Last Chance to Apply for AgriScot Sheep and Beef Farm of the Year Awards

The deadline for the Agriscot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year and Scotch Beef Farm of the Year awards is fast approaching and farmers are encouraged to get their application in by Monday 14 October.

The AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year and AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year awards, sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors and supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) help raise the profile of the dedication and passion of cattle and sheep farmers in Scotland who work hard to produce top-quality Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI the industry is renowned for.

Inaugural winner of the AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year award in 2015, and current Meat With Integrity ambassador Joyce Campbell of Armadale calls on farmers to take the time to fill out the application and help promote the industry to the wider public.

“It's more than just an award. It’s an opportunity to positively promote our world-class red meat industry and, importantly, the farmers who take real pride in producing PGI Scotch Beef and Lamb,” said Joyce Campbell. “I strongly encourage any farmer who is undecided about whether or not to apply to just do it – you won’t regret it.”

These comments were echoed by Sarah Millar, Head of Industry Development with QMS, who said: “I strongly encourage livestock farmers to submit their application for the AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year and Scotch Beef Farm of the Year.

“We have some world class farming operations here in Scotland, fuelled by individuals with passion for what they do – and this should be celebrated,” said Sarah. “The AgriScot Awards are a fantastic platform for farmers to champion what they do and the industry they support.”

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, in confidence, other beef or sheep producers they feel are deserving of the title ‘AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year’ or ‘AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year’.

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.

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 PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI and the fantastic stock management skills the industry is renowned for.

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 20 November.

To apply for either award please contact Laura Strang on 0131 40510 7920 or email lstrang@qmscotland.co.uk.