Myrica MacIntyre, who works as an assistant land agent for Lancashire-based Acland Bracewell Surveyors, scored 78.77% in the rigorous CAAV exams, qualifying her to use the highly respected FAAV initials after her name.
“This really is an incredible achievement, as these professional exams are enormously challenging, covering the range of agricultural and rural valuation scenarios that members are likely to face in practice,” says Jeremy Moody, Secretary and Adviser to the CAAV.

Camilla Shipley claimed the second-place prize

Miss Macintyre, who graduated from the Royal Agricultural University, was delighted to win the award. “It feels great – it means a lot to become a Fellow. Using the FAAV mark is an extra bit of recognition and I’d definitely recommend everyone involved in rural valuation to do the exams,” she says.

In her day-to-day job Miss Macintyre manages a diverse rural estate, which includes let farmland, commercial and residential property, planning and project development. “It’s very varied work – I get involved with all sorts of things and have garnered a broad knowledge of agriculture, property and law,” she says. “You can be involved in such a wide variety of projects and really choose your own direction, tailored to what you are passionate about.”

The two-day examinations are held annually in November and include practical, written and oral elements. In a typical year, only about 40-50% of those who sit the exams achieve the required 65% pass mark, ensuring the highest standards are maintained. “Becoming a Fellow of the CAAV is to achieve the highest echelon of qualification in the rural and agricultural valuation profession,” explains Mr Moody. “The FAAV mark also gives clients the comfort of knowing they are employing the very best valuation agent possible.”

Claiming the second-placed prize, with a score of 77.03%, is Camilla Shipley, who works as an agricultural surveyor for Pygott and Crone in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. “I only graduated in July 2014 and worked with the firm during University holidays before starting full-time after graduation,” she says. “I work in general practice, dealing with all aspects of rural work: Selling farms, managing properties and valuation – no two days are the same.”

Miss Shipley reckons working as a rural valuer offers the best of both worlds: “You’re outdoors but you also have a professional office job,” she says. “It’s a privilege to be able to use the FAAV mark; I hope it will help to progress my career and that I’ll be a good ambassador for the CAAV.”

The Talbot Ponsonby award will be presented by the RASE at the CAAV AGM on Friday, 24th June at Alton Towers Hotel – the morning after the EU Referendum vote. Media are welcome to attend the day, which includes a range of external and CAAV speakers covering hot topics in the industry.

Topics include:

-    Reaction to the EU Referendum vote

-    The state of the cereals market

-    The energy sector

-    Managing an arable farm business

-    Managing farm assets to best effect

-    Business management

as well as updates on matters such as BPS, compulsory purchase, the new rules for landowners on phone masts and cables and taxation.

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