Latest Press Releases

As the UK’s leading agricultural business event approaches, AgriScot is set to draw dairy herds from across the UK and Ireland, as they compete to be in with a chance of winning a share of £25,000, the largest prize fund available in the country. In addition to the...

The 2023 Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) will support more than 40 individuals through bursaries and scholarships offering fully funded tickets, mentoring, and contributions to travel and accommodation. With a strong focus on networking and social activities, ensuring...

The AgriScot Business Skills, sponsored by NFU Mutual and supported by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), looks to support aspiring young professionals by providing them with the skills and networks required to mitigate and manage the many challenges facing rural and...

AgriScot’s hotly contested silage competition is now open, with organisers anticipating a bumper year for entries, as home-produced forage becomes ever more critical to farming businesses in the current climate. With most farmers facing tighter profit margins against...

SAC Consulting hopes to spark discussions on the future of dairy cows and carbon, at an interactive event which will welcome farmers to explore how to reduce the environmental impact of the dairy industry. The event, which will take place at Culscadden Farm on 29...

A new fun and inclusive bike festival for all ages and abilities will be taking place in Ballater between Friday 23rd and Sunday 25th September.  The inaugural Thrive Bike is a weekend for mountain and road bikers, as well as non-bikers, to come and enjoy different...

Mairi Gougeon joined Chair of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Kate Rowell and Chief Executive, Sarah Millar alongside Executive Director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), Neil Wilson to provide the Cabinet Secretary with an overview of...

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) have teamed up to develop a new food education resource to help young people learn about the people and processes involved in getting quality food to the table. Based on the familiar process of...

Huntly people were recently asked by Huntly Development Trust (HDT) what they thought of their town – their loves, their asks, and their hopes for the future. What locals said that they loved most about the Aberdeenshire town are its green, outdoor space, slow-paced...

North-east beef and sheep producer Gavin Ross farms at Wardhead, Strichen in Aberdeenshire with his family and a strong team of farm hands, lorry drivers and office workers. The business, Ross Bros, has a long-standing reputation for keeping the end market firmly in...

The annual week-long celebration of UK lamb will be returning next month for the eighth year. Love Lamb Week (LLW) will run from 1-7 September, to shine a light on the sustainability of UK sheep production, whilst also reminding consumers of the exceptional taste and...

As the summer holidays draw to a close, the health and education team at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is preparing for another academic year jam-packed with valuable learnings around red meat production and consumption for Scotland’s young people. Returning to schools...

After the Islamic festival of Eid-al-Adha in early July, lamb prices began to show their traditional seasonal decline, according to the latest market commentary from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). By July 27th and 28th, average selling prices had slipped below the...

Quality Meat Scotland raised £3890 at this year’s Royal Highland Show for agricultural charity, RSABI. Presenting a cheque to the charity, QMS Chief Executive, Sarah Millar, said: “The wellbeing of our farmers is paramount to the success of our industry, and we are so...

Earlier this year United Oilseeds forecast the OSR area to increase by 30% in 2022 and while there’s no shortage of enthusiasm for the crop, many growers are waiting for rainfall. With little predicted for the South East, the acreage hangs in the balance. “I need...

Gloagburn Farm Shop, Perthshire, has once again been crowned champion of the Scotch Butchers Club Challenge by a panel of international judges, announced today by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). In what was the second contest of its kind, head judge Michael O’Kane from...

An event for commercial farmers looking to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of lamb production will take place later this summer at RamCompare’s Scotland farm with the support of Scotland’s red meat levy board, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). Innovative livestock...

Initial reports suggest winter sown pulse yield have held up, despite the drought Markets are volatile but domestic demand is rising Growers advised to review PGRO variety list in November for new and exciting varieties   Initial reports indicate that, despite...

Dingwall-based John M Munro Butchers has been presented with an engraved quaich as it marks its 100-year anniversary of trading. Managing Director Charlie Munro accepted the quaich at the Black Isle Show on Thursday 4th August from Quality Meat Scotland’s Chair, Kate...

Carbon, soil monitoring, implementation of multiple wildlife schemes and reducing nitrogen demonstrated by winner. Engagement with economically deprived children and on-farm visits impress judges. Three stools of sustainability vital for the future – economic,...

The Sheep Breeders Round Table is back as a face-to-face event to be held from Friday 11 - Sunday 13 November 2022 at the Radisson Blu Hotel at East Midlands Airport. This year’s theme will be ‘UK sheep genetics delivering for the nation’ with sessions including the...

Following the success of the inaugural award in 2021, AgriScot, in partnership with SAC Consulting, has today launched the “AgriScot Diversified Farm of the Year 2022” award. The competition, which is open to any Scottish farm, looks to celebrate businesses which have...

As we move into the second half of the year, prime cattle prices in Scotland continue to hold around 10% higher than last year and 18% above the five-year average. However, in inflation-adjusted terms, they are only around 1% higher than last year while still 11%...

Organisers of the 158th Turriff Show are delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal to the highly anticipated event when it returns after two years on Sunday 31st and Monday 1st August 2022. Alan Gaul, President of Turriff District Agricultural...

85% visitors report LOFS had increased their trust in British farming 79% visitors learnt something new about British food or farming 72% visitors said they felt the farming industry is adapting to help combat climate change 56% of visitors report the farm visit had...

• New award from BASF recognises sustainability efforts of UK & Ireland farmers. • The winner will be announced on 28th July 2022, as part of a 20-year celebration of sustainability activity at Rawcliffe Bridge and The Grange • The range of prizes will support...

A group of young auctioneers from competing businesses across Scotland came together with the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) to discuss how the livestock sector is evolving, selling through the marts and what will secure their future.

On the final day of the UK’s largest regenerative agriculture event, Groundswell, George Eustice, Defra’s Secretary of State revealed details of the first module of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), to be launched on 30th June. Groundswell 2022 was a sold-out...

The prestigious awards have opened for the 2022 round of applications and organisers at AgriScot are hoping for a bumper year of interest, as enthusiasm for the UK’s leading agribusiness event builds. Despite two years of upheaval due to Covid, Scotland’s sheep and...

The search for the Scotch Farm Factor is over and the winner of Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS) national social media competition has been announced.

Amidst concerns around food security, new analysis of the red meat industry in Scotland highlights the Scottish livestock sector’s important contribution to the UK’s overall levels of self-sufficiency in red meat, and a rebound in the value of export sales in spite of the challenges caused by leaving the European Union’s single market. 

A new strategy has been launched today (24 June) at the Royal Highland Show, setting the direction for the growth of the beef value chain within Scotland.

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Chair, Kate Rowell and Chief Executive, Sarah Millar, spoke at its industry breakfast briefing at the 2022 Royal Highland Show highlighting the significant role of the red meat sector in food security.

Day one of the UK’s largest regenerative agriculture show, Groundswell, got underway today, with many of the field’s leading experts discussing a broad range of topics - from food security, supply chains and big data to soils, grazing systems, water management, carbon...

The first Tayside Bioregioning Learning Journey gave a taste of what rural Tayside could look like if ecology was put at the heart of producing food, the local economy, education and societal wellbeing. What will be on our plate in 2042? - which drew interest from a...

On a mission to return with a bang, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is set to impress at the highly anticipated 200th Royal Highland Show, showcasing the very best of the Scottish red meat industry and its brands.

BASF has received approval in Great Britain for its new active substance, Luximo®, and the product containing this active, Luxinum® Plus, providing a new mode of action against grassweeds and a vital tool for controlling black-grass and Italian ryegrass, Britain’s...

LEAF Open Farm Sunday was back this weekend, making memories and changing perceptions. Over 250 farms across Britain opened their gates to tens of thousands of visitors on Sunday, showcasing British farming and all it delivers on farming’s annual open day.  Across the...

Huntly Development Trust (HDT), a not-for-profit community organisation, is looking for a likeminded partner, with a track-record in food service, to run its café in No30, the former Cruickshank’s department store. The historic building, which fronts Huntly square,...

The UK’s largest regenerative agriculture show takes place on 22nd and 23rd June 2022 at Lannock Manor Farm, Hertfordshire and is hosted by the Cherry family. Groundswell’s programme goes live, revealing the breadth and depth of topics on discussion at this year’s...

R&D manufacturer, BASF, is previewing two new products for the fruit industry, Revysol® and Nemaslug® 2.0, at this year’s Fruit Focus taking place at NIAB EMR, Kent on 13th July 2022. Revysol® is renowned in the cereal sector for offering highly effective...

A global higher-education initiative, the Sustainable Business Challenge, selected the food and fresh produce supply chain as its focus for this year’s challenge. Over 100 students from across the world took part in the award-winning competition, which kicked off in...

As fertiliser prices continue to rise, farmers are encouraged to explore the benefits of spreading digestate on-farm, as a cost-effective and nutritious alternative. SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), has been involved in a six-month project...

The two gardens supported by Perthshire gin business, Highland Boundary, at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show have both won coveted awards. A Rewilding Britain Landscape, designed by Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt, won Best in Show at Chelsea and a gold medal. The...

As consumer trends change, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is placing a greater focus on targeted marketing than ever before with its forthcoming campaign, pursuing an insight-driven strategy that is aligning with the core values of the target audience, ensuring that...

The board of Scottish Agronomy is delighted to announce the appointment of its new managing director, Adam Christie. With Scottish Agronomy for over 30 years, Mr Christie is the long-standing Trials Manager for the 260-strong farmer cooperative, which offers...

Next generation, ethical Scottish distillers Highland Boundary showcases its talent for flavour innovation by supporting two gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show 2022. Partnering with Jane Porter designer of the “Still Garden” at the 2022 Chelsea Flower Show, Highland...

By Bruce McConachie, Head of Industry Development at Quality Meat Scotland. I recently saw a picture of a cow on its knees squeezing under a barbed wire fence to get fresh spring grass on the other side, a funny image when you see that 20 feet along the fence, the...

Livestock productivity and environmental delivery can go hand in hand, and a brand-new project enlisting the support of Scottish farmers, is going to prove just that. Sheep and beef specialists from SAC Consulting, Poppy Frater and Lesley Wylie, will be leading a...

Scotland’s leading Farm Business event, AgriScot, has appointed a new agency to manage their marketing, PR and communications, following an extensive review. Agricultural and rural communications specialists, Jane Craigie Marketing (JCM), was unanimously selected to...

According to the latest market commentary from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), the final week of April saw R4L steer prices in Scotland reach a new record high of 447.5p/kg.  This placed them 3.5% higher than in the same week of 2021 when the highest price of the year...

With over 120 speakers taking to the stages, 15 manufacturers demonstrating direct drills, mob grazing demonstrations, a dung beetle safari and 175 exhibitors, this year’s Groundswell is not to be missed. The UK’s largest regenerative agriculture show takes place on...

With soaring input costs threatening the bottom line of many businesses, farmers are reminded that every cow in the milking herd must be able to justify her position. SAC Consulting is encouraging farmers to take a targeted approach to rising fertiliser and feed costs...

Lanarkshire-based butcher S Collins & Son, has been crowned Butcher Shop of the Year, fending off stiff competition from across the UK, to take home the prestigious national title. The Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards took place at the Farm Shop and Deli Show in...

This spring, the Health and Education Team at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) will be back out on the road for the first time in two years, attending and supporting a series of educational events across Scotland to inform the next generation on the red meat food journey,...

Since being crowned Scottish Junior Chef of the Year 2021 almost six months ago, Fraser Cameron, of The Globe Inn in Dumfries, has been busy sharpening his skills in the kitchens of some of London’s finest dining establishments. Back in October 2021, the best of...

In celebration of spring, the Ballater Business Association (BBA) and Braemar Tourism Group (BTG) have launched the East Cairngorms Wildlife and Nature Trail as part of their Imagine More campaign to encourage visitors to immerse themselves in nature and nurture their...

A collaborative project involving two Scottish farming co-operatives is seeking to mitigate the spread of plant parasitic nematodes in daffodils and potatoes. Backed in Scotland by Grampian Growers and Scottish Agronomy alongside the James Hutton Institute, Harper...

As travellers look for nature-based, sustainable holidays again this year, Scotland’s customised travel experts, Spirit Journeys, introduce three self-guided cycling holidays on some of Scotland’s less biked routes. Spirit Journeys Worldwide has a strong focus on...

After the 2021 season, when following xarvio’s disease and spray window alerts would have further optimised the fungicide programme, Yorkshire grower, Pat Thornton, is turning to the decision support tool to help optimise his 2022 T1 timings. “Last year, I walked the...

In line with changing consumer trends and building upon recent and highly successful digital marketing campaigns, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS)’s ‘Farm Kid Diaries’ are set to return for a third season after an exciting new makeover. Relaunched as ‘The Scotch Farm...

After slipping back in February at Scottish auctions, finished hogg prices recovered through March and opened April at their highest level since the festive period, according to the latest market commentary from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). In the week to April 6th,...

Velcourt Group Ltd has invested in Oakbank Game & Conservation Ltd and will own 50% of the company. The regenerative farming, habitat and woodland management consultancy and seed company, founded by Directors Ian Gould (pictured above) and Tim Furbank, is...

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal yesterday (31 March 2022) officially opened Dunbia Highland Meats’ upgraded abattoir and cutting facility in Saltcoats. The visit provided the rare opportunity for The Princess Royal to see first-hand the high standards,...

Show revellers will be welcomed through the gates for the return of Turriff Show, on Sunday 30th July and Monday 1st August 2022. The event has become renowned throughout the UK as a vibrant show that celebrates the best of the region’s farming, food and heritage....

Congress community came together for a second day of science, experience and discussion. While there were many highlights throughout the day, organisers had to use an overflow room at Manchester Central to accommodate the volume of delegates wanting to watch pain...

British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) welcomed veterinary professionals from across the UK and beyond when it threw open the doors at Manchester Central this morning. The organisation’s commitment to its community permeated the event, with wellbeing...

The enterprising potato farming family behind Stirfresh has created a range of fresh no-fuss mash available to buy direct from their farm on Scotland's East Coast. This spring, the Stirlings at Upper Dysart Farm near Montrose are launching a series of nourishing,...

Organisers of LEAF Open Farm Sunday, Linking Environment And Farming, are encouraging farmers to plant their cotton ‘pants’ now to demonstrate to visitors in June the importance of soil management in agriculture, and the role of microorganisms in maintaining its...

Scottish Agronomy, Scotland’s leading independent agronomy advisory service, has announced the appointment of two new members to its board. Amy Geddes is a fourth-generation farmer at Wester Braikie Farms near Arbroath. With 320ha of potatoes, barley, winter oilseed...

From seeds to baguettes, breeding, growing, milling and exports, 25 growers will have the chance to win a trip to France this November to learn more about the nation’s wheat production, R&D and plant breeding. The trip will commence in Paris where the group will...

The Scottish red meat industry will be showcasing Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork at one of Europe’s leading fine food fairs, Tavola, next week (20th-22nd March). Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) will also be attending SIAL America 2022 in Las...

The Health and Education Team at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has built a new toolkit to inspire greater consumer understanding of red meat production in Scotland. This hub of over fifteen teaching resources has been instigated in part by discussions with schools,...

QMS' Chief Economist, Stuart Ashworth, will retire from Scotland’s red meat levy board at the end of March 2022. For nearly 20 years, Stuart has led QMS’ economics team, analysing markets and policy impacts - from developments in agricultural policy to world trade and...

After two years of market volatility caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, some may have hoped for a quieter 2022, characterised by greater certainty.  However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February has led to renewed market turbulence across the red...

Attracting submissions from across the industry, BSAVA’s Abstract Sessions at Congress, puts the very latest research centre stage. Over 50 abstracts have been shortlisted and presentations will take place across the three event days of 24th – 26th March 2022. Prizes...

Sheep farmers are being urged to prioritise nutrition ahead of lambing, to increase flock productivity and reduce lamb losses. SAC Consulting held three webinars in the run up to the lambing season, featuring advice and experiences from farmers, specialists, and vets...

The Royal Agricultural Society of England’s report Farm of the Future: Journey to Net Zero was launched today, 8th March, at the Low Carbon Agricultural Show. The report follows a COP26 policy brief that was published by the organisation in October 2021. The Farm of...

As series six of the hot time-travel drama, Outlander, hits our screens this month, Scotland’s bespoke travel operator, Spirit Journeys, celebrates with five Outlander tours around Scotland.The popular guided trips, which have been running for five years, combine...

Two successful young Scottish butchers are fronting a campaign to encourage young people across the nation to join the profession and learn a craft that blends traditional skills with cutting-edge technologies and business know-how. As part of Scottish Apprenticeship...

The review of the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Cattle & Sheep Scheme Standards has been completed and the updated 2022 Standards, which have been approved by the QMS Board, become effective from 1 April 2022. Key changes include a new environmental section,...

As travellers look for nature-based, sustainable holidays again this year, Scotland’s customised travel experts, Spirit Journeys, introduce three self-guided cycling holidays on some of Scotland’s less biked routes. Spirit Journeys Worldwide has a strong focus on...

Popular Netflix series, The Crown, has boosted visitor numbers to Scotland’s East Cairngorms, the home to the royal family’s Scottish seat, Balmoral Castle, according to local tourism guides. Ballater Business Association (BBA) and Braemar Tourism Group (BTG) has...

A very special ‘hot tent’ experience with Highland ponies is being introduced in Scotland’s Cairngorms by mountain experts, Scot Mountain Holidays. The 4-night, 4-day wild camping trip brings a hike through remote landscapes together with the comfort of a ‘hot’ Nordic...

Ex-forces and career changers are being targeted in a bold new programme to skill up the fresh produce sector. Kickstarted by a £450,000 Government grant for flexi-apprenticeships, the renowned food supply chain training provider, MDS, is using the funding to create a...

The recipient of the prestigious AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year award was announced on Wednesday 9 February. The accolade, which is managed by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors, was awarded to Saughland farm, run by Farm...

The recipient of the prestigious AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year award was announced on Wednesday 9 February. The accolade, which is managed by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors, was awarded to Drumbreddan Farm in Ardwell,...

A new cooking guide has been launched by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, to support customers to confidently choose and cook with different cuts of Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork. The 2022 edition of...