2008 AGM Summary

The Annual General Meeting of WA QLamb was held on Thursday 18th Sept 2008 at the Williams Golf Club. The group of 36 people was treated to an informative morning, with a delicious lunch (of QLamb, of course) and a lengthy AGM. To top off a great day, it poured with rain during much of the time!

The three speakers during the morning gave attendees much to think about and absorb with a view to further discussion during the AGM. Rob Shepherd, Paul Omodei and Bob Linto are to be thanked for their time in presenting interesting, thought provoking presentations to those attending. It was a great opportunity to hear more of elements beyond the farm gate that either can, or do, have a direct influence on our businesses.

Meat Standards Australia was discussed, with the focus being the implications for producers. This led to a decision during the AGM to have MSA underpin the QLamb brand, which was demonstrated to have marked benefits in the market. There being no significant changes needed by members on farm, it was seen as a simple way to give our product an edge in the domestic market particularly as there are currently no other Western Australian MSA sheep meat brands on the market. We therefore need all QLamb members to fill in the MSA form to register which is of no cost to the producer. Members will then all have a designated MSA number which they will add to their NVD when sending in lambs to Hillside. These forms can be found on this website.

Promotion and marketing of Q Lamb was covered extensively by two of the speakers. The latest news of the gold medal win at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show was detailed and attendees went home with some of the promotional material that is being used for restaurants and the Perth Royal Show. It was interesting to hear from Bob Linto who was able to give us his experience of our product in the market place and guide us as to the work still to be done.

Western Lamb is a ´lamb harvesting´ business that has approached QLamb members with an offer to work with the alliance to increase supply of lambs into Hillside, thus being able to address future supply issues. Members at the AGM then voted to work with Western Lamb for a trial basis of 6 months. Members wanting further information on this initiative can contact any of the committee members to discuss in more detail.

Lunch was served straight from the barbecue, where Chef Martin Carlin, had prepared a sumptuous lunch of lamb with delicious salads supplied by the ladies of Williams. General consensus being it was the tastiest, tender lamb many had ever tasted!