Beef and sheep producers are being encouraged by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) to take part in its Meat the Market workshop, which aims to help producers improve carcase quality, meet market specifications and maximise returns.
The workshop will take place at Dunbia Highland Meats in Saltcoats on Tuesday 16th September 2025, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of Scotland’s red meat processing sites.
Participants will take part in a guided plant tour, observe live grading demonstrations, and engage directly with processors and buyers. As part of the session, they’ll assess cattle pre-slaughter and then compare their assessments with the final carcase grades - providing invaluable insight into how market-ready their stock really is.
Market specialist Adrian Crow will provide guidance on buyer expectations, including practical tips on how to present animals that meet key specifications, which QMS said would “help producers reduce penalties and improve margins”.
“Clean, well-finished animals that meet buyer specs command better prices.”
Lesley Mitchell, QMS
Lesley Mitchell, industry development coordinator at QMS, said: “Clean, well-finished animals that meet buyer specs command better prices. This workshop gives producers direct access to the people grading and buying their livestock - it’s a real opportunity to ask questions, understand the process, and take away insights that can drive profitability.”
Louise Urquhart, a producer from Milton of Auchinhove near Banchory, attended a previous session and said: “We saw first-hand what buyers look for and how grading works from start to finish. It really helped connect the dots. I’d definitely recommend it to others.”
QMS will announce more Meat the Market events in due course.
Spaces are limited and booking is essential - bookings can be made here.
