Cupar sheep farmer in final of Agriscot competition–

Competition: Judges are looking for the passion and enthusiasm of the sheep farmer

Fife sheep farmers Ian Whiteford and his family from Hill Tarvit Mains, Cupar, have reached the final of the Agriscot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year competition.

Other finalists for the prestigious award are Barnside Farm near Duns run by Charley and Andrea Walker and Titaboutie Farm, near Aboyne, run by Andrew Robertson.

The overall winner will be revealed on Wednesday November 15 at Agriscot and will receive a £500 cheque as well as a £250 voucher to celebrate their success at a Scotch Beef Club restaurant.

The aim of the award is to showcase excellence in sheep production in Scotland and the competition organisers say that while the trio of farming families represent quite different types of sheep enterprises, they share 100% dedication to producing first class, quality assured sheep and lambs.

The judging panel for the award consists of Agriscot board member Hamish Dykes, last year’s winner Graham Lofthouse and Heather Mccalman, Knowledge Transfer Specialist at QMS.

During their visits to the three farms the judges looked for evidence of a high standard of technical and financial performance, uptake of new ideas to improve efficiency/profitability, a high level of health and welfare and a keen eye on the market for the end product.

The judges were also looking to gauge

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All of the farmers who applied show dedication to their chosen specialisms and a focus on the market place

the passion and enthusiasm of the farmer, and family and staff where relevant, to efficiently produce high quality animals.

The finalists of the equivalent beef award come from Morayshire, Dumfries and Galloway and Lanarkshire.

The units are Pitgaveny Farm near Elgin, Birks Farm, near Carluke, and Castle Sinniness in Glenluce, Dumfries and Galloway, and the winner will be selected next week after the judges visit the farms.

Judges include Douglas Bell from QMS who said that he had been extremely impressed with the standard of the applications received this year and that shortlisting had been a challenge for all three judges.

He said: “It has been wonderful to hear from so many farming businesses across Scotland who are taking a real pride in what they do.

“Although the types of farms have been diverse, all of the farmers who applied show dedication to their chosen specialisms and a focus on the market place for the stock produced on the farm.”

Another of the judges, Agriscot board member Robert Neill, said it was important the event showcased the best of beef production in Scotland.

All farms producing cattle destined to be used for meat sold under the Scotch Beef label – from breeders through to finishers – were eligible to apply for the award and required to be members of QMS’S quality assurance scheme.