A respected sheep producer has been thanked by Quality Meat Scotland for her leading role in encouraging the uptake of breeding technologies by the Scottish sheep industry.
Maimie Paterson, who farms at Upper Auchenlay in Dunblane, was thanked for her valuable contribution during seven years as chairperson of the Scottish Sheep Strategy Group, during a presentation by QMS chairman Jim McLaren.
John Scott, who farms at Fearn Farm, Tain, in Ross-shire, has now taken over the reins from Mrs Paterson and chairs the group.
Mrs Paterson will continue to be a member of the group.
Mr McLaren said: “It gives me great pleasure to present Maimie with this token of appreciation for her sterling chairmanship.
“The Scottish Sheep Strategy Group has delivered, and continues to deliver, some fantastic work promoting the benefits of performance recording and using EBV figures to all sectors of the Scottish sheep industry,” he said.
“Maimie has played a pivotal role in communicating to producers that by utilising performance recording, they can potentially reduce production costs, improve the quality and consistency of Scotch Lamb and increase demand for recorded breeding stock.”
In thanking Mr McLaren for his words, Mrs Paterson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed chairing the Scottish Sheep Strategy Group.
“Due to its work, there can be few sheep breeders in Scotland who have not heard of, or voiced their opinion of, performance recording,” Mrs Paterson added.
“I look forward to continuing to contribute to the group’s valuable work in helping Scotland’s sheep farmers improve efficiency and profits,” she said.