After only three months of selling pork for the region, young Quialago farmers Ebony Garner and Eli Bailey have won gold at the prestigious 2017 Australian Food Awards.
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This is the first time the couple have entered the nationally recognised competition, previously only selling live pigs at auctions.
Working on a 125 acre land previously owned by Mr Bailey’s grandfather, his long time interest in pigs was finally realised about three years ago.
The child care worker and industrial designer were walking into the industry blind, and admitted to never imagining they would now be working as pork producers.
Today, Dewsbury breeds free range pigs include rare Duroc and Hampshire pigs and traditional breeds such as Tamworth and the Wessex Saddleback.
The pair maintain ethical pork and outdoor agriculture has been a major cornerstone of their practices from day one.
However, despite their growing customer base cemented through regular farmers markets appearances, the two never expected to perform so well.
“To be able to get a gold medal and see that our product stands up against everything else is fantastic,” Mr Bailey said.
As part of the competition Dewsbury Free Range Pork were required to submit a raw and cooked pork cutlet rack to the judges.
“We see so many people in the farmers market and they now know that they’re getting a really good quality product,” Ms Garner said.
“It’s a real confirmation of the hard work in making the farm what it is.”
Beyond upholding the quality of their meats, the pair are also proactively conserving rare pig breeds.
Due to restrictions in importing particular pig breeds, she said some were running thin.
“There is a great response from the community and our product to produce ethically raised product, locally grown,” Mr Bailey said.
Dewsbury free range pork is sold at Marulan Meats, used in 98 Chairs and can be purchased at markets across the region.