A LAKE District farmer is hoping the first Luing Cattle Society open day to be held outside Scotland will help showcase the breed throughout England for its top quality beef.

Alec Smith, of High House Farm, Winster, said Luings were not just an environmentally friendly breed for the Lakes but they could also make ‘a good price’ at market.

He said the open day, being held on August 1, would provide an additional marketing tool for the breed, promoting it as a superior, pure-bred meat product suitable for niche markets.

Mr Smith said Luings offered farmers a chance to move away from subsidised farming and diversify into more commercially viable markets.

MORE TOP STORIES:

It is a view backed by two local food experts.

Grange-over-Sands butcher Stuart Higginson said: “We are always looking for something new and different to attract customer interest, ideally with a link to our local landscape but most of all we want to sell high quality, delicious tasting meat.

“We have been really pleased with the Luing beef we’ve sold through our shop and are delighted to support local farming, and the open day in Winster.”

Ryan Blackburn, of the Old Stamp House restaurant, Ambleside, said: “Working in a competitive industry, in a busy tourist area, we need to be ahead of the curve when it comes to consumer interest, and we are always keen to introduce our diners to new concepts, flavours and breeds, while staying true to the Old Stamp House ethos of quality, heritage and landscape.

“Luing beef is adaptable to many dining formats – from simple, home cooking to high-end restaurant fare.

“We will be there on the day to showcase the unique way in which we use Luing beef.”

Mr Smith added: “We want to use this event, primarily, to demonstrate to farmers that Luings are an efficient and commercial breed of cow, ideally suited to the rugged, hardy grazing of the Lakes and still capable of making a good price at market.”

The Luing Cattle Society open event, from noon to 5pm on August 1, is free to attend.