WA Q Lamb was awarded 'Champion Grain Fed Lamb Exhibit' and a Gold medal for their MSA graded Cap-On Frenched Racks.

A pair of “cap-on” Frenched racks of WA Q Lamb gained one of only two gold medals awarded in the Branded Lamb (MSA Sheepmeats) competition held in September.

This will allow Q Lamb to place a Sydney Royal gold sticker on its “cap-on” Frenched racks. All Q Lamb already carries the “Buy West, Eat Best” logo.

Judging was based on the texture and visual appearance of the uncooked rack and then on the aroma, tenderness, juiciness, flavour and overall liking of the cooked lamb.

The Branded Lamb (MSA Sheepmeats) Competition formed part of the Fine Food Show for the first time this year and received entries from every state. Under competition from leading interstate brand names, Western Australia featured in the awards in both the grain and grass fed classes.

WA Q Lamb is the result of a production and marketing alliance founded 12 years ago. All product is killed and processed for both domestic and export consumers by Hillside Abattoirs of Narrogin.

The ability to supply a product of the finest quality consistently all year round is based on a combination of cutting edge science, careful animal husbandry and meticulous processing.

Associate Professor David Pethick was able to advise both the producers and processor on methods required to maintain the eating quality of sheep meat while Dr John Milton devised a ration formula that enabled lambs to achieve target weights year round.

Members of the Q Lamb alliance work cooperatively, sharing knowledge and experience to maintain supply and achieve the desired outcomes.

Hillside Abattoirs is the only MSA accredited sheep meat abattoir in WA. The family-run business won a bronze medal at the Fine Food Show for a “cap-on” Frenched rack packaged under its own brand, Hillside Tender Meats.

Hillside was also the processor of the Dorper Lamb product that was awarded two silver medals - one in the grass fed category and one in the grain fed class.

WA Q Lamb is marketed through wholesalers, including recently appointed Johnson Meats, to several butcher shops and select IGA stores (details available on the Q Lamb website www.waqlamb.com.au), while a number of fine food restaurants and catering services are using and promoting the product across the state.

The forthcoming Perth Royal Show will provide consumers with an opportunity to taste WA Q Lamb with tastings being conducted in the Centenary Pavilion as part of the Department of Agriculture and Food's “Buy West, Eat Best” promotion. Tastings will be held from 11am to 1pm on Monday, 29 August, Tuesday, 30 August and Wednesday, 1 September.

Luke Howell prepares the gold medal winning grain fed WA Q Lamb “cap-on” Frenched lamb racks at Hillside Abattoirs in Narrogin.