"One-of-a-kind” consultant in first female awards final

_{Janette Sutherland is a finalist in the Agricultural Advisor of the Year category}

A “one-of-a-kind” consultant from SRUC has been shortlisted as a finalist in the first ever National Women in Agriculture Awards.

Janette Sutherland, who has worked in the Portree office of SAC Consulting - part of SRUC, for nearly 20 years, was nominated for the Agricultural Advisor of the Year category.

The awards, which recognise and celebrate female talent in agriculture, aim to create a community and network of outstanding women who can become mentors and role models to the next generation.

In her work supporting farming and crofting businesses across Skye and throughout the North-West of Scotland, Janette has focused on succession planning, helping families to bring in the next generation.

She has also contributed to the development of guidance and supporting information, podcasts and videos for crofting businesses as well as working to raise awareness of the unique sustainable land management practice of Common Grazings.

In addition, she has done a lot of work in biodiversity, helping farms and crofts to bring corncrakes back to their land; supporting farmers to apply for environmental funding; and working with the Pearl Mussel Project, raising awareness of the links between freshwater pearl mussels in Ireland and Scotland and how they are connected to agricultural practices in high-nature value farming systems.

Vicky Mcdowell, Head of Agricultural Advisory at SAC Consulting, said: “Janette works daily to support both improved productivity and efficient processes and systems which enhance the successful growth of farming and crofting on Skye and wider across Scotland.

“She also finds time to be an active crofter herself, managing land and livestock on Skye.

“All in all, Janette deserves this award because she is one-of-a-kind, working tirelessly to improve and nurture the land she lives in, leading the way for the future of agriculture from the front, both personally and professionally.”

Janette said: “I am very honoured to have been shortlisted for this award.  I am very fortunate to have job that allows me to work with crofters and farmers to manage their crofts to both produce quality livestock and benefit wildlife.”

The National Women in Agriculture Awards will be held in the Members’ Dining Room of the House of Commons on 9 May.

For more information about the work of SAC Consulting, visit: www.sac.co.uk.

Posted by SRUC on 08/03/2024