Latest Press Releases

Lanarkshire-based butcher S Collins & Son, has been crowned Butcher Shop of the Year, fending off stiff competition from across the UK, to take home the prestigious national title. The Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards took place at the Farm Shop and Deli Show in...

This spring, the Health and Education Team at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) will be back out on the road for the first time in two years, attending and supporting a series of educational events across Scotland to inform the next generation on the red meat food journey,...

Since being crowned Scottish Junior Chef of the Year 2021 almost six months ago, Fraser Cameron, of The Globe Inn in Dumfries, has been busy sharpening his skills in the kitchens of some of London’s finest dining establishments. Back in October 2021, the best of...

In celebration of spring, the Ballater Business Association (BBA) and Braemar Tourism Group (BTG) have launched the East Cairngorms Wildlife and Nature Trail as part of their Imagine More campaign to encourage visitors to immerse themselves in nature and nurture their...

A collaborative project involving two Scottish farming co-operatives is seeking to mitigate the spread of plant parasitic nematodes in daffodils and potatoes. Backed in Scotland by Grampian Growers and Scottish Agronomy alongside the James Hutton Institute, Harper...

As travellers look for nature-based, sustainable holidays again this year, Scotland’s customised travel experts, Spirit Journeys, introduce three self-guided cycling holidays on some of Scotland’s less biked routes. Spirit Journeys Worldwide has a strong focus on...

After the 2021 season, when following xarvio’s disease and spray window alerts would have further optimised the fungicide programme, Yorkshire grower, Pat Thornton, is turning to the decision support tool to help optimise his 2022 T1 timings. “Last year, I walked the...

In line with changing consumer trends and building upon recent and highly successful digital marketing campaigns, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS)’s ‘Farm Kid Diaries’ are set to return for a third season after an exciting new makeover. Relaunched as ‘The Scotch Farm...

After slipping back in February at Scottish auctions, finished hogg prices recovered through March and opened April at their highest level since the festive period, according to the latest market commentary from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). In the week to April 6th,...

Velcourt Group Ltd has invested in Oakbank Game & Conservation Ltd and will own 50% of the company. The regenerative farming, habitat and woodland management consultancy and seed company, founded by Directors Ian Gould (pictured above) and Tim Furbank, is...

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal yesterday (31 March 2022) officially opened Dunbia Highland Meats’ upgraded abattoir and cutting facility in Saltcoats. The visit provided the rare opportunity for The Princess Royal to see first-hand the high standards,...

Show revellers will be welcomed through the gates for the return of Turriff Show, on Sunday 30th July and Monday 1st August 2022. The event has become renowned throughout the UK as a vibrant show that celebrates the best of the region’s farming, food and heritage....

Congress community came together for a second day of science, experience and discussion. While there were many highlights throughout the day, organisers had to use an overflow room at Manchester Central to accommodate the volume of delegates wanting to watch pain...

British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) welcomed veterinary professionals from across the UK and beyond when it threw open the doors at Manchester Central this morning. The organisation’s commitment to its community permeated the event, with wellbeing...

The enterprising potato farming family behind Stirfresh has created a range of fresh no-fuss mash available to buy direct from their farm on Scotland's East Coast. This spring, the Stirlings at Upper Dysart Farm near Montrose are launching a series of nourishing,...

Organisers of LEAF Open Farm Sunday, Linking Environment And Farming, are encouraging farmers to plant their cotton ‘pants’ now to demonstrate to visitors in June the importance of soil management in agriculture, and the role of microorganisms in maintaining its...

Scottish Agronomy, Scotland’s leading independent agronomy advisory service, has announced the appointment of two new members to its board. Amy Geddes is a fourth-generation farmer at Wester Braikie Farms near Arbroath. With 320ha of potatoes, barley, winter oilseed...

From seeds to baguettes, breeding, growing, milling and exports, 25 growers will have the chance to win a trip to France this November to learn more about the nation’s wheat production, R&D and plant breeding. The trip will commence in Paris where the group will...

The Scottish red meat industry will be showcasing Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork at one of Europe’s leading fine food fairs, Tavola, next week (20th-22nd March). Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) will also be attending SIAL America 2022 in Las...

The Health and Education Team at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has built a new toolkit to inspire greater consumer understanding of red meat production in Scotland. This hub of over fifteen teaching resources has been instigated in part by discussions with schools,...

QMS' Chief Economist, Stuart Ashworth, will retire from Scotland’s red meat levy board at the end of March 2022. For nearly 20 years, Stuart has led QMS’ economics team, analysing markets and policy impacts - from developments in agricultural policy to world trade and...

After two years of market volatility caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, some may have hoped for a quieter 2022, characterised by greater certainty.  However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February has led to renewed market turbulence across the red...

Attracting submissions from across the industry, BSAVA’s Abstract Sessions at Congress, puts the very latest research centre stage. Over 50 abstracts have been shortlisted and presentations will take place across the three event days of 24th – 26th March 2022. Prizes...

Sheep farmers are being urged to prioritise nutrition ahead of lambing, to increase flock productivity and reduce lamb losses. SAC Consulting held three webinars in the run up to the lambing season, featuring advice and experiences from farmers, specialists, and vets...

The Royal Agricultural Society of England’s report Farm of the Future: Journey to Net Zero was launched today, 8th March, at the Low Carbon Agricultural Show. The report follows a COP26 policy brief that was published by the organisation in October 2021. The Farm of...

As series six of the hot time-travel drama, Outlander, hits our screens this month, Scotland’s bespoke travel operator, Spirit Journeys, celebrates with five Outlander tours around Scotland.The popular guided trips, which have been running for five years, combine...

Two successful young Scottish butchers are fronting a campaign to encourage young people across the nation to join the profession and learn a craft that blends traditional skills with cutting-edge technologies and business know-how. As part of Scottish Apprenticeship...

The review of the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Cattle & Sheep Scheme Standards has been completed and the updated 2022 Standards, which have been approved by the QMS Board, become effective from 1 April 2022. Key changes include a new environmental section,...

As travellers look for nature-based, sustainable holidays again this year, Scotland’s customised travel experts, Spirit Journeys, introduce three self-guided cycling holidays on some of Scotland’s less biked routes. Spirit Journeys Worldwide has a strong focus on...

Popular Netflix series, The Crown, has boosted visitor numbers to Scotland’s East Cairngorms, the home to the royal family’s Scottish seat, Balmoral Castle, according to local tourism guides. Ballater Business Association (BBA) and Braemar Tourism Group (BTG) has...

A very special ‘hot tent’ experience with Highland ponies is being introduced in Scotland’s Cairngorms by mountain experts, Scot Mountain Holidays. The 4-night, 4-day wild camping trip brings a hike through remote landscapes together with the comfort of a ‘hot’ Nordic...

Ex-forces and career changers are being targeted in a bold new programme to skill up the fresh produce sector. Kickstarted by a £450,000 Government grant for flexi-apprenticeships, the renowned food supply chain training provider, MDS, is using the funding to create a...

The recipient of the prestigious AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year award was announced on Wednesday 9 February. The accolade, which is managed by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors, was awarded to Saughland farm, run by Farm...

The recipient of the prestigious AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year award was announced on Wednesday 9 February. The accolade, which is managed by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors, was awarded to Drumbreddan Farm in Ardwell,...

A new cooking guide has been launched by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, to support customers to confidently choose and cook with different cuts of Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork. The 2022 edition of...

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) welcomes the announcement that Quality Pork Processers Ltd has been acquired by Browns Food Group.  The acquisition will provide the platform to build a stronger future for the Scottish pig industry. The meat manufacturer, Browns, which...

The profound and lasting impact of the Monitor Farm programme on farm businesses and communities has been celebrated with the launch of the ‘Legacy Project Impact Report’. The report provides a snapshot of each of the legacy farms and highlights the key changes they...

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has appointed Sarah Millar as its new Chief Executive. Sarah is currently Director of Market Intelligence and External Affairs at QMS and with immediate effect becomes Chief Executive Designate and will take over the reins as Chief...

The eastern side of the Cairngorms National Park— home to Ballater, Braemar and Royal Deeside — is attracting a wave of creative chefs, chocolatiers, and micro-brewers whose fresh and landscape-inspired ideas have transformed this historic area into a dynamic dining...

Pressure to optimise crop nutrition is growing.  Rising prices makes nutrient losses through run off, volatisation and nitrate leaching not just harmful to the environment, but increasingly damaging to the bottom line. Richard Orr, Monitor Farmer in Northern Ireland,...

Tickets to Europe’s largest small animal veterinary event have gone on sale, with early bird discounts for those that register before 17th February 2022. With a new structure to the programme, free practicals for onsite delegates, immersive “a day in the life of…”...

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...

Known as the record-beating sailor who solo-circumnavigated the world, Dame Ellen MacArthur is now making waves with her charitable work centred on the circular economy. Speaking to delegates on the final day of the 2022 Oxford Farming Conference (OFC), Dame Ellen...

On the opening day of the Oxford Farming Conference, agricultural ministers from England, Northern Ireland and Wales shared their different visions for future agricultural policy and how new support payments can help achieve climate targets. Secretary of State for...

In a bid to tackle Scotland’s obesity epidemic and educate the next generation of consumers, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has delivered 322 ‘meat vouchers’ to schools across Scotland, a figure which tops that of previous years. The QMS Meat Voucher Scheme is an...

Two timely reports focused on quantifying, qualifying and ensuring good governance in the trading of natural capital and carbon, were launched today, 5 January, at the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC). The two-part report, commissioned and funded by the WWF and Tesco...

As details of the new programme, including the five Learning Zones, module titles and sessions, go online, BSAVA reveals the full extent of the programme’s shakeup. Manchester Central, the event’s new venue, facilitated the move away from long format lectures. ...

To raise industry confidence in the lead up to January, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), has released the second edition of its toolkit ‘Having positive conversations about red meat’ in collaboration with AHDB and HCC. The pack of materials, which includes downloadable...

A focus on adventure tourism is making the East Cairngorms one of the most popular destinations in the UK for mountain biking. The adventure tourism community’s best-kept secret, the area has seen a surge in people of all abilities, due to the surge in e-bike sales,...

Unusually there was agreement between an AHDB Monitor Farmer, an agribusiness consultant and the Defra Deputy Director of Policy, Engagement and Strategy Jonathan Baker, Countryside Stewardship Schemes can hedge against the loss of BPS. The Northampton Monitor Farm...

The Scottish Machinery Rings Association (SMRA) has once again supported thousands of farmers and rural businesses through a successful harvest season, despite energy and labour hardships. The nine-strong rings that make up SMRA collectively represent over 7250 member...

Agrifood technology start-ups involved in the Farm491 incubation hub are beginning to think very differently about the products and service models for the future of agriculture as a result of input from a highly disruptive entrepreneur. Ben Jones and a close-knit...

By Michelle Nuttall, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager Given soaring fertiliser prices and tightening regulations, it was timely to host a practical webinar on how to make the most of muck. At £451/ha in saved fertiliser cost for every 40t of cattle muck applied, the...

After nearly 40 years of trading in a small corner shop in Fraserburgh, I.J McIntosh Butcher has made the move to a new custom-built eco-friendly premises in a bid to expand and future proof the business. The new shop, which was opened on Friday 12 November and will...

Hacks for showstopping cooking with Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork will be at the heart of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS)’s 2021 Christmas campaign which is set to reach over 75% of the UK population through TV, digital and billboard...

Capitalising on the messages from COP26, Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS) Health & Education team has launched Mission Sustain, a game designed to encourage young people to engage in discussion around sustainability in Scottish farming. The free interactive resource...

Scotch Lamb PGI is set to take centre stage this St Andrew’s Day with the red meat industry coming together to promote the consumption of lamb during the patron saint’s day.  Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), alongside the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), the...

Eighteen progressive people from the agrifood industry have been awarded fully funded places to attend the Oxford Farming Conference which runs from 5 - 7 January 2022. The ‘Inspire’ programme targeted at 30 - 45 year olds replaces the Emerging Leaders initiative...

Join BASF and KWS in Britain’s first farming bake off BASF and KWS have accepted a grower’s challenge and so the first British Farming Bake Off begins on 1st November with the two companies donating to Fareshare.  Fareshare, fights hunger and poverty in the UK and...

The Oxford Farming Conference’s (OFC) Bitesize series provides a platform for vibrant discussion on the biggest issues facing the agricultural industry. The more recent bitesize, held in partnership with the Institute for Agriculture Management (IAgrM), focused on the...

Organisers of the mental health fundraiser, Run1000, are looking to set a new record in January 2022, when the initiative will return for the battle of the nations across the UK and, for the first time, New Zealand. Launched in 2021 by founder Sheena Horner, who...

Scotland’s red meat industry has united to deliver an unprecedented amount of lamb to school children across Scotland this St Andrew’s Day. In the penultimate week for donations, the Lamb Bank has received a 300kg boost from meat processors and packers, Woodhead...

“The Government should be signing deals that position us as strategic exporters rather than importers undermining our own producers. It should be investing cleverly to safeguard and strengthen our agri-food production in order to support the industry to boost...

Sue Martyn of Hornacott Barton Farm has been appointed President of the Border Leicester Sheep Society, following previous marketing and convenor roles within the council. Based in Cornwall and having dedicated 34 years to the breed, Sue currently has 25 Border...

BSAVA has announced that their annual Congress will be held as a hybrid event for 2022. The live event is due to be held on Thursday 24th March – Saturday 26th March in Manchester, with the opportunity for delegates to also attend online through an interactive virtual...

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has launched its programme for the 2022 event which will return to the Examination Halls at Oxford University in January, with tickets now on sale. The Conference, which takes place from Wednesday 5th to Friday 7th January 2022,...

Farm491, part of the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), is set to host a series of three webinars exploring the current policy landscape, market trends, and challenges within UK agriculture. Over the coming weeks, leading academics will delve into their specialist...

Listeners of BASF’s latest podcast, ‘Strong against weeds together’, hear industry-leaders discuss their hopes and fears around weed control, IPM and resistance management. Cereal herbicide campaign manager at BASF, Ali Richards, hosts the first episode where NIAB’s...

In the latest ‘Perfecting Potatoes Together’ podcast guests, Meg Edmonds from Eurofins Agroscience Services Ltd and Paul Goddard from BASF, discuss the take-home messages from one of the UK’s toughest and comprehensive late blight trials. With catchy weather, shifting...

In the lead up to COP26, the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) welcomed an international panel and audience at its recent Bitesize webinar ‘Farming on the Frontline of Climate Change’. The event focused on the practices that farmers are using to not only combat the...

With susceptible crops, irrigated and inoculated with the most virulent strains, Eurofins is one of the toughest tests for crop protection products. BASF’s portfolio of fungicides, however, rose to the challenge with its existing products, Enervin SC and Percos, both...

Three diverse and highly accomplished entrepreneurs have joined Farm491 as business advisors to the incubation hub’s start-up companies. The trio are, serial entrepreneur, Ben Jones, co-founder of the snack-maker, Graze and Tails, a bespoke, subscription-based dog...

Innovative livestock farmers, the Scott Family of Fearn Farm, Ross-Shire successfully hosted their tenth “Great from Grass” breeding sheep sale on Friday 27th August 2021. The sale which included a range of Aberfield, Texel, Beltex, Sufftex and, NZ Suffolk rams and...

A young butcher from Fochabers has successfully completed the prestigious Craft Butcher Diploma of Scotland after the new partnership between Quality Meat Scotland and the Scottish Craft Butchers enabled him to overcome the financial barriers associated with further...

After five years as part of the innovative UK wide pilot project, RamCompare, Bowhill Estate Farm Manager, Sion Williams, believes that the programme has helped close the gap between commercial and pedigree producers. Launched in 2015, RamCompare is the UK’s...

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is relaunching their Sustainable Red Meat Action and Young Producer Groups with a series of free on-farm events. Members of the groups are invited to attend the introductory meetings, with a small number of places still available, which...

The Monitor Farm initiative has pioneered new ways of working, experimented with new ideas and, most importantly, measured the inputs and outputs of host farms to improve their productivity and profitability. Reflecting on the lasting impact of the programme is the...

Responsible tourism is at the heart of a new initiative to deepen the understanding of crofting during the holiday period. The Crofting Commission have produced an informative leaflet to educate visitors about crofting and encouraging them to be considerate of the...

Growers and agronomists took refuge from the heatwave earlier this month and logged on to the BASF’s Virtual Farm to explore newly uploaded virtual trials, watch live webinars and explore the site’s new look. Throughout ‘Digital Demo Week’, BASF showcased a wide range...

Over the past 10 years, Scotland’s livestock marts and red meat sector has been promoting Scotch Lamb as the meat to eat to celebrate St Andrew’s Day on 30 November. In a bold move to supply free lamb to as many Scottish schools as possible during St Andrew’s week,...

Examining whether family farms are fit for the future, panellists at the recent Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Bitesize webinar on Thursday 5 August explored their routes to resilience. The session, which was held in partnership with Nuffield Farming Scholarships, is...

Innovative livestock farmers, the Scott family of Fearn Farm, Ross-Shire, are set to hold their annual “Great from Grass” breeding sheep sale on Friday 27th August. Up for auction will be 160 rams, 350 gimmers and a larger than usual selection of Aberfield rams, with...

A tenancy termination by the Crofting Commission on the Isle of Colonsay paved the way for new entrants Lizzie & Darragh Keenaghan to bring a croft back into purposeful use. In less than two years, The Wee Croft has, and continues to, positively contribute to the...

Alternaria used to be a minor disease. But for some potato crops in the UK, it's now a significant threat that can cause substantial yield loss.  According to guests of the latest ‘Perfecting Potatoes Together’ podcast, the likelihood of infection has risen sharply in...

Based in Laurencekirk in the North East of Scotland, Ringlink Services has been delivering training for over twenty-five years to an extremely diverse customer base throughout Scotland and the wider UK. Training remains one of the most crucial elements in maintaining...

The Crofting Commission has seen a welcome expansion to establish a crofting community-focused Crofting Development Team. The new team transforms the way the Commission can support and engage with crofters and the location of the two new officers within the Western...

During last year’s enforced lockdown people became interested in making things again. The rise in sales of crafting materials rose dramatically, with Hobbycraft, John Lewis, as well as independent stores citing drastic increases in demand. With a 200% increase in...

Following on from the success of last year’s ‘Bitesize’ webinars, the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has announced their return in 2021 with a series of four starting on Thursday 5 August. The Bitesize webinars will complement the return of the conference, hosted in...

Agritourism alongside Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb are at the heart of a new campaign to capitalise on the rising staycation market this summer and, ultimately, deepen the understanding of what buying Scotch really means. With a recent report identifying that over...