The finalists for the AgriScot Scotch Beef and Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year were announced today, 18 January, with all sharing a common enthusiasm to improve productivity and efficiency.
The awards, sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors and supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), set out to reward Scottish farms which exemplify high standards in beef and sheep production.
QMS Chair, Kate Rowell, said that the finalists all demonstrated a passion to produce high quality, sustainable Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI.
“I’m always impressed by the calibre of applicants for both AgriScot awards and it was not an easy task to determine which farms go through to the next stage of judging. I’m delighted to announce the finalists for the Scotch Beef Farm of the Year award are Durie Farms in Fife, run by Douglas Christie; Adziel in Aberdeenshire, run by James, Irene and Gillian Fowlie; and, Drumbreddan Farm run by Daniel and Lamont Hair.
“The Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year award finalists are Swinside Townfoot, run by Peter Hedley in Jedburgh; Saughland Farm, run by Farm Manager, Peter Eccles, and flock manager Owen Gray in Pathhead; and, Attonburn Farm, run by Robert and Becca Rennie in Yetholm.”
The aim of the AgriScot Scotch Beef and Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year awards is to raise the profile of the dedication and stock management skills behind the production of Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI.
The assessors for the sheep award this year are Kate Rowell (QMS), Hamish Dykes (AgriScot) and Kevin Stewart (2019 Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year recipient). With the beef award being judged by Bruce McConachie (QMS), Robert Neill (Chair of AgriScot) and Alistair Kingan (2019 Scotch Beef Farm of the Year recipient).
Over the last month, the assessors visited the finalists’ farms to learn more about each business and decide which will take home the titles at the awards ceremony on 9 February 2022 which will be streamed live on the AgriScot website”.
AgriScot Chairman, Robert Neill, said: “It is important that AgriScot showcases and rewards quality beef and sheep production in Scotland, and celebrate the people behind it, and we are delighted to recognise these finalists.”
As well as evidence of a high standard of technical and financial performance, those assessing the farms looked for evidence of the uptake of new ideas to improve efficiency and profitability and whether the businesses had an eye on the market for the end product.
Kenneth Mackay, a partner in the Land and Rural Business team Thorntons Solicitors said: “We are proud to be sponsors of both the Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year and Scotch Beef Farm of the Year awards. AgriScot is keen to recognise all elements of the agricultural sector and we are delighted to be able to help them achieve that goal.”
As well as receiving the coveted title, the recipients will receive a £500 cheque as well as a £250 voucher to celebrate their success at a Scotch Beef Club restaurant. The club, run by QMS, has around 150 members committed to serving top quality Scotch Beef PGI.
For more information about the awards, or to look back on past recipients, head to the QMS website www.qmscotland.co.uk.