Scottish steak wins Silver Medal at World Steak Challenge

The heifer, which was bred by James Playfair Hannay of Morebattle Tofts, Kelso, was sourced through the co-operative’s farm-to-farm trading service.

The award brings international recognition to a collaborative Scottish beef supply chain involving a breeder, farmer, livestock marketing co-operative and butcher, with the animal ultimately selected, finished, matured and butchered by Michael and his team at Damn Delicious.

The farm-to-farm deal was facilitated by Nikki Gilbertson, assistant manager (farm-to-farm trading) at Farm Stock Scotland, who matched the animal to Michael’s specific requirements.

The World Steak Challenge attracts more than 600 entries from leading beef-producing countries, with steaks independently assessed on characteristics including appearance, aroma, tenderness, flavour and overall eating quality.

Jonny Williams, managing director of Farm Stock Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic result and Michael deserves an enormous amount of credit. He has put a huge amount of time, effort and enthusiasm into this, from selecting and finishing the animal through to preparing the beef and getting our entry to Amsterdam.

“Michael is passionate about producing exceptional beef and, as both a farmer and butcher, he understands the whole process from the animal in the field right through to the steak on the plate. Winning a Silver Medal against international competition is a tremendous endorsement of what he and Damn Delicious are doing.

“There is also a great Farm Stock collaborative story behind the animal. Our staff’s role is all about knowing our members, knowing the stock that is available and matching it to the right customer. In this case, that journey ended with a Silver Medal at the World Steak Challenge in Amsterdam which is a fantastic result.”

Michael Shannon of Damn Delicious said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. After winning Butcher of the Year a couple of years ago, this is another fantastic stamp of approval for Damn Delicious, our farm and the way we farm.”

The success is particularly timely for Farm Stock Scotland, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, and reflects the principles on which the farmer-owned co-operative was established: farmers working together, trading directly and creating opportunities for quality Scottish livestock.