FARMS from Morayshire, Dumfries and Galloway and Lanarkshire have been shortlisted as the three finalists of the AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year Award.

While the farms operate very different types of beef production systems, all those involved in running them share a common enthusiasm to improve productivity and efficiency and a passion to produce high quality, quality assured cattle.

Birks Farm, near Carluke, run by Douglas and James Frame; Castle Sinniness in Glenluce, Dumfries and Galloway, run by JS Fleming; and Pitgaveny Farm near Elgin, owned by Rebecca Russell and her brother Crinan Dunbar and managed by Martin Birse with head stockman Geoff Anderson, make up the final three.

The judging team will visit the three finalist farms in the next week to select their winner.

QMS head of industry development, and member of the judging panel, Douglas Bell, said that he had been extremely impressed with the standard of the applications received this year and that shortlisting had been a challenge for all three judges.

“It has been wonderful to hear from so many farming businesses across Scotland who take are taking a real pride in what they do. Although the types of farms have been diverse, all of the farmers who applied show dedication to their chosen specialisms and a focus on the market place for the stock produced on the farm.”

Mr Bell added: “We are looking forward to visiting all three finalists to get a real understanding of their businesses and their aspirations for the future. Based on their applications, all three of the finalists would make worthy winners and excellent ambassadors for our industry and the Scotch Beef brand.”

Fellow judge and AgriScot board member Robert Neill added: “It is important that AgriScot showcases the best of beef production in Scotland and we are delighted to recognise these finalists. All three farms are very different but share strong commercial skills and a forward-thinking approach.”

When the judges visit the three farms in the week, they will be looking for evidence of a high standard of technical and financial performance. They will also be looking for evidence of the uptake of new ideas to improve efficiency/profitability, a high level of health and welfare and a keen eye on the market for the end product.

The overall winner will be revealed on Wednesday, November 15 at AgriScot. The announcement will be made at 12.15pm in the main ring.