Prizes for Huntly district ploughmen

PLOUGHING MATCH, Huntly, 12th March.

The Premiums allotted by the Aberdeen Association, to the District of Huntly, were contended for this day, on a field belonging to Mr Gordon of Cocklarachy.  Seventy-five ploughs started, at an early hour, and the field turned up exhibits proofs of superior workmanship.  The judges, after the most patient investigation, awarded the premiums as follows:-

1st,  25s.  To William Alexander, son to the farmer of Cairnhill.

2d,  22s 6d.  To Robert Ironside, servant to Mr Gordon, Rhynie.

3d,  21s. To George Alexander, son to the farmer of Cairnhill.

4th,  20s. To Alex. Alexander, son to do. of do.

5th,  17s.  To  George Harper, servant to Mr Robertson of Auchanackie.

6th,  15s.  To Alex Bird, do. to the Marquis of Huntly.

7th,  14s.  To Alexander Robertson, do. to Mr Conn, Cruchie.

8th,  13s.  To William Alexander, do. to Mr McPherson, Gibston.

9th,  12s.  To John Gordon, son to Mr Gordon of Auchinbo.

10th,  11s.  To James Flemming, servant to Mr Pirie, Tillaminnet.

11th, 10s 6d.  To Alexander Green, son of William Green, Tillathrowie.

12th,  10s.  To James Mellis, do. to the Marquis of Huntly.

13th,  10s.  To Adam Mathewson, do. to Mr Grant, Westseat.

14th,  9s.  To George Robertson, do. to Mr Taylor, Lessendrum.

The judges regretted, that their powers were so circumscribed, as to prevent them from extending the reward of merit to many other deserving candidates.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 17th March 1819.

Turriff & Huntly Cattle Show 1818

The Competition for the Premiums given to the Districts of Turriff and Huntly, by the Agricultural Association, was held at Turriff, on Tuesday the 11th current, when there appeared, as might have been expected, a great many fine animals of each class.  The premiums were awarded as follows:

The Marquis of Huntly, for the best Bull, from 2 to 7 years old, Seven Guineas.
Mr Webster, Mains of Laithers, Turriff, for the second best do.  Five Guineas.
The Marquis of Huntly, for the best Breeding Cow, from 3 to 9 years old, Five Guineas.
Mr Scott, Muiresk, Turriff, for the second best do.  Three Guineas.
Mr Irvine, Towie, Turriff, for the best 2 year old Quey.  Four Guineas.
Do.  do.  for the second best do.  Three Guineas.
Do.  do.  for the best two year old Stot.  Three Guineas.
Do.  do.  for the second best do.  Two Guineas.
Mr John Allardes, Boynesmill, Forgue, for the best Brood Mare with her Foal.  Seven Guineas.
Mr Jamieson, Cushnie, Auchterless, for the second best do.  Five Guineas.
Major Taylor, Rothiemay, for the best three year old Colt or Filly.  Give Guineas.
Mr Booth, Fisherford, Auchterless, for the second best do.  Three Guineas.
Mr George Lawson, Lessendrum, Drumblade, for the best two year old Colt or Filly.  Four Guineas.
Mr Webster, Mains of Laithers, for the second best do.  Two Guineas.

After the Competition, a large party sat down to an excellent dinner, provided by Mrs Wallace, Turriff. - Mr Scott, Muiresk, filled the chair, and the day was spent with genuine mirth and harmony.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 19th August 1818.

Prizewinning Ploughmen

The ploughing match appointed by the Garioch Farmer Club, took place at Newton upon the 2d inst.  A numerous committee of the club attended, who, in consequence of the unanimous opinion of four Judges, practical gentlemen farmers, found Alexander Watson, servant to Mr Keith, in Netherthird, entitled to the first Premium; Alexander Skene, also servant to Mr Keith, entitled to the second; and James Bisset, servant at Lessendrum, entitled to the third.

On the recommendation of the Judges, the Committee authorised their Secretary to pay a fourth premium to Alexander Simpson, in Threefield of Culsalmond, as his work was the fourth in point of merit, and as it is the wish of the Club, to encourage actual farmers and farmers' sons to come forward with their own ploughs.  The work in general obtained the approbation of the judges, the committee, and a numerous concourse of spectators.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 20th November, 1811.