Members of Graig Producers, the Wales-based independent organic livestock marketing group, took the top three positions in the organic section St Merryn Meats lamb carcass competition held on the 29th May at Merthyr Tydfil.
The prestigious competition attracted over 300 entries, from across England and Wales, including 58 organic lambs. The winning organic lamb was from Edward Pearson-Gregory of Dairy House Farm, Monnington-on-Wye, Hereford. His Texel cross lamb was graded at E2, and weighed 20 kg. As well as gaining first prize in the organic section, the lamb was awarded the Eblex Cup for the best overall carcass from England excluding the south West The judge was Richard Wood, Meat Counter Buyer from Tesco.
Commenting on the organic competition entries, John Dracup of St Merryn said that the winning carcass was exactly what the market was looking for, and he was pleased that the quality of organic carcasses remained consistently as high as the conventional.
Nigel Elgar of Graig Producers said "I'm delighted for our members who have demonstrated yet again that the quality of organic carcasses can match anything in the conventional sector. We are also very pleased that our Marketing Group, working with St Merryn, have been able to help ensure that the quality of organic stock remains high. The future of successful livestock production will continue to depend on farmers producing what the market wants. Part of our task as a marketing group is to continue to put that message across to our members, and act as the link between the market and the producer."
