Sutherland sheep farmer Joyce Campbell has urged farmers and crofters who think they are top of the flocks to put themselves forward for an industry award.
Ms Campbell, who farms at Armadale Farm, was the winner of the inaugural Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year Award at AgriScot 2015. She is now calling on her counterparts throughout Scotland, whether they be farmers or crofters, to enter the 2016 competition.
Ms Campbell said: “Winning the Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year award has helped raise the profile of Armadale and we have benefited from increased recognition when we sell stock and in our aims to promote the sheep sector and Scotch Lamb.
“I would encourage sheep farmers from all over Scotland to enter for the 2016 award. Everyone involved in the sector works extremely hard and even the process of entering the award can give a welcome boost.”
AgriScot director Hamish Dykes, who farms at South Slipperfield Farm in the Borders and featured on the Lambing Live television programme last year, said: “Our award is open to every sheep farm in Scotland, and I would encourage everyone to consider entering be they producers of stores from the high hills, pedigree tups or prime lambs. Scotsheep and the summer shows are just around the corner. It is great to have Joyce as an ambassador for the Sheep Farm of the Year award and I would encourage anyone who bumps into her – or myself or any one from the AgriScot team – over the coming weeks, to speak to us about the award and how to enter.”
He said the award is easy to enter and those interested in entering, or nominating a friend, can start the ball rolling by e-mailing enquiries@agriscot.co.uk.
The award, which is sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors, is open for entries until September 30.
Judging will take place in October and the finalists will be invited to the AgriScot event on Wednesday, November 18, where the winner will be announced.
