QMS to showcase Beef from the Dairy Herd at AgriScot 2025

Focusing on beef from the dairy herd, the session will explore efficiency, emissions, and market prospects. Hosted by Gavin Hill, senior beef specialist at SAC Consulting, and Arwel Owen, beef supply chain manager at Genus ABS, the event will provide practical, data-led insights to help beef farmers improve productivity and sustainability.

The demonstration will feature British Blue steers and heifers from dairy herds at the forward store stage, prepared and presented by second-year students from Oatridge College. The hands-on involvement gives students valuable experience in livestock handling and presentation. Audience members can participate via the Voting Pad app, offering opinions, prompting debate, and joining in a little friendly competition.

Gavin and Arwel will discuss current market demand for beef from the dairy, desired carcase specifications, key sire traits, and strategies to cut feed costs through targeted genetics. They will also outline breeding approaches that help reduce emissions, sharing practical guidance for farms aiming to balance profitability with sustainability.

The beef demonstration takes place in the main ring from 11.30am to 12.00pm, followed by the AgriScot Scottish Farm of the Year presentations at 12.00pm. Awards to be announced include:

- Scotch Beef Farm of the Year, sponsored by ABP and supported by QMS

- Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year, sponsored by Rumenco and supported by QMS

Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS, will assist in presenting the awards.

Visitors can also visit the QMS stand (Stand 83) to learn more about initiatives supporting Scotland’s red meat industry. Highlights include:

- The Lamb for St Andrew’s Day campaign

- The latest Monitor Farm publication on management accounting

- Updates on new cattle and sheep standards under the Brands Integrity initiative

- A survey gathering farmer views as part of the Meating Our Potential growth programme

Later in the day, attendees are encouraged to join the Moredun Research Institute Seminar in Seminar Room 2 (2.45pm–3.45pm). The session will present findings from the Scottish Antimicrobial Use Pilot, supported by QMS, SAOS, Farmvet Systems, and ScotEID, and funded by the Scottish Government. Speakers include Robert Neill (NFUS vice president), Mike Denholm (Clyde Vets Ltd), Dr Nuno Silva (Moredun Institute), and Kate Rowell (QMS chair).

Together, the demonstration, awards, exhibition stand, and seminar embody QMS’s ongoing commitment to innovation, efficiency, and responsible practice across Scotland’s livestock industry.