SAC student wins dairy award

Grace Smith has become the first female in 22 years to win the RABDF/Dairy Crest Dairy Student of the year award.
The Scottish Agricultural College student, from Dumfriesshire, beat off tough competition from three other finalists in the last round of the competition in London today (29 April) to scoop the coveted award.
Ms Smith said the industry’s biggest challenge in the future was changing people’s perceptions.
“We need to start educating young people, because it’s hard to change perceptions over a lifetime,” she said.
Speaking about key issues facing the industry, such as bTB and intensive farming, she said she wasn’t convinced the general public were suitably qualified to comment on what’s good welfare practice, often due to a lack of understanding.
Thinking outside the box
RABDF treasurer and one of the judges Andrew Snodgrass said he was extremely impressed with the calibre of the candidates this year, but he said Grace had stood out from the rest, because she was able to ‘think outside the box.’
He said she was technically competent as well as having a good grasp of the global industry.
“It goes to show that girls can do just as well as boys”
Grace Smith, winner RABDF/Dairy Crest award
“Everytime we bowled her a faster ball she was able to catch it. She always had a well thought-out answer to every question. She is a great recipient of the award,” Mr Snodgrass added.
Ms Smith, who was brought up on a dairy and poultry farm in Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, said she was delighted.
“It’s nice to be rewarded for the hard work and it’s great to be the first female in such a long time. It goes to show that girls can do just as well as boys.”
Ms Smith, who is in her final year studying for a BSc in applied animal science, says she hopes to work as an agricultural consultant after graduating.
Ms Smith was presented with a trophy and a cheque for £1000 from RABDF chief executive Nick Everington. The Scottish Agricultural College also received £500, which they hope to reinvest into their dairy programme.
Runners up included William Astley, who is studying agriculture at Reaseheath College, Nicola Bishop, who is studying for a part-time foundation degree in agricultural management at Bridgwater College and Andrew Eastabrook, who is studying agriculture and animal production science at the University of Newcastle.