Meat exhibition marked by export optimism

Beef: Robbie Galloway confident Scotch beef will survive Brexit

A confident note that a way would be found to continue the export of Scotch beef to EU countries after Brexit was struck by Robbie Galloway, managing director of leading meat processors JW Galloway Ltd, at the Scottish National Meat Exhibition.

Welcoming a group of customers from Italy, who are regular visitors to the event, Mr Galloway admitted Brexit was creating a great deal of uncertainty but he was confident that it would create opportunities and that Scottish meat companies would continue to export to the Continent.

“Italy and other EU countries want Scotch beef and lamb and where there is a willingness to find a way, it will be found and we will keep exporting,” Mr Galloway said.

Latest figures show that UK beef exports in the nine months to September are up by 11.4% compared with the same period last year, with 90% going to EU countries.

Mr Galloway said more collaboration within the supply chain between producer and retailer would be required to ensure a sustainable future for the industry.

Similar views were expressed by Steve McLean, agricultural manager with Marks and Spencer, who sponsored the meat exhibition and is Scotbeef’s main customer.

Mr McLean said he had already had meetings with NFU Scotland to discuss future agricultural policy post-Brexit.

“We look forward to our 54 year relationship with Scotbeef and Scottish beef and lamb producers continuing in the future,” he said.

Champion in an outstanding show of carcases was a 379.8kg home-bred Charolais x Limousin cross heifer, by Carradale Glenlivet, from James Hunter, and his son, Derek, of Luckenburn Farm, Slamannan, Falkirk.

The Hunters are regular exhibitors at the show but this was championship success.

The exhibitor of both the champion and reserve last year, Euan Fettes, Braes of Enzie, Buckie, came close to repeating his championship success but had to be content with the runners-up award with an Orkney-bred 369.2kg steer which also won the Aberdeen-Angus championship.

The award for best pure-bred Aberdeen-Angus went to a steer consigned by CR Graham and Sons, Carruthers Farm, Lockerbie, while the trophy for best carcase suitable for the Italian market was won by Gavin and John David, Harvies Mailing Farm, Denny, with a home-bred Charolais x Limousin cross steer.

Both the champion lamb and reserve were Beltex from R Hall and Son, Inglewood Edge, Dalston, Carlisle.

The Blackface carcase section was led by a 17.7kg lamb by a Dal sire from Tommy Macpherson, Pitsundry, their first Bankfoot, Perthshire. The lamb was bred by Gordon Stewart, Tombreck, Lawers.

The award for the beef supplier of the year was won by JR Graham Ltd, Raecruik, Ladybank, while Robin Graham won the young producers award.

The Aberdeen-Angus beef finishing competition was won by Sandy Jack. Other awards for lambs: Suffolk – JW Paul and Sons, Ballingall Mill Farm, Leslie, Glenrothes; res – Andrew Morton, Lochend Farm, Denny, Stirling.

Cheviot –H M Sutherland, Drummuie Farm, Golspie; res – WA Mackinnon, West Dron, Bridge of Earn. Export lamb – Andrew Morton. Young Livestock Producer (beef) Senior – Ms J Mackinnon. Junior – Lucy Simmers, Backmuir, Keith Young livestock producer (lamb) Senior – H Gordon, Clochnahill, Stonehaven. Junior – Kirsty Morton.

The champion Blackface carcase was won by Tommy Macpherson, Pitsundry, Bankfoot. Stuart Henderson and Anna Playfair-Hannay of M&S presented the award.