FOURTH year Rural Business Management student, Jack Munro, has just completed a 10-week placement with the Elgin office of SAC Consulting.

Jack, who is studying at SRUC’s Edinburgh Campus, is one of three SRUC students who gained work experience in an SAC Consulting offices this summer.

Talking about his experience, Jack said: “My placement saw me visit over 30 farms and estates performing tasks such as soil sampling, field measuring, fence valuations, mapping, and Monitor Farm analysis plus the associated paperwork.

“My favourite part was shadowing the consultants in the field, which has given me a great insight into areas like organic farming, crop inspections and vegetable and potato farming.

“Another key ingredient of the placement was the interaction with farmers and members of the public at key agri-events such as ScotSheep and the Turriff Show.”

Senior agricultural consultant with SAC consulting based in Elgin, Aileen Buchanan, is an enthusiastic supporter of the placement scheme. She said: “This year we had 14 students competing for the three places funded with bursaries from the SRUC Trust which also helps support the students in their final year.

“We have a number of full time staff in our 23 Scottish offices who started this way. It is a chance for students to learn what being a consultant involves and for us see their potential.

“The students are very helpful during their placements and carry out a range of tasks in the field and in the office – from soil and silage sampling to helping with completing nutrient management plans and grant scheme work as well as being involved in farmer meetings and events. All our consultants enjoy the students’ youthful enthusiasm.”