Written by Rachel Martin
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is calling for nominations for two prestigious Scottish livestock farming awards – AgriScot Scotch Beef Farmer of the Year and AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year.
The AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year and AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year awards set out to find and reward Scottish farms which exemplify the best in beef cattle and sheep production.
The competition is sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors and supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
Husband and wife team Neil and Debbie McGowan who farm at Incheoch, near Alyth, won the Agriscot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year in 2018.
“Farmers have the tendency to chip away quietly in the background and these awards are a great way to promote the efforts of farmers in Scotland and build confidence in our red meat industry,” said Neil McGowan.
These sentiments were echoed by Niall and Angus Jeffrey, the father and son team (pictured top) who were awarded the 2018 AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year.
“We were really flattered to be nominated, but to win was a surprise,” said Niall Jeffrey. “If you’re passionate about the Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb industry I would strongly encourage any livestock farmers to throw their hat in the ring and apply.”
The recipients of both awards will each receive a £500 cheque, plus a £250 voucher to celebrate their success 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, November 20.
Robert Neill, AgriScot chairman encouraged beef and sheep farmers across Scotland to nominate someone they know or apply themselves for either award.
He said: “We need to make sure that the great achievements by sheep and beef farmers in this industry are recognised and promoted to the wider public. By nominating yourself, or someone you know, you can help promote livestock farming in Scotland.”
Sarah Millar, director of industry development with QMS, said the organisation is delighted to support the award.
She said: “These awards are a fantastic opportunity to champion excellence in the Scottish red meat industry and recognise the commitment and passion producers have in producing top quality Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI.”
Entries are welcome from all different livestock enterprises across Scotland who can demonstrate excellent stock management skill coupled with enthusiasm and focus in providing efficient, profitable production of Scotch Beef and Lamb.
Farmers can either apply themselves, or nominate other beef or sheep producers.
Those who supply services or products to the industry, from vets to feed manufacturers, as well as the others involved in the production chain such as processors, hauliers and auction markets are also encouraged to nominate livestock farms which are examples of excellence in the industry.
To nominate a farm for either award, email the details of the sheep and beef farms which you feel are doing a great job producing Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb to: [email protected].
Applications forms are also available to download at on the QMS website.
The post QMS calls for nominations for 2 major Scottish farming awards appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.
Continue reading on the Agriland Website...
