AgriScot has launched its search for Scotland’s Dairy Farm of the Year, with applications now open for the award.

Farmers have until June 10 to apply or nominate a business. The three finalists will be selected to take part in an on-farm visit in mid-July.

Last year’s recipient, Alistair Logan of Holehouse Farm, will join Jennifer Picken of Milton Farm on the team of assessors, alongside Gilmour Lawrie, who will once again co-ordinate the process on behalf of AgriScot.

Mr Lawrie gave an indication of what he is looking for amongst this year’s contenders: “This is one of the most prestigious awards in the dairy industry and we would really like to encourage farmers across Scotland to throw their hat into the ring or to take the opportunity to recognise the efforts of a colleague or neighbour.

“We aren’t looking for the highest yielding farms, but those ‘all-rounders’ who can demonstrate good profitability alongside a neat and tidy unit, which ticks a range of boxes,” he continued.

“At a time when the dairy industry is increasingly under scrutiny, we want to see farms which are prioritising animal welfare and good environmental practice, as well as embracing opportunities to explore diversification or new innovations, to future-proof their units.”

Reflecting on last year’s award recipient, he added: “Holehouse Farm in Kilbirnie was probably one of the best run units I have ever visited. The attention to detail, cow welfare and management was second to none.”

This year’s award will be sponsored by CowAlert.

Previous winners include Meldrum Farm, Blairdrummond, in 2017; Laigh Tarbeg Farm, Cumnock in 2018; Ernespie Farm, Castle Douglas in 2019, and 2021’s Holehouse Farm, Kilbirnie.

If you wish to nominate a farm, application forms can be downloaded at www.agriscot.co.uk