Gympie’s Nolan Meats and a number of South East Queensland’s leading agriculture identities are pulling together to raise much-needed funds for Farm Angels by auctioning a 350kg purebred Tasmanian Hereford steer at the Ekka on 6 August.
The concept is the brainchild of Brad and Sharon Stenzel from Farmers Choice, Nolan Meats in Gympie, and Liam Richards, whose family has owned and operated the iconic Mick’s Meat Barn at Warana for over 30 years.
Liam said the group has been inspired by the work of Farm Angels, who have assisted over 4700 primary producers across more than 1300 communities across Australia since its inception 11 years ago.
“Our idea is to donate a stunning 350kg Hereford, which has been raised on the lush green pastures of north west Tasmania, will certainly gain some attention with the big crowd at the Ekka.
“Most people in the beef industry will tell you that Tasmanian-bred Hereford is renowned for its tenderness and flavour, and we are hoping it will raise between $3500 and $4000 for Farm Angels.
“It’s been a collaborative effort with the support of Farmers Choice Meats, who will prepare and feed the steers for the show, while the Stenzel family will maintain the Hereford at their property near Kalbar, west of Brisbane.
“Shad Bailey from Colin Say & Co will call the auction, and then Nolan Meat will provide transportation to Gympie, where it will be processed, and our team at Mick’s Meat Barn will cut it to order and provide free delivery from Gympie to Brisbane,” Liam said.
Farm Angels CEO Jason Law said auctioning the Hereford would be an ideal lead-up to the charity’s annual Flanno for a Farmer day on 15 August.
“We are incredibly grateful to Liam and the rest of the team behind this initiative, as far as I know, it’s the first time an auction like this has taken place to raise funds for Farm Angels.
“The work we do is constantly evolving, and with one Australian farmer committing suicide every ten days, and with nearly half having experienced suicidal thoughts, it’s clear that we need as much support as possible for our farmers,” Jason said.
The auction will take place after the judging of the Led Steer competition at around 1.30pm on Wednesday, 6 August.
Liam expects a number of bids will come from attendees; however, there has also been strong interest from those who will phone in for a bid.
Interested bidders can register via stocklive.com.au or contact Liam Richards on 0407 751 762.
