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SAC Supports New Business Skills Award

Dr Bill Dingwall, Agriculture Programme Leader with SAC Learning, is playing a key role in devising the new Business Skills Award being launched at this year’s AgriScot Event on November 17th. Described as “a competition for aspiring young farm professionals” it offers a £1,000 cash prize to the overall winner.

The Agriscot Business Skills Award, 2010, sponsored by Biocell agri, is open to young people aged between 18 and 25. With entries expected from young farmers clubs and agricultural colleges, SAC and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs are both closely involved in the organisation and promotion of the award.

Bill Dingwall’s initial task will be to oversee the selection of 6 semi-finalists for each of three regional heats. Entrants are required to submit their CV and a 200-250 statement on the “importance of benchmarking in assessing farm business performance” by 8th October.

North, East and West semi-final heats will be held on 30th October using selected farms. Semi-finalists will receive details of “their” farm prior to the event and a further briefing when they arrive for assessment. On a tour of the farm they will be asked relevant agri-business questions by a panel  comprising the host farmer, an independent consultant and the local SAC Agriculture Programme Leader.

The winner of each semi-final will attend AgriScot on the afternoon prior to the event to research details of one of the new products on show. After this they will have dinner with the sponsors and be provided with overnight accommodation.

On the morning of AgriScot they will face a panel of judges chaired by Sandy Ramsay, Head of SAC’s Farm Business Services, when they will report their assessment of the new product and be questioned on various business management issues and topical agri business news.

At a special presentation in the main ring the winner will receive a framed certificate and cheque for £1,000 at the conclusion of the morning’s judging.

Further information and full competition details can be obtained from info@agriscot.co.uk.

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