Applications open for Fordyce Maxwell Award

_{Fordyce Maxwell was a Scotsman journalist and a staple in the farming industry}

Students and alumni of SRUC, who have been publicly spreading the word about agriculture, are invited to apply for the annual Fordyce Maxwell Award for Agricultural Communications. 

Established last year in memory of the late Scotsman journalist, the award recognises those who actively spread the word about agriculture through written articles, social media content for a business, podcasts, Vblogs, public events, or any other form of communication.   

Fordyce was a staple in the farming industry, with a 50-year career spent reporting on topical issues which affected the country, most notably his industry-leading reporting of the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001. 

The inaugural award was won by trainee auctioneer John McCulloch, a former student of SRUC.  

John, from Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, won for his “dedication and focus in promoting Scottish agriculture through written and video communication”, particularly in his work to promote the sustainable credentials of the Scottish beef industry. 

Tom Maxwell, Fordyce's son and Chief Communications Officer at SRUC, said: "I know my dad would be extremely proud that this brilliant award carries his name and we look forward to seeing more strong entries for the title this year."

Applications for this year’s award close on 22 April, with the winner announced at the Royal Highland Show in June. 

As well as a trophy, the winner will receive a voucher and a copy of When Trees Were Green, a posthumous collection of Fordyce’s articles.  

To apply, visit: www.sruc.ac.uk/Fordyce or to request a paper copy contact: craig.davidson@sruc.ac.uk. 

Posted by SRUC on 05/04/2024