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Experience Brings Success for Donald - AgriScot 2011 Business Skills Competition Winner

Former SAC student Donald Millar from Trailflat Farm, Lochmaben is the winner of the second AgriScot Business Skills competition, sponsored by specialist feed additive producers Biocell agri. He was one of the finalists in last years event, which is fast becoming firmly established on the Agriscot agenda.

Donald graduated from SAC in July this year and currently works on the family dairy farm in Dumfriesshire. He is looking to pursue a career in agriculture either in management or as a consultant. During his time in Edinburgh, he was president of the Edinburgh Agrics’ Society and he reached the semi final stage of last year’s competition.

The Business Skills competition was introduced last year by AgriScot chairman Andrew Moir who is determined to involve the younger generation in AgriScot and reward students and young people from all parts of Scotland for their commitment to developing their business skills within all sectors of agriculture.

Andrew said:

“We’ve seen a great number of younger people coming through the doors of AgriScot today and that is encouraging. We really must nurture and support the younger generation if we are to give farming a secure and profitable future. I’d love to see more girls coming through to the final and so hope we can encourage more of them to put themselves forward next year.”

The competition is organised by SAC’s Bill Dingwall with the support of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, as well as the land-based colleges. All finalists faced a grilling from a panel consisting of Sandy Ramsay, SAC, John Kinnaird, AgriScot Director and Ian Hope, of Hayes McFarlane. Part of this examination saw the contestants being asked to evaluate one of the new products being launched at AgriScot.

Like all three finalists Donald Millar had to evaluate Maxammon, and alkaline-based preservative for  whole crop or grain from Harbro Ltd. Donald won  £1,000 and recognition for an outstanding achievement. He said:

“I am surprised but really pleased to have won this year, against tough competition. I am told that my technical knowledge was what impressed the judges so I am delighted. I’m not yet sure exactly what my long-term ambitions will be, but I am sure that the credibility of having won this prize will be a great asset to me going forward. Everything I have learned throughout this process will stand me in good stead throughout my career.”

Sponsor Peter Gillard of Biocell agri said:

“Last year’s competition set an extraordinarily high benchmark for this competition. The 2010 winner has since won a much fought for tenancy as a new entrant and the runner up is now manager on an estate in Perthshire.”

The runners up this year were Esko Johnston and Bruce Ingram. Esko is a third year SAC student who competed in last year’s event. He has been instrumental in introducing and managing a “bed and breakfast” pig enterprise at Balnamoon where he has also worked with both the sheep and cattle enterprises. Bruce , studying at Craibstone for an honours degree in agriculture is also involved in the family farm. He is an active member of Udny Young Farmers.

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