Royal Northern Agricultural Society announced this year’s award winners 

The organisers said that the awards are presented each year to stalwarts of the North East farming community in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the sector.   

Receiving the Press and Journal/RNAS shield for services by a public figure or personality to agriculture will be Durris farmer Pete Watson. 

His family-run beef and arable farm is a former winner of the Scottish Beef Farm of the Year.

Mr Watson, a former chairman of the ANM Group, is also a well-respected judge of cattle at local and national shows, including two of the major beef championships at this year’s Royal Highland Show. 

This year’s Aberdeen & Northern Marts Local Award winner is George Duncan who, until his retirement last year, spent numerous years serving the farming sector with his business George Duncan Agri Solutions.   

Former RNAS director, Mr Duncan, began his career as a tractorman on the Crathes Estate and, fascinated by agronomy, set his sights on a career that eventually saw him set up his own business in 2002. 

This year’s winners 

The David Argo Award to an Unsung Hero working within the agricultural sector who merits recognition has been allocated to haulier Albert Fyfe from Laurencekirk.   

The company, founded by his parents in 1956, is now run by Mr Fyfe and his wife. The firm specialises in bulk feed deliveries throughout the North East. 

The SRUC award recognising a person up to 35 years and under who has shown significant achievement and contribution in agriculture was given to Nicola Wordie from Huntly.  

Among her achievements, the award recognises Ms Wordie’s high level of stockmanship and her commitment to the promotion of the industry, including via her large social media following, brand collaborations and participation in schemes such as the BBC Food. 

The RNAS awards also have a long-standing reputation for recognising the emerging generation with a clutch of accolades for students.   

This year’s recipient of the Johnston Carmichael-sponsored award for a farmers’ son or daughter working at home goes to Lucy Gordon from Strathdon, while the award for a student employed off farm goes to Bethany Cameron from Drumlithie. 

Meanwhile, the agricultural apprentice engineer award, sponsored by Turriff Agri Parts, has been won by Sellars employee Angus Riddoch from Oldmeldrum. 

Good snapshot of excellent work 

Commenting on this year’s winners, RNAS president Cameron MacIver said: “It is never an easy task for the judging panel to choose winners from the high standard of nominations we receive, but we feel that this year’s selection provides a good snapshot of some of the excellent work taking place in our sector. 

“As an organisation committed to showcasing the very best of agriculture and farming practice, these awards are central to reminding us of the breadth and depth of talent which exists in this part of the world.   

“The RNAS extends its warmest congratulations to every recipient.” 

Tickets for the 2024 RNAS awards lunch at the Leonardo’s Hotel, Aberdeen Airport, that is taking place on Friday, 1st November, will go on sale on 1st October 1st and can be purchased here. 

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