MLC Represented at Prestigious Dovecote Park Producer Carcase Competition
MLC’s Head of Operations, Steve Peaty, was honoured to serve as a judge at the Dovecote Park Producer Carcase Competition held on Friday 20th February 2026, joining an expert judging panel that included representatives from leading premium retail and hospitality businesses.
The competition brought together top producers from across the industry to showcase the quality and consistency of their livestock, with entries judged across a range of classes. These included Native, Aberdeen Angus Steers and Heifers, Hereford Steers and Heifers, Native Steers and Heifers, Wagyu Steers and Heifers, and British Steers and Heifers. Judges were tasked with selecting first through fifth place in each category, as well as awarding Best in Class, Reserve Supreme Champion, and the overall Supreme Champion title.
Following deliberations, participating farmers were invited to tour the site’s chill facilities, where they viewed the carcases and engaged directly with the judging panel. This interactive session allowed producers to gain valuable feedback and insight into how decisions were reached, reinforcing transparency and knowledge sharing within the sector.
In the afternoon, Steve attended the awards presentation, where he delivered a speech highlighting MLC’s role within the processing plant and outlining the judging criteria used to determine winners in each class. He also explained MLC’s independent role in carcase classification, stressing that objective assessment is essential to maintaining trust across the supply chain. By operating impartially, MLC ensures that grading is carried out accurately and consistently, giving producers confidence that their livestock is assessed fairly and in line with industry standards. Steve further noted that strict MLC oversight of dressing specifications is a key part of this process, as it guarantees that carcases are presented correctly for weighing and that farmers are not disadvantaged. He was also invited to present awards to the successful producers, recognising excellence in livestock production and carcase quality.
Speaking after the event, Steve emphasised the importance of competitions such as this in promoting high standards across the industry and strengthening relationships between producers, processors, and end markets. He added that events like the Dovecote Park Producer Carcase Competition provide valuable opportunities to demonstrate transparency, share technical knowledge and reinforce confidence in the systems that underpin fair payment and quality assurance across the sector.
The Dovecote Park Producer Carcase Competition continues to be a key event in the agricultural calendar, celebrating producer achievement and showcasing the outstanding quality of livestock being supplied to the UK’s premium meat sector.
