AgriScot has announced the finalists for its prestigious Scotch Beef and Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year awards, saying that they all share a common enthusiasm for improved productivity and efficiency

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 awards is to raise the profile of the dedication and stock management skills behind the production of Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI. Sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors and supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), organisers annually seek out the Scottish farms which exemplify high standards in beef and sheep production. QMS Chair, Kate Rowell, said that this year's finalists all demonstrated a passion to produce high quality, sustainable Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb.

“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."

Ms Rowell herself is one of the assessors for the sheep award this year, alongside Hamish Dykes of AgriScot, and 2019 Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year recipient Kevin Stewart.

The beef award is being judged by Bruce McConachie of QMS, AgriScot chair Robert Neill, and 2019 Scotch Beef Farm of the Year recipient Alistair Kingan.

Over the last month, these assessors have visited the finalists’ farms to learn more about each business and decide which will take home the titles at the awards ceremony on February 9, which will be streamed live on the AgriScot website.

Mr Neill commented: “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.”

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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 at Thorntons 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, visit the QMS website www.qmscotland.co.uk