Monday 8th July 2024
There is something magical about the Southern Forests of Western Australia and a stream of recent accolades proves it.
Two Southern Forests producers have been announced as finalists in the 2024 delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards Paddock category. The national finalists were decided by expert State judging panels, with the winners to be announced on August 22.
Lake Janis Farm, run by Dean and Julia Ryan, produces much sought-after Jersey beef – a niche, gourmet line that is positioned between Angus and Wagyu beef, in flavour and texture. The cattle are raised on green rolling hills benefitting from a regenerative farming system.
Yanmah Pasture Raised Pork, farmed by Bryan Hickman is the other finalist, producing meat from pigs raised gently, roaming free in the paddocks in an ethical manner. In comparison with commercial operations, pasture-raised pigs breed and grow at a slower, more natural pace – resulting in a superior-tasting product.
The winning streak does not stop there for food and beverage of the Southern Forests.
Western Australian icon Bannister Downs Dairy, established in 1924, recently took out nine gold and silver medals and three champion titles at the national DIAA State Dairy Product Awards. The flagship farm fresh milk product took out Champion Milk in all milk categories – a true testament to the great flavour, texture and freshness of the product. Bannister Downs dairy farm is run by Mat Daubney and his wife Sue, who have a focus on innovative practices and raising healthy and happy cows.
Moving onto the international stage, Nannup business Chestnut Brae was named one of the top 10 agritourism destinations in the world. Owned and run by John and Linda Stanley, the farm-stay features converted farmhouse accommodation and offers a range of chestnut-based products – from chestnut fed pork to creme de marrons (chestnut cream), as well as award winning chestnut ale and chestnut liqueur made in partnership with Blackwood Valley Brewing Company in Bridgetown.
Other recent awards to Southern Forests identities include:
Pemberton Discovery Tours owner and Director, Graeme Dearle, who was awarded the esteemed FACET Golden Guide Award at the Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference dinner in Mandurah on 11 June 2024.
Manjimup local and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) senior technical officer Steele Jacob was presented with the Apple and Pear Australia Limited Research and Extension Provider of the Year Award, recognising more than 30 years of commitment to improving apple production in Western Australia and beyond. Mr Jacob is a key member of the apple breeding team based in Manjimup, which develops unique and tasty new varieties for consumers to enjoy and easy and profitable for farmers to grow.
“The Southern Forests is home to some of the best produce in the world and it is fantastic to see our incredible farmers being recognised for their passion and hard work," said SFFC Independent Chair Arthur Wilson.
“We congratulate them for their achievements and look forward to continuing to celebrate all the incredible Genuinely Southern Forests farmers and the more than 50 different types of fruits and vegetables, truffles and boutique produce, dairy, sheep, pork and cattle farms, as well as award-winning wines, beer, cider, spirits, and exceptional culinary experiences they produce," said Arthur.
More about Southern Forests Food Council:
The Southern Forests Food Council was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate local producers who recognised that the wealth and abundance of produce grown in the region made it perfect for major food production and agri-tourism. Its role was formalised in 2012 after receiving a $5 million investment under the State Government’s Royalties for Regions initiative. The investment is part of a $7 million allocation to the Shire of Manjimup for its Agricultural Expansion Project. The SFFC has received a further $725,000 over two and a half years through the State Government to focus on activities and implement strategies that secure its long-term sustainability and enhance the Genuinely Southern Forests brand.
The Food Council is committed to unifying the area’s world-class and diverse producers to strengthen the region’s economy, attract investment and export opportunities, promote regional pride, and create sustainable jobs. It represents local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators who live and work in what is WA’s premier food bowl, aiming to ultimately establish the Southern Forests as an internationally-recognised agricultural region and culinary tourism destination.
The Southern Forests produces over 50 different types of fruits and vegetables, truffles and boutique produce, dairy, sheep, pork and cattle farms, as well as award-winning wineries and exceptional culinary experiences. The Southern Forests region is heavily invested in agriculture, with $230 million of agricultural production coming from the region.
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