Best sheep forward for Wairarapa lamb competition

The game is on to find the Wairarapa’s best lamb producer.

Gate-to-Plate organisers are urging local sheep farmers to start thinking about putting their best lamb forward for the three-way, best Wairarapa lamb contest – lambs will be judged ‘on the hoof’, ‘on the hook’ and ‘on the plate’ to determine the producer of the regions best lamb for 2016.

Farmers are now able to enter online at the revamped Gate-to-Plate website www.gate-to-plate.co.nz/lambentryform and they have until Monday 19th January to submit their entries.

The Gate-to-Plate event is now considered the region’s premier sheep competition and lamb focused culinary event.

Gate to Plate organiser Gretchen Saulbrey says “A new breed of farmers is coming through in the Wairarapa who have a clear focus on providing a quality product for the consumer and connecting every step, from the gate to the plate. We are harnessing that vision and giving them a chance to showcase their product to the region while also giving them a chance to see how they shape up next to their farming colleagues, friends and family”.

Entrants can now support local rural schools simply by selecting their school on the entry form. The school with the most entries will win a sports gear package from a key supporter of the event, ANZ, to the value of $500.

A growing prize pool makes it a competition worth entering with a luxury package for the best lamb provided by The Old Manse Boutique B&B and Wharekauhau Country Estate up for grabs. A Moto-nui Romney Ram and high value vouchers from Merial Ancare, PGG Wrightsons and Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate for category winners.

Gate-to-Plate is hosted by the Masterton A&P Association which is in an exciting development phase as it welcomes new event manager Melissa Warren. The final stage of judging (on the plate) will take place alongside a range of lamb-themed cookery events in the culinary marquee at the Masterton A&P Show, Solway Showgrounds, on Saturday 20th February 2016. Alongside the culinary marquee will be a newly developed Food Village celebrating the best of the produce the region has to offer.

For more information visit www.gate-to-plate.co.nz.

ENDS

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