THREE local farmers PJ Kearney, Jack Mc Farland and Stephen Smyth all from Strabane will be pitting their wits and indeed their most prized steaks as they compete for the coveted winner's trophy at the Tesco Best Steak competition at the Balmoral Show on Thursday May 17.

The competition launched in March by Tesco and Foyle Valley Producers Club challenged 1600 local beef producers to enter. Ten finalists beat off stiff competition from all over the province and have made it through to the prestigious final.

Expert judges, including Tesco home economist Donna Knight and members of the farming media have shortlisted the steaks for judging. The steaks will be cooked on the Tesco stand at the Balmoral Show and judged on appearance, flavour and texture.

Caoimhe Mannion, Tesco marketing manager said, "The producer of the winning cut will receive the "Tesco Best Steak" crystal trophy and a £1000 Tesco giftcard, a runner-up will win a £500 Tesco giftcard, and third placed will win a £300 Tesco giftcard. All producers whose cuts were selected for the grand final will be presented with commemorative-framed certificates.

"The Northern Ireland beef represents some of the finest red meat found anywhere in the world and we are delighted to be involved in this competition, further building on our excellent relationship with Foyle Food Group and their producers – currently numbering about 1600 which includes 500 farmers from whom we draw locally reared Aberdeen Angus for our meat counters instore.

Terry Acheson, director of Foyle Food Group said, "The Balmoral Show is the perfect setting for this Tesco competition, designed to showcase the very best of our Northern Ireland beef industry, further demonstrating traceability, quality and consistency, issues of prime importance to both the producers and the consumers.

"Our farmers all work to extremely high specifications set by Tesco, and the beef produced by Foyle Meats and Omagh Meats conforms to and often exceeds EU specifications."