Keeping Cows in the Community: SBA Announces Open Farmer Meeting at Thainstone

The Scottish Beef Association (SBA) will host an open farmer meeting at Thainstone on Thursday 19 February, bringing producers together at a critical moment for Scotland’s livestock sector. The event forms part of the SBA’s Keeping Cows in the Community campaign, which champions the protection of livestock numbers, fair support for active beef producers, and continued resistance to proposed changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Business Property Relief (BPR).

The evening will be chaired by Neil Shand, Chief Executive of both the Scottish Beef Association and the National Beef Association, who will lead an open Q&A session to ensure farmers’ voices and concerns are heard directly and without filter.

Two high‑profile contributors will join the discussion, offering insight into both national policy and future support frameworks.

Alistair Carmichael MP – Special Guest Speaker

The SBA is pleased to welcome Alistair Carmichael, Chair of the EFRA Committee and MP for Orkney and Shetland. Mr Carmichael has been one of the strongest parliamentary challengers to the proposed IHT and BPR reforms, which risk undermining family farms and the long‑term resilience of rural businesses.

Steven Thomson, SRUC – Future Policy Outlook

Agricultural economist Steven Thomson (SRUC) will provide an expert overview of future agricultural support options, including the implications for beef producers as Scotland transitions to a new policy framework.

John Angus - Head of Livestock at Aberdeen and Northern Marts,Thainstone will join the Q&A panel

A Critical Moment for Scotland’s Beef Sector

With the Scottish Government committed to maintaining livestock numbers and rejecting calls to reduce the national cow herd, the SBA continues to press for support systems that reflect current production, not outdated historical baselines. With LFASS still anchored to historic stocking rates and land classifications, the SBA will challenge whether the scheme is still fit for purpose — or whether Scotland now needs a modernised model that rewards activity, not history.

The meeting will explore:

• Whether LFASS still delivers fair, targeted support for active beef producers
• The need for modern, transparent support that reflects today’s production realities
• The SBA’s ongoing pushback against IHT and BPR proposals
• Policy options that safeguard rural jobs, food security, and community resilience
• The role of the Keeping Cows in the Community campaign in shaping future decisions

Event Details

Date: Thursday 19 February 19.00
Location: Thainstone
Format: Open farmer meeting with Q&A
Chair: Neil Shand, CEO of the Scottish Beef Association and the National Beef Association
Cost: Free to attend
Registration: Register for the free‑to‑attend event at 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981572942012?aff=oddtdtcreator

SBA Statement

Neil Shand said:

“Scotland’s beef sector is at a crossroads. Decisions taken now will determine whether we protect our rural communities, maintain our national herd, and ensure that support goes to those who are genuinely producing food. This meeting is about unity, clarity, and making sure farmers’ voices shape the future.”