Three young people have been awarded funding to further their skills and wider understanding of agricultural business both at home and abroad.
As he retires as Company Secretary from Scottish Agronomy, the farmer-owned cooperative, a bursary has been set up in George Lawrie’s name for young people under 30 to support their education, further training or travel for specific learning journeys.
“In all of George’s many roles, be they professional or personal, there has been a common theme,” says Managing Director of Scottish Agronomy, Adam Christie. “He has been dedicated to giving young people the very best opportunities to get involved in agriculture and develop and thrive to the best of their abilities. As such the Scottish Agronomy Board believed it was appropriate to mark George’s contribution to the industry by awarding a bursary in his name.”
James Hay of Culfargie Estates near Perth and Cammy Smith of Kilted Farming in Kinross-shire have each been awarded £1000 to go towards an educational agricultural trip to Texas in November 2025. The study tour is being organised by the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs’ Agri and Rural Affairs Committee and the Agricultural University of Texas. Over the two weeks, they will visit entrepreneurial and diversified enterprises in agriculture and industry, meet with supply chain companies and with agricultural dignitaries.
James is interested in gaining insights on how businesses are adapting to political change and financially planning around this, as well as what UK agriculture can learn from the efficiencies of an unsupported agricultural industry as financial support for farming diminishes in the UK.
Cammy is also keen to find out more about the large-scale farming businesses beyond cattle ranching including watermelons, cotton and laying hens, particularly with egg production being a part of their own farming enterprise in Fife.
Zach Reilly, an agronomist at Scottish Agronomy, which offers independent advice to Scottish growers, is the final recipient. He will use the bursary to contribute towards the Worshipful Company of Farmers’ Advanced Course in Agricultural Business Management, which will help him develop his management, leadership and professional skills and build a strong network across UK agriculture and beyond. This course is highly regarded for developing leaders in UK agriculture and the skills that benefit participants personally, for their business and for wider UK agriculture.
The award was open to all members and staff up to the age of 30. Each of the recipients will share their learnings at the Scottish Agronomy Annual Conference in February 2026.
“I’m really excited about the opportunities this bursary is providing,” says George Lawrie, who has been involved with Scottish Agronomy for over 30 years, as a member originally and in official roles, most recently as Company Secretary. “I have always been passionate about giving young folk a chance to progress up the ladder and these will be incredible experiences for Cammy, James and Zach that will make a real impression on them and guide their future thinking. I’m looking forward to hearing what they gain from the different experiences.”
Scottish Agronomy is a farmer-owned membership cooperative offering independent agronomy advice to arable farmers across Scotland, based on its leading research over 30,000 trials plots. These provide field-based evidence on varieties, inputs and management techniques. Its 10-strong board is led by Chair Guy Lee, who farms at Sandystones in the Scottish Borders.