Jim Shanks recognised with SRUC Alumni Entrepreneur Award
Pioneering farmer Jim Shanks has been recognised for his innovative approach to sustainable agriculture after winning an SRUC Alumni Entrepreneur Network Award for Environmental Sustainability.
The annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements, innovation and impact of former SRUC students who are shaping the future through enterprise, sustainability and leadership across a wide range of industries.
Jim, of Standhill Farm in Hawick, received the award for developing a pioneering circular farming system that transforms farm waste into renewable energy, sustainable food production and valuable organic fertiliser. By integrating anaerobic digestion, renewable heat and power, sustainable glasshouse production and efficient resource use, his business has demonstrated how environmental sustainability and commercial success can go hand in hand.
Jim received his award at SRUC's graduation ceremony at Bute Hall on Tuesday 26 August, alongside fellow 2026 Alumni Entrepreneur Network Award winner Rory Christie.
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “Our Alumni Entrepreneur Network Awards celebrate graduates who are making an exceptional contribution to their industries and communities through innovation, leadership and enterprise. This year’s Environmental Sustainability winner, Jim Shanks, is a powerful example of the impact our alumni are having. His pioneering circular farming system, which transforms farm waste into renewable energy, sustainable food production and organic fertiliser, demonstrates how innovative sustainable solutions can deliver benefits for agriculture, the environment and society while remaining commercially viable.
“Stories like Jim’s are exactly why these awards matter. By recognising the achievements of our alumni, we encourage the sharing of knowledge and experience across our network while inspiring current and future SRUC students to pursue their own entrepreneurial ambitions and help shape the future of our natural economies.”
The 2026 winners showcase the breadth of entrepreneurial talent across the SRUC alumni community.
The Innovation Award was presented to Rory Christie of Dourie Farming Company Ltd for leading pioneering work to accelerate the genetic improvement of dairy herds through an innovative focus on the maternal line. Working collaboratively with researchers, he has successfully translated research into practical, commercially relevant innovations with the potential to benefit both the dairy and beef sectors.
The Diversification Award was presented to Quintin Stevens of The Storehouse for successfully transforming the family farming business into a thriving hospitality, retail, food manufacturing and farm café enterprise. His entrepreneurial vision has created sustainable new income streams while maintaining strong links with local agriculture and supporting employment in the local area.
The New Entrant Award was presented to Stuart Mitchell of R Mitchell & Sons, who transformed an on-farm engineering solution into a successful farm equipment fabrication business. His innovative products have already demonstrated strong commercial success while addressing practical challenges faced by farmers.
The Alumni Champion Award was presented to John Scott of Fearn Farm in recognition of his exceptional contribution to Scottish agriculture through industry leadership, mentoring and his work as founding Chair of Farmstrong Scotland, championing the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and their families.
The SRUC Alumni Entrepreneur Network Awards celebrate graduates who are driving innovation, sustainability and enterprise while making a lasting contribution to their sectors and communities.
As an SRUC graduate, you’re part of our alumni community for life. Stay connected to hear about job opportunities, events, careers support and alumni news, while keeping in touch with friends and the wider SRUC network. By staying connected with our alumni community, graduates continue to play an important role in supporting SRUC’s mission to shape the future of natural economies through learning, research and innovation. Sign up on the Alumni page.
Posted by SRUC on 27/08/2026
