DESPITE TWO years of upheaval, Scotland’s sheep and beef farmers have been busier than ever, adding value to their farms, turning their hand to new ventures and building on their sustainability credentials – so the organisers of the AgriScot Scottish Sheep and Beef Farm of the Year awards are hoping for a bumper year of entrants.

This week, the awards opened for the 2022 round of applications, and interested farmers now have until Monday, September 5, to submit their entries. Thereafter three finalists will be chosen within both categories to take part in an on-farm judging visit at the end of September.

AgriScot chair, Robert Neill, commented: “The agricultural industry is under increasing pressure to strike a balance between tackling emissions, boosting biodiversity, and bolstering productivity, and Scotland’s beef and sheep farmers have a brilliant story to share, not only with the rest of the UK, but the world.

“These awards are a way to shine a light on the great work being carried out by the nation’s farmers and to recognise their endless commitment to their livestock and the land. With big changes ahead in terms of agricultural policy, it is imperative that we identify countryside champions to showcase to the public the good that farming has to offer.”

Assessing the AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year Award for 2022 will be in the hands of Quality Meat Scotland chair, Kate Rowell; past recipient of the 2021 award, Saughland Farm's Owen Gray; and coordinating the award on behalf of AgriScot, Hamish Dykes.

Mr Gray reflected on receiving the award in 2021 and what he is looking for in this year’s selection of entries: “We at Saughland Farm were delighted to take home the title of AgriScot Sheep Farm of the Year. It was a great acknowledgement for everyone in the team after the hard work that’s been put in.

“I will be looking for forward thinking businesses with a strong focus on controlling cost of production, reducing their environmental impact and a positive attitude towards bringing young people into the industry.”

The task of selecting the recipient of the AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year Award for 2022 will fall to AgriScot Chair Robert Neill; past recipient of the award Daniel Hair, of Drumbreddan Farm; and Quality Meat Scotland head of industry development, Bruce McConachie.

Mr Hair shared what securing the accolade had meant to him and his family: “Receiving the AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year Award was a real honour, and something we were immensely proud of. In difficult times it has been a massive boost to the whole family to be recognised for our hard work.

“I would encourage anyone to take part as it has been very beneficial, even to the point of having a closer look at your own farming system and connecting with other people in the industry,” he continued. “We have thoroughly enjoyed the process from start to finish, and think many more would feel the same."

Commenting on what he is looking for amongst this year’s entries, Mr McConachie added: “Now more than ever, beef and sheep farmers are having to demonstrate why Scottish beef and lamb is not only a delicious and healthy choice but has a great sustainability tale behind it.

“It doesn’t matter how big or small your farming enterprise, we are looking for those forward-thinking farmers who are embracing change and making adjustments on-farm which will improve their efficiency and green credentials, whilst also helping drive the industry forward.”

Both awards are supported by QMS and sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors. Partner at Thorntons, Kenneth Mackay, added: “We understand the challenges and opportunities for businesses in the ever-changing rural sector in Scotland.

“Awards like these from AgriScot, really shine a light on the exceptional and raise the profile of the dedication and innovative stock management skills behind quality beef and sheep production in Scotland. It’s a real honour for each of the businesses shortlisted.

If you wish to nominate a farm, email info@agriscot.co.uk, or apply yourself by downloading an application form at www.agriscot.co.uk