Livestock sector is urged to nominate its top performers

Nominations opened this week for entries to find Scotland’s top beef and sheep farmers who exemplify the skills, dedication and innovation required to produce top-quality Scotch beef and lamb.

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), which helps organise the judging, said the Agriscot Scotch beef farm of the year and Agriscot Scottish sheep farm of the year awards helped raise the profile of the dedication and passion of the cattle and sheep farmers in Scotland who worked hard to produce top-quality products.

And the organisation is encouraging livestock farmers and others involved in the industry to nominate farms they feel are worthy of receiving the accolades this year.

The two winners will receive £500 plus a £250 voucher to celebrate at a restaurant in the Scotch Beef Club – the club run by QMS with members committed to serving top quality Scotch Beef. The awards will be presented at Agriscot at Ingliston on Wednesday 21 November.

Agriscot chairman Robert Neill said: “Our industry is about to face one of the biggest challenges it has ever seen – Brexit. It has therefore never been more important to promote what we do in Scotland so let’s shout from the hilltops about our industry. By entering these awards you can help promote livestock farming in Scotland.”

Douglas Bell, director of industry development with QMS, said the awards were a fantastic opportunity to champion the Scottish red meat industry and recognise the commitment and passion of producers.