youth activism and helped shape her perspective on the wider agricultural landscape. The friendships formed through Young Farmers have remained throughout her career, offering both personal support and professional collaboration.
Her time as a SAYFC member helped shape her as a leader and gave her a real understanding of the responsibility that comes with the role she holds today. As CEO of QMS, Sarah is responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the Scottish red meat supply chain; and the marketing of the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork brands. Putting farming families, and in particular young farmers, at the heart of this work is something Sarah is very passionate about.
Raised on her family hill farm in Lanarkshire, Sarah now lives in Angus where she remains connected to grassroots agriculture. Alongside her husband and parents, she continues to actively support SAYFC through regular activities and competitions.
Sarah said; “Young Farmers played a key role in shaping my confidence, skills, and understanding of the agricultural sector. I strongly believe in the organisation’s role in developing future leaders for rural Scotland, and I am proud to back the Big Build to help create a permanent national centre where young farmers can come together and build lasting relationships within their wider rural community.”
The SAYFC Big Build aims to create a new centre for Scotland’s rural youth, following the loss of its previous headquarters at the Royal Highland Showground. The new facility will provide a year-round base for Young Farmers staff and members, act as a social hub to help tackle rural isolation and strengthen community connections, offer event and office spaces to support collaboration with other agricultural organisations, and include archive and exhibition space to showcase the history of SAYFC.
SAYFC is now encouraging individuals, businesses and supporters across the rural community to get behind the Big Build. Donations will help create a lasting home that supports young people, strengthens rural communities and enables future success stories like Sarah’s.
Businesses, individuals, trusts, and organisations interested in contributing, securing naming rights, or discussing major gifts are encouraged to contact: [email protected] To find out more about SAYFC’s Big Build or to make a donation, visit https://www.sayfc.org/donate/sayfcs-big-build/