At this year’s Beef South West, due to be held at Westpoint Arena on Wednesday 11th November, there will be the inaugural competition to determine who produces the best steak or burger in the South West. The competition, sponsored by the National Beef Association and supported by Taste of the West and Ladies in Beef, is already creating keen interest amongst some of the best known butchers and farm shop operators in the region.

Paul Dart of Darts Farm (pictured with the butchers at Darts Farm, Simon and Alistair David) is hoping to make a good impression with the quality of steaks they offer. Competition will be fierce as Butcher of the Year 2013, Malcolm Pyne (pictured cutting a steak at his shop in North Petherton, Bridgwater) intends to enter a flavoursome sirloin. The competition is open to all butchers, farm shops and farmers who sell West Country Beef. Peter Grabham of Halberton, near Tiverton, who supplies farm shops and sells beef from his farm gate, is also intending to enter. Peter (pictured walking through his herd of Longhorn cattle) is hoping the tenderness and flavour of his steaks produced from his traditional breed will attract the judges’ attention.

The steaks and burgers will be cooked at Beef South West and judged by a celebrity chef and representatives from Taste of the West and Ladies in Beef to determine who produces the best steak or burger in the West Country. Entry forms may be obtained from Vicky Smith at natbeefsw@gmail.com