For the second year in a row, National Farmers’ Union Scotland members are being given the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the prestigious Oxford Farming Conference in January.
The conference, which is a cornerstone of the British agricultural calendar, takes place at Oxford University next year on January 3 and 4.
The competition is open to all NFU Scotland members and will see two winners have their travel, accommodation and scholar conference ticket paid for by NFU Scotland. The pair will attend the conference alongside a member of the union’s policy team.
In return, the winners are asked to write a short piece for its membership magazine, the Scottish Farming Leader, about their experience.
They will also get the opportunity to attend regional meetings to share information learned at the conference.
How to enter
To enter, write a short letter (maximum 300 words) or a one-minute video, outlining where and how you farm – or would like to farm – and what this opportunity would mean for you.
All entries should be sent to policy manager Jenny Brunton by August 31 at: [email protected].
Entries will be reviewed by NFU Scotland’s presidential team and the winner will be notified in October.
You must be a member of NFUS to enter.
‘You’ll leave with ideas flying around in your head’
Last year, the union ran a similar competition to send two young farmers to the Oxford Farming Conference – with Jen Craig and Ben McClymont being successful.
Jen Craig said: “I would advise anyone to apply to go to the Oxford Farming Conference for so many reasons. The people that you meet and the speakers are incredible.
“The whole experience was one that I will never forget. You will leave with ideas flying around in your head, your opinions will be challenged but most of all you will gain a whole new enthusiasm for the future of your own business and our industry as a whole and what kind of role you want to play in that.”
NFU Scotland vice president Gary Mitchell, who attended the Oxford event in 2018, said: “Having seen the great experience Ben and Jen had at last year’s conference, I can confidently say that this a fantastic opportunity to hear what others are doing, share ideas and to help shape the future of Scottish agriculture.
The conference has some of the most innovative and inspiring speakers in agriculture and this competition is an incredible opportunity for any enthusiastic member who is keen to learn more about the industry.
“Following on from the plethora of high quality and interesting entrants to last year’s competition, I am excited to see what is entered this year.”
