Emily Black is from a Scottish dairy family farm in the village of Thornhill in Stirling
I was never heavily involved in the family dairy farm run by my dad, Steven, brother, Gregor and grandad, Archie, because I grew up with horses instead.
Horse riding is a heavily time-consuming sport, so when exams and socialising came into the picture, my days on the saddle came to an end.
After passing my exams, I headed to the University of Edinburgh (UOE) to study physical education.
However, due to losing my dad to a rare form of cancer at the start of 2020, followed by the Covid-19 pandemic, I decided to defer my place.
When lockdown hit, there was no other option than to head out and help my brother with the day-to-day running of the farm.
In a few short weeks, Gregor had taught me how to tube calves, feed cows and operate machinery.
However, I did have a minor disaster when moving fertiliser bags by splitting one open which ended up being a very expensive disaster which Gregor has only just forgiven me for.
After quickly realising my passion was farming, I withdrew my place at UOE and subsequently applied for the rural business management programme at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC).
The course has provided me with an insight into the business and financial side of agriculture, and most importantly, a look into diversification in farming and rural businesses.
Our farm consists of 130 Holstein Friesian cows that are milked by two Merlin robots which my dad installed eight years ago.
This has been life-changing for us in helping to maintain a work-life balance because it is all too easy for the agricultural industry to take over every aspect of life.
We also grow around 79 hectares (195 acres) of spring barley, spring oats and winter wheat, with 61ha (150 acres) used for silage.
My mum and I rear the replacement heifers for the dairy herd together with Aberdeen-Angus cross and British Blue cross calves that we sell through the store ring at the local market.
One of the challenges we face on the farm is rising costs, which led us to installing solar power.
We hope this will improve efficiencies on the farm and in return, help mitigate rising energy costs.
I am an active member of Callander Young Farmers' Club, where I have recently taken on the roles of committee member and now treasurer.
I have also produced the club's variety concert and talent spot which I always thoroughly enjoy.
I am looking forward to going into my third year at SRUC and helping Gregor finish off the 2023 harvest, hoping the weather will be on our side.
