Tiffany Stephenson wins prestigious SAC Consulting prize

_{Senior Agricultural Consultant Tiffany Stephenson.}

Senior Agricultural Consultant Tiffany Stephenson has two reasons to celebrate, securing the prestigious Elrick Prize and entering her sixth year as a key member of the SAC Consulting team. Tiffany was nominated for the accolade for her work promoting sustainable farming, as well as supporting clients and colleagues.

 

Based in St Boswells, Tiffany is the fourth winner of the Elrick Prize, which recognises the staff member at SAC Consulting, part of SRUC, who has done most to improve the sustainability of land use.

 

“I know the significance of winning this award and it was a lovely surprise,” she said. “It is a huge privilege, and I’m humbled to have been nominated.

 

“I’ve learnt a huge amount over the past five years, I know answers to questions now that I didn’t even know were questions. With experience comes confidence and I hope that’s helped me become a consultant that can effectively support clients and make a difference.”

 

Tiffany, who grew up on the family farm in Bonchester Bridge, Roxburghshire, studied Rural Business Management at SRUC.

 

But it was while on a ten-week SAC Consulting placement between third and fourth year that she was inspired to follow her career path.

 

“When I started at SAC Consulting in 2020, we were all working from home as a consequence of the pandemic. However, the placement I’d already done stood me in good stead, it gave me perspective and launched me on the consultancy path I’ve followed since.”

 

From the St Boswells office, Tiffany supports farmers across Berwickshire, covering east of Kelso to the coast and stretching to the Lammermuir Hills. She added, “I’m born and bred in the Borders, so it’s perfect for me. Consultancy is hugely varied, and that is the attraction, no two days are the same.

 

“Farmers are such knowledgeable people. I thoroughly enjoy working with them and guiding them on their journey. It is incredibly satisfying being able to make a difference and see the results. It is always a highlight being able to get out on farm, whether one on one or for a larger meeting.“

 

The Elrick Prize was first awarded in 2022 in memory of Senior Consultant, Gavin Elrick.

 

Gavin, who was part of SAC Consulting’s food and footprint team, helped Scottish agriculture become more sustainable by sharing his vast knowledge with farmers and crofters across the country. His untimely death in November 2020 came as a shock to colleagues and the wider rural community.

 

Andrew Bauer, Head of Food and Footprint, said: “Tiffany is a worthy winner of the prize, in part due to her willingness to embrace the challenge of helping to implement and support change.

 

“While agricultural sustainability is high on policy and corporate agendas, it can be a challenging space, especially when trying to positively influence and support already stretched farmers. Tiffany reflects the essence of Gavin’s approach to advisory work, supporting both clients and colleagues and making things happen on the ground.”

 

For more information about SAC Consulting, visit sac.co.uk.

Posted by SAC Consulting on 04/02/2025