'Over the moon': Teenager takes home top prize at Border Union Show
Last updated 26th Jul 2026
A young farmer from the Scottish Borders has claimed the top prize at the region's biggest agricultural show – and then revealed he hopes it will encourage more young people to consider a career in farming.
Ballykeel Unique - a two-year-old heifer born in Northern Ireland - was shown at the Border Union Show by 18-year-old Lewis Ralston, from Jedburgh.
It followed the teenager’s success at the Royal Highland Show, where the pair were named supreme champion in the Salers breed section.
“I’m over the moon,” Lewis told Greatest Hits Radio, as he picked up the trophy on the sun-kissed showfield in Kelso.
“The thrill of it - nothing we’ve ever done before!”
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The presentation was the culmination of a two-day celebration of farming and rural life.
This year's event - on the banks of the River Tweed - welcomed appearances from First Minister John Swinney, the Duke of Roxburghe, racing camels and giant tortoises, amongst others.
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Judging this year’s competition was show stalwart Ronald Wilson, who was Secretary of the Border Union Agricultural Society for almost two decades.
“It was a very tough choice, and I really mean that,” he said. “It’s easy just saying it, but it was. I think any of them could have won.
“I know more about cattle, but I like to think that hopefully I can look at any animal and see the merits of it.”
The cattle farmer said Lewis’s win was also a positive sign for the future of agriculture, with more young people getting involved.
“When you see all these shows around the country, there’s a fantastic amount of young people that are getting involved in it,” he added. “It’s great. Farming’s got a great future.”
He added: “I love the place and it’s a great joy to see how beautiful the showground’s looking. The young lad who is the operations manager, Steve Jack, has done a fantastic job.”
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