This year’s Highland Show Tesco steak competition saw two winners take the top accolade. Both the Grubb brothers, Mountpleasant, Mintlaw and John and Brian Troup from Southbank Farm, Westhill were crowned the winners of the sirloin competition.

The Grubbs impressed the judges with their sirloin from a 303.5kg Aberdeen Angus cross heifer which graded at 22 months and 5 days. John and Brian of J and M Troup won with a homebred 347.8kg Aberdeen Angus cross heifer graded at -U4L at 19 months and 3 days.

Firstly judged by McIntosh Donald’s former managing director Ralph Green, the best 12 steaks were picked to be grilled and sampled by the rest of the judging panel that included representatives Tesco and Kepak McIntosh Donald. It also included Kate Rowell from QMS and last year’s winner Eric Stott from Strichen.

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The competition was close hence the judges could not choose between the top two so awarded a tie. The steaks were judged on appearance, taste, tenderness and succulence. The farmers were also interviewed on sustainability, animal health and welfare with their answers included in the scoring.

Runner up to the two joint winners was Alec and Rodney Blackhall from Milton of Durris, Banchory, with a 378.7kg Aberdeen Angus cross grading R4L at 20 months and 18 days.

Andrew H Mackay from West Greenland, Thurso came third with a 371.5kg Aberdeen Angus cross, grading at R4L at 17 months and 11 days.

During the ceremony Porthlethen site manager Alan Brown surprised Mr Green with a lifetime achievement award describing him as “a legend of the meat industry, and a key player in the longstanding relationship between Tesco and McIntosh Donald.”

Other competition finalists included Stuart Forman, Fridayhill; J Mitchell, Cloisterseat Farm, Udny; W and J Cameron, Burnside of Edingight, Keith; J Eddie and Sons, Hallhill Farm, Kinneff, Montrose; M and I Steel, Wickerinn, Banchory; K Willox, Dykenook, Stonehaven; W and J Singer, Dunbar House, Laurencekirk; and GM Masson, Denhead Farm, Stonehaven.