Nominations open for Scottish livestock farming awards

The search is on to find beef and sheep farms around Scotland worthy of receiving one of two high profile awards.

The AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year and AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year awards are sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors and supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). Each year they set out to find, and reward, Scottish farms which showcase the best in beef cattle and sheep production.

These awards help to raise the profile of the dedication and passion of the cattle and sheep farmers in Scotland who work hard to produce top-quality Scotch Beef and Lamb, and the fantastic stock management skills the industry is renowned for.

The organisers of the awards are now encouraging livestock farmers and others involved in the industry to nominate farms which are of award-winning standard.

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 –run by QMS with members committed to serving top quality Scotch Beef. The awards will be presented at AgriScot in Ingliston on Wednesday 21st November.

Charley and Andrea Walker from Barnside Farm, near Duns were awarded AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year in November 2017.

“Getting the award was an unexpected surprise,” said Mr Walker. “To receive such a prestigious award as this was a great way to round off the farming year. In an industry like farming, where we can often work alone for large parts of the year, being recognised by others as doing a good job is a huge boost.”

Robert Neill, AgriScot Chairman encouraged beef and sheep farmers across Scotland to nominate someone they know or apply themselves for either award. He 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.”

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 info@qmscotland.co.uk

Applications forms are also available to download at www.qmscotland.co.uk