A Moffat family business has made it to the final of the AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year Awards.
Poldean, run by Alisdair and Emma Davidson (above) and Alisdair’s mum Jennifer is one of three set to go head-to-head in the competition.
The others are Midtown of Glass, at Huntly, and Bielgrange, Dunbar.
While they operate different types of systems, Douglas Bell, of QMS, said all those involved in running them shared an enthusiasm to improve productivity and efficiency. They also had a passion to produce high quality cattle.
He added: “We really enjoyed visiting the finalists and got a real insight to each business. All three would be worthy recipients and are excellent ambassadors for our industry and the Scotch Beef brand.”
As well as evidence of a high standard of technical and financial performance, assessors looked for evidence of the uptake of new ideas to improve efficiency and profitability and whether the business-es had an eye on the market for the end product.
The farms were also judged on the enthusiasm of the farmer and others involved in the business to efficiently produce quality animals.
Alisdair took on running the 800-hectare tenanted hill farm after the death of his father, Willie, in 2013.
Their aim is to produce quality store cattle that are ready for sale at nine months and meet market specification while having a management system that is streamlined and efficient.
The award recipient will be revealed on November 21 at AgriScot with the winner getting a £500 cheque as well as a £250 voucher to toast their success at a Scotch Beef Club restaurant.
