SIR, – I refer to the Farmer’s View article from Jim Brown in last week's issue of The Scottish Farmer in which he rightly stresses the important part SAMW will play in the future of the beef sector. 

I can assure Jim that the ‘lesser known’ Scottish Beef Association that he refers to, meets with SAMW chief executive, Ian Anderson, on a regular basis as we have very much the same priorities and concerns, and to do everything we possibly can to ensure a regular supply of Scotch beef is available for consumption both at home in the rest of the UK, and for export. 

On the way to a Brexit meeting (one of many) with the CabSec last Thursday, I took several calls from irate chicken farmers as well as beef farmers as a result of the BBC report about the procurement of home produce for Scottish schools and hospitals and was able to seek some clarification as a result. 

The SBA does not get, or indeed seek, the same publicity as QMS or the NFUS, but I can assure Jim, our members, and all beef farmers, that the SBA board will make sure they will have a seat at the table when decisions that affect the production of Scottish beef and crucial for the supply chain, are under discussion. 

Neil McCorkindale
Chairman,
Scottish Beef Association