The Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) has issued a final call for citations for its prestigious awards.
Every year the society presents four awards in recognition of the achievements of and contributions made by members of the farming community.
The Press and Journal Award is given to a public figure or personality for their services to agriculture.
Last year’s winner was well-known north-east contractor, farmer and ploughing maestro Dave Carnegie.
Mr Carnegie, who runs D.M. Carnegie with his family from its base at Steelstrath, near Laurencekirk, not only runs a successful business employing more than 40 staff but is also a renowned plougher who took Scotland’s first world champion title in the 1990s and most recently the Scottish overall championship last month.
Next up the local award, sponsored by ANM Group, is presented to a non-public figure who has made an outstanding contribution to progress in the industry.
Last year’s recipient was RNAS secretary Alison Argo who helps run the family farm with husband Ian and son Steven at Auchcairnie, Laurencekirk.
Mrs Argo was given the award in recognition of her involvement with organisations such as RNAS, the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs, Scottish Women’s Institute, Fettercairn Farmers’ Club, Fettercairn Brownies, and her local church.
Meanwhile the David Argo Award is presented to an unsung hero employed in the sector, and the SRUC-sponsored Under 35 Award is given to a person in that age group who has demonstrated significant achievement and contribution to agriculture.
Last year’s winner of the David Argo Award was Feedmix stalwart George McCombie, who oversaw the company’s growth from operating five to 50 machines.
The recipient of the Under 35 Award was Royal Northern Countryside Initiative project manager Rachel Turner, who was praised for her work at the rural education charity which operates across Moray, Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire.
Nominations for this year’s awards must be sent to RNAS secretary Alison Argo in the form of a citation outlining why the person should win the award, with background information about their career in farming. Mrs Argo can be contacted by email at secretary@rnas.info or by telephone at 01561 340 353.
The deadline for citations is July 10. All winners will be revealed at an awards lunch at the Aberdeen Jury’s Inn on Friday October 27.
