HRH THE Princess Royal has paid a visit to a Lanarkshire farming family and their thriving butchery business, which is based on pioneering grazing management to get the best out of their cattle and sheep.

Damn Delicious at Thankerton Camp Farm, Biggar, is owned by Michael Shannon, who is a passionate advocate of grass-based farming systems and their role in the production of top-quality Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI.

The Princess Royal – who was at Damn Delicious in her capacity as patron of the Scotch Beef Club – was given a tour of the business, including viewing the paddock and rotational grazing system at Thankerton Camp, where Mr Shannon explained the grass varieties and grazing management techniques he uses to ensure optimal grass utilisation.

Her Royal Highness also learnt about Mr Shannon’s participation in the UK GrassCheck project as well as his overwintering system where his cattle graze on forage crops with access to bales of silage – a system pioneered on Thankerton Camp Farm, where 100 hectares hosts a finishing cattle system with no housing, making use of high-quality grass and winter forage crops. Mr Shannon currently finishes approximately 150 Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn cross cattle a year, two thirds of which he sells through Damn Delicious. He also runs a flock of 220 ewes producing finished lamb for the shop.

During today’s visit Her Royal Highness also viewed the Damn Delicious butchery units and farm shop, whilst Mr Shannon introduced his three staff members, and explained his diverse product range and the importance of his online business.

The royal visitor then unveiled a plaque and signed a visitors’ book before being presented with a gift box of Damn Delicious Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb products.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to have Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visit us today to learn all about our family-run business,” said Mr Shannon. “For us here at Thankerton Camp, we are extremely proud of all parts of our business from our innovative grazing management system which increases production and saves costs, to our successful online and farm shop business.

“We are committed to top quality produce and service and are currently investing in the expansion of the Damn Delicious butchery and farm shop business, with a particular focus on growing online sales.”

QMS chair Kate Rowell was among those attending the event. She said: “It is absolutely fantastic to see the passion and enthusiasm that Mr Shannon has for producing and selling top quality Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb – brands which are globally-renowned for their world-leading quality assurance, exceptional quality and taste.

“Damn Delicious is a great example of using innovative farming methods to further build on the reputation the Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb brands have for provenance and quality.”