2018 AGRISCOT BUSINESS SKILLS WINNER ANNOUNCED

A one-thousand-pound cash prize, plus a sponsored trip to the Nuffield Farming Conference has been awarded to the winner of this year’s AgriScot Business Skills competition.The winner of the AgriScot Business Skills competition, which this year welcomed a new sponsor, Dairymaster UK Ltd, and supported by SAYFC and SRUC, was announced at AgriScot today.

The 2018 accolade went to Craig Stout, a 3rd year Agriculture student at SRUC Edinburgh, whose business management skills and knowledge of agri-business issues impressed the judges on the day to take home the coveted title and cash prize.For this year, to coincide with the Nuffield Farming Conference taking place in Glasgow on the day after AgriScot, the event directors also agreed to add a special prize, giving Craig the opportunity to attend the prestigious conference.The final saw the four competitors judged on the task of assessing the value and relevance of an innovative product or service showcased at AgriScot. This year, it was the automated mobility scoring system CowAlert from IceRobotics. The other three finalists for the 2018 competition were:

• Hollie Cruikshank, from Grantown-on-Spey, a 4th year Agriculture student at SRUC Aberdeen
• Ian Buchanan, Kinross, a 4th year Agriculture student at SRUC Aberdeen
• Alasdair Allan, Linlithgow, a 3rd year Agriculture student at SRUC Edinburgh

Craig Stout had the following to say about his success:“Winning the Business Skills Award was a big shock, but I was really happy to hear my name called! It’s been a very worthwhile experience and a great opportunity- I’d advise anyone thinking about going for it next year to take the chance.”He continued:“I learnt a lot during the process, and it was great having to work under pressure- something which I’m not used to, but I think will be relevant in the future!”Chris Howarth of sponsors, Dairymaster UK Ltd concluded:“One of our initiatives is to encourage youth and the future generation within the agricultural industry, so sponsoring the Business Skills Award seemed like a perfect fit. Supporting the industry and seeing young people like Craig grow and succeed within farming is essential to the future of agriculture.”ENDSNotes for Editors:Image shows Craig Stout being presented his award by Chris Howarth of Dairymaster UK Ltd.