FOUR FINALISTS have been announced for AgriScot's business skills award – Hazel Kennedy, Claire Dyce, Zach Reilly and Heather Kerr.
The competition, sponsored by SAYFC, aims to test competitors on their business skills and their awareness of agri-business issues, and is open to anyone between the age of 18 and 25. 
Both Ms Kennedy and Ms Dyce are from the SAYFC’s north region, where Ms Dyce is currently studying a degree in rural business management at SRUC, and has had experience working with the department of agriculture. She is a member of Forfar YFC as well as the Aberdeen Agricultural Society. 
Ms Kennedy, who is studying a degree in agriculture at SRUC, took a gap year after her second year after winning the Aviagen scholarship, which aims to encourage more young people to obtain employment within the poultry sector. Her experience in agriculture consists of calf rearing, milking, lambing and farrowing.
From the south region, Mr Reilly is a combine driver, and has completed a Bachelors degree in agriculture at SRUC, and has spent time working in Australia, which gave him a knowledge of a variety of farming systems.
Ms Kerr, also from the south region, is currently studying a degree in agriculture at SRUC and has recently completed a placement with SAC Consulting, which gave her experience on in-office work as well as on-farm work.
To decide the overall winner, a new product being launched at AgriScot will be assessed and evaluated by the four finalists, before they are then interviewed by a panel of judges, who they will present their evaluation to, and then answer questions on business management skills and current agri-business issues.
The winner will be announced at the end of NFUS’ morning seminar at AgriScot, which will be held on Wednesday, November 16, and the winner will receive a cheque for £1000.
Award co-ordinator at SRUC Ayr, Caroline Daniel, said: “We had such a high calibre of entries to this year’s award and it has been really inspiring to see so many young people getting involved. 
“The level of passion from these individuals about the agricultural industry paints a really positive picture for the future and I’m looking forward to seeing the ideas that the four finalists come up with at AgriScot on November 16.”