Boorowa farmer Charlie Arnott has been awarded a 2018 delicious. Produce State Award in the ‘From The Paddock’ category as part of the 2018 delicious. Produce Awards.
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The delicious. Produce Awards, now in its 13th year, champions Australia’s best and most innovative primary produce and producers, with an emphasis on provenance, seasonality and sustainable production methods.
Charlie, who grew up on the family farm ‘Hanaminno’ in Boorowa, has been part of a tradition of producing lamb for over 50 years in the renowned lamb-producing Hilltop Region of country New South Wales.
Over the past 12 years, Charlie has been practicing biodynamics, a method which he states as having had a significant impact on the quality of his produce.
“I put the quality of lamb down to three main attributes,” Charlie said.
“One is the diverse pasture base that our sheep are grazing on, which is a function of the fertility, vitality and health of the soil, enhanced by the use of biodynamics.
“Secondly the genetics used, we use robust fine to medium woolled Merino ewes, Gooramma Poll Dorset Rams and Normanhurst Border Leister Rams, from Boorowa based sheep studs.
“Thirdly the ethical handling and management of our animals in a very low stress and considered fashion by our fantastic team of Rob Young, Jayne Apps and Amy Remond at Boorowa,” he said.
Not only is Charlie passionate about producing food that is chemical free and nutritiously dense, he is also dedicated to supporting the people who prepare, cook and serve his produce.
“We really appreciate and thank Darren O'Rourke from Victor Churchill's in Woollahra for preparing the lamb and for his nomination for the Awards.
“Anthony Puharich, Darren and their team at Victor Churchill have always been very supportive of producers, understanding intimately how the management and environment of livestock plays a large part in then producing the highest quality product,” he said.
Charlie’s next step is to continue educating other food producers on the benefits of biodynamics through the workshops he regularly holds at Hanaminno.
“We want to teach other farmers how to utilise biodynamics on their farms to improve soil and product quality.
“Our next workshop is running on Friday, May 18 and I would encourage anyone interested to attend,” he said.
Anyone wishing to acquire lamb from Charlie or attend a workshop at Hanaminno please visit charliearnott.com.au for all contact details.