Hunt is on for 2013 Scotch Beef Farm of the Year

Beef producers in Scotland are being encouraged to come forward to win a fabulous cash prize and the now well-known title of Scotch Beef Farm of the Year. Applications are also sought from others working in the industry who can nominate a farm, or farms, they feel merits the award.

Last year’s winners, Robert and Jacqueline Neill from Upper Nisbet, near Jedburgh, presented judges with an excellent showcase in the production of cattle in Scotland, demonstrating dedication and stock management skills. Once again, a winner is being sought who is able to showcase excellence as well as serve to build confidence in the future for all those working in the Scottish red meat industry.

AgriScot and QMS work closely together to deliver the award, with the winner receiving a £500 cheque plus a £250 voucher to celebrate their accolade at a Scotch Beef Club restaurant – the club is run by QMS, which has about 300 members committed to serving top-quality Scotch beef. The award will be presented at AgriScot, to be held at Ingliston on Wednesday, 20 November.

Jim McLaren, chairman of Quality Meat Scotland, said: “This initiative, delivered in partnership with AgriScot, is a fantastic opportunity to champion excellence in the Scottish red meat industry and recognise the commitment and passion producers have in supplying top-quality Scotch beef.

“Entries are welcome from producers with different types of beef enterprises across Scotland who can demonstrate enthusiasm and focus in providing efficient, profitable production of Scotch beef-eligible cattle, coupled with excellent stock management skills.”

All farms producing cattle destined to be used for meat sold under the Scotch Beef label – from breeders through to finishers – are eligible to apply for the new award and accordingly must also be members of Quality Meat Scotland’s farm assurance scheme.

The applications will initially be assessed based on paperwork to shortlist three finalist farms. A visit will then be made to finalist farms by the panel of three or more QMS and AgriScot assessors.

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