MEDIA RELEASE 04 August 2008
Innovative free range piggery named in top 3 finalists for NSW Farmer of
the Year Award
Capital Region Farmers Market producer, Bundawarrah Free Range piggery, was
recently named as a top three finalist for the NSW Farmers' Association and NSW
Department of Primary Industries 'Farmer of the Year' Award.
The Award, celebrating its 30th year, recognises excellence in farming in NSW
and also focuses on those farmers who combine sustainable environment practices
with profitable production.
In a lavish awards ceremony held in Sydney last week, third generation farmers,
Stephen and Kim Roberts were recognised for their innovative yet environmentally
sustainable farming techniques they use to farm their free range pigs as well as
their sheep.
The Roberts family started their farm at Temora and their brands, Bundawarrah
Free Range Pork and Saltbush Lamb, with the commitment to provide a natural
environment for stock.
Kim Roberts said there is a growing need from consumers for more knowledge about
where and how their meat is grown, raised and treated.
"We started the outdoor piggery in 1994 and at the time, a set up like ours was
against industry trends which tended to be housed indoors in large sheds.
Although, we felt that this style of farming suited our lifestyle needs, the
size of our property and our feelings about how livestock should be raised," Ms
Roberts said.
"Our goal is to provide a natural stress-free habitat for our stock, while
ensuring their health and welfare. Born and bred free range, all of our pigs are
free to express their natural behaviour.
"This type of environment makes for happier pigs but also makes the meat taste
better. Our meat boasts a sweet, succulent flavour," added Ms Roberts.
The need to tell customers about their products resulted in the Roberts family
selling their produce at the Capital Region Farmers Market each Saturday
morning.
"Going to the Farmers Market was a great decision. It gives us a regular cash
flow and most importantly it gives us the chance to talk to our customers and
educate them why our free range pork is so special. Plus, because we've been
going for so long now, we've developed good friendships with regular customers
and other stallholders," said Ms Roberts.
The Capital Region Farmers Market is a genuine farmers market with over 100
stalls offering a diverse range of fresh food and agricultural produce straight
from the producer to the customer. It is held every Saturday from 8 am to 11 am
at the Exhibition Park (EPIC) in Canberra.
All funds generated from the Market are fed back into regional communities and
other projects chosen by the Rotary Club of Hall which founded the Market in
2004.
For more information on Capital Regional Farmers Market, visit
www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au.
For more information on Bundawarrah Pork, visit
www.bundawarrahpork.com.au.
Released for Capital Region Farmers Market by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations (www.drpr.com.au)
For further information please call Kim Larochelle or Joanna Gitsham on (02)
9413 4244.
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