Grass-fed celebrated

The Certified Angus Group (CAG) came away with one of the top gongs, winning best eating experience with its Angus Pure brand.

Sourced from Australian Angus farmers who graze their cattle on pasture, Angus Pure is free of growth hormone, antibiotic and genetically modified organisms (GMO).

NSW's own Free Range Butcher was also a winner, topping the butcher section.

Supplying grass-fed, 28-day dry-aged beef from its Barraba property and other local farms, the Free Range Butcher offers a weekly home delivery service and sells beef at more than 20 farmers' markets.

Conducted by Cattle Council of Australia (CCA), Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and AgForce Queensland, the awards recognised grass-fed beef production across the supply chain.

Judging was based on the promotion of Australian grass-fed beef, delivery of messaging that benefits the marketing of the Australian grass-fed product and leadership in the sector.

Four awards were given, including producer, butcher, brand and eating experience.

CCA president Howard Smith said the awards helped to promote the quality of Australian grass-fed beef.

"The product we produce right here is undoubtedly world-leading and demand from across the world for premium product that attracts premium pricing is soaring," Mr Smith said.

The awards were announced at the Greener Pastures event during Beef 2015, and AgForce general president Grant Maudsley said with a grass-fed menu showcasing a range of cuts, the event also highlighted the diversity of the grass-fed product.

Pictured are CAG chief executive Kate Brabin, CAG director Richard Rains and Angus Australia chief executive officer Peter Parnell.