Aberdeen-Angus dominates steak showdowns at summer shows

Aberdeen-Angus remains the gold standard for beef eating quality, with the breed dominating taste competitions at prestigious summer shows across the UK.

Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society CEO, Robert Gilchrist, says contest results reinforce Aberdeen-Angus’ position as the beef breed of choice when it comes to meat-eating quality.

“Aberdeen-Angus cattle consistently produce what the consumer wants – high quality beef that eats very well and that can be produced sustainably,” he adds.

His comments come following the Tesco steak contest, held in conjunction with Kepak McIntosh Donald, at the Royal Highland Show.

The contest, which was open to all beef breeds, was judged by a host of industry professionals including Quality Meat Scotland CEO Sarah Millar and butcher Scott Jarron from Dundee-based Scott Brothers Butchers.

The top prize went to a steak produced from a 22-month-old Aberdeen-Angus cross heifer weighing 353.2kg and graded at R4L from I and A Beaton, East Quartains, Banchory.

Aberdeen-Angus also took centre stage in ABP’s steak contests, held in conjunction with Asda, at the Royal Highland and Great Yorkshire Shows.

The contests, which were open to entries from Aberdeen-Angus carcasses destined for the retailer’s Extra Special range, were judged by farmers based on appearance, taste, texture and succulence.

At the Royal Highland Show, the winning spot went to Austin Hoggan from Maryholme Farm, Dumfries, for steak from a 25-month-old Aberdeen-Angus cross steer that weighed 365.1kg and graded at U-3=.

At the Great Yorkshire Show, the top prize went to Stockton on Tees farmer John Grieves for steak from a 27-month-old Aberdeen-Angus cross steer weighing 406.5kg and graded at O+3+.

Mr Gilchrist is encouraging beef farmers to consider introducing Aberdeen-Angus genetics to their herds as a means of boosting margins and sustainability, while meeting market demand.

“As well as offering multiple production benefits at farm level – including calving ease, easy fleshing, and the ability to thrive off grass – Aberdeen-Angus also delivers benefits beyond the farmgate in the form of an in-demand, tasty product,” says Mr Gilchrist.

“The is rewarded through a market premium for pedigree Aberdeen-Angus sired cattle – which currently averages £45/head – and when combined with these on-farm production efficiencies leads to significantly improved profit margins overall."