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Aquaculture
  1. Royal Agricultural Society of NSW
  2. Sydney Royal Competitions
  3. Competitions
  4. Aquaculture

Aquaculture

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Honouring the traditions of local agricultural shows and produce markets around Australia, the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show celebrates heritage, quality, provenance and innovation.

Established in 2001, the Aquaculture Competition has gone from strength to strength. Products from around Australia that are judged include cooked prawns, oysters, barramundi, fresh fish, cured salmon, cured trout, trout caviar and aquaculture-derived terrines, mousses and dips. The Aquaculture Competition is held each February as part of the Summer Fine Food Show.

More from Sydney Royal

More from Sydney Royal

Hammer falls for our unreserved winner

Hammer falls for our unreserved winner

The Calgary Stampede is Canada’s spectacular celebration of western heritage and values, 10 days of rodeos, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon races, and the famous International Livestock Auctioneer Championships. For 29 years the fastest mouths on the land have won their way into the Championship, to be judged on rhythm, clarity, voice control, and livestock knowledge, as well as their ability to spot bids and conduct a sale. Only three times over the history of the competition has the title of Rookie of the Year left Canada, and all three times the Championship belt buckle has flown to a new home in Australia! In 1999 Luke Scicluna from NSW won the title. In 2016, Ronnie Dix from South Australia took out the title, and in 2017, the Calgary Stampede International Auctioneer Championship Rookie of the Year title was won by Lincoln McKinlay from Queensland. Ronnie Dix and Lincoln McKinlay both entered the competition as part of their prize package as winners of the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA) National Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Each year the best young auctioneers from around the country travel to Sydney to compete in the ALPA Young Auctioneers Competition. It is an opportunity to display their passion and dedication, and to gain exposure at a state and national level. The win this year at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the ticket to Calgary were pretty special for Lincoln.  “It’s somewhere I’ve always dreamed of going and ending up, it was super special for me to win the Australian competition, let alone to go and compete with the best in the world on such a big stage like the Calgary Stampede,” he said. 

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Day 9 - by coach and mailman's bag...

Day 9 - by coach and mailman's bag...

Previously at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… Olive oil was first judged at the Show in 1869 in a class called ‘’Oilmen’s Stores’’ in the Articles of Colonial Manufacture section. This year an olive oil was awarded the 2016 Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) President’s Medal. A President’s Medal winner must not only show a market leading product and quality but an operation which strictly observes environmental sustainability in its production practices. Cobram Estate’s road to the 2016 President’s Medal followed three wins in the 2016 Sydney Royal Olive Oil awards. Cobram Estate won for Best Olive Oil, Champion Varietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil and ultimately “Best In Show” Olive Oil or Olive Product. The President’s Medal recognises the recipient as the nation’s “best of the best” across the food and wine sectors judged through the Sydney Royal competitions. The vision of horticulturalists Rob McGavin and Paul Riordan, Cobram Estate produces and markets supreme quality olive oils for Australian and international consumption. Accepting the award, co-founder of Cobram Estate Rob McGavin expressed his gratitude; “We are really humbled and honoured to win this prestigious award,” he said. “What we are especially proud of is that the quality of what we are able to produce at Cobram Estate is readily available to everyone in Australia at an affordable price,” Mr McGavin said. Coming up today at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… In 1932, livestock in the Grand Parade formed the shape of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to celebrate its opening. This year, the livestock may not position themselves into a particular shape, but they will certainly find a place in your heart… or your national pride. The final Grand Parade for the 2017 Show is on today at Spotless Stadium at 4.15pm. Dog competitions featured early in the history of the Show. The 1869 catalogue listed classes for Bloodhounds, Newfoundlands, Retrievers, Pointers, Setters, Spaniels, Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Skye Terriers, English Terriers, Bulldogs, Sheepdogs and even Kangaroos. The 14 April 2017 catalogue lists the following for judging: Tibetan Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Australian Silky terrier, Norfolk Terrier, St Bernard, Pug and more. Attracting over 4,000 entries across Conformation, Agility, Obedience, Junior Handler, and Sweepstake classes, the Purina Pro Plan Sydney Royal Dog Show is officially the largest canine competition in Australia with an impeccable global reputation. The Show is a great place to talk to breeders about and work out if a particular breed is right for you. Pity they bounced kangaroos out of the competition!

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Day 6 - by coach and mailman's bag...

Day 6 - by coach and mailman's bag...

Previously at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… A red-tailed black cockatoo flew across the Amphitheatre and landed on the arm of a nervous looking young girl before a yellow-crested cockatoo swooped in and pinched $70 and a credit card from a stranger’s wallet… but no need to call the police, it was all part of the fantastic Feathered Friends Free Flight Bird Show. Feathered Friends is licensed by the Department of Primary Industries to educate and train wildlife, and presented at the Show to educate and entertain Showgoers. You can catch a performance every day of the Show, 1pm in The Amphitheatre and a word of advice – keep your wallet safely hidden in your pocket! The voices of 195 new Australians filled The Amphitheatre,  “From this time forward, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey.” It was an emotional moment for the new citizens and the friends that had gathered to help wipe away the tears of joy and pride. Holding an Australian Citizenship Ceremony at the Show makes complete sense, in 1882 the Royal Agricultural Society was founded by immigrants to this country, some of the first settlers to Australia who were struggling to adapt to their new environment and the problems they were facing with crops and farming. They needed to band together and to help each other. One of the aims of the Society was to exchange ideas and practices. In their second year, they put on a Show, which became an annual event and was a gathering to encourage and promote the rural industry. The Show also gave farmers the opportunity to come together and gain first-hand knowledge of farming trends and advances. In the past decade, many new immigrants have worked in the agricultural sector, helping to redress labour shortages and most importantly – adding new skills and innovative insights. Immigrants, moving out to rural areas, have re-energised many regional and rural towns. The agricultural industry warmly welcomes immigrants and the insights they can bring to farming. Acceptance and generosity are trademarks of our farming and regional communities. It was a privilege to watch 195 new citizens officially call Australia home. Why 195? It’s the number of years that the RAS has existed.  Coming up today at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… It’s Senior’s Day! Not only do Seniors ride FREE with a paying child on selected rides in the Kids’ Carnival and Coca-Cola Carnival, The Amphitheatre lawn is the place to go if you’re a Senior’s Card holder. Enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee, have a chat with the helpful staff from 5 Ombudsman schemes, seniors’ services including Legal Aid and the friendly faces from BaptistCare and National Seniors Australia. There’s also giveaways, free entertainment and some amazing prizes to be won!  

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Day 4 - by coach and mailman's bag

Day 4 - by coach and mailman's bag

Previously at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… Under the watchful gaze of Delta, Seal, Kelly Rowland and Boy George the ladies lined up for the Final of the 300mm Ladies Single Handed Sawing Championship in the Channel 9 Woodchop Stadium… it was taken out by the competitor from the USA.. so then the boys lined up for the First Division 350mm Underhand Handicap and it was taken out by the competitor from Canada.  When the chips are down we obviously need more home-grown spectators cheering our axemen and women to victory!   Coming up today at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… George the Farmer is the Australian farming world’s song and dance man, and he was created especially for children. He is larger than life, full of fun and appearing at the Show with terrific messages about agriculture and life on a farm. Catch him in the Woolworths Fresh Food Farm today. The Land Sydney Royal Showgirls will be honoured with a parade at Spotless Stadium at 5.50pm. So far they’ve cuddled pigs, fed sheep, met a whole lot of people and memorised a whole lot of names, posed for more photos than they will ever remember and their smiles, charm and friendliness have been endless. These young ladies are absolutely passionate about agriculture and deserve a big crowd giving them a wave!

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The evolution of Australian chocolate

The evolution of Australian chocolate

Words: Jodie Van Der Velden With the Easter holiday celebration just weeks away, there’s no doubt chocolate consumption in Australia will spike. Chocolate eggs, said to be an ancient symbol of new life and resurrection and celebration of spring returning, have been associated with this religious holiday since the early 19 th century in Europe. With chocolate on everyone’s minds and palates at this time of year, it’s timely to reflect on all things chocolate and where Australia sits in the chocolate world. The Australian chocolate industry has experienced a rapid evolution over the last decade, with Australian artisan chocolatiers producing as beautiful chocolate products as those found in the luxurious chocolateries of Europe. At the 2013 World Chocolate Masters competition, Australia won third place ahead of Italy (first place) and Netherlands (second place) as well as winning Best Architect of the world - globe. These results clearly highlight the quality of training and innovation found here in Australia. Contemporary Australian trends in chocolate are very much in line with current global trends. Consumers are continually becoming more discerning through increased health awareness and education. Whilst there are certainly still consumers that are satisfied with mass manufactured low grade chocolate products, there is a rapidly growing consumer group that is concerned with the ethics and sustainability behind growing and harvesting cacao, and the manufacturing of chocolate.   Consumers are now interested in single origin and single plantation chocolates. These products are made from cacao beans grown in a single location or plantation and contain individual flavour profiles drawn from the cacao bean, rather than the addition of flavours.  As the health benefits of chocolate are continually revealed, astute consumers are very conscious of artificial ingredients. There is a growing trend to choose quality over quantity, with consumers turning towards high-quality dark chocolate rather than milk and white chocolates which contain a high sugar, low cacao content. Favourable consumer attitudes towards higher quality chocolate products have caused a decline in demand for some mass manufactured lower grade chocolate products.  This trend has resulted in more opportunities for boutique artisan chocolatiers to contribute to the market.  Consumers have become more daring than ever before and are trying, and loving, unique flavour combinations, such   as chilli and mango, lime and basil, saffron, and balsamic vinegar. The Sydney Royal Chocolate Competition is an ideal showcase for Australia’s chocolatiers. In my role as Chief Chocolate Judge, I’ve witnessed greater emphasis being placed upon innovation and the use of high quality natural ingredients from producers.  To see beautifully crafted, innovative chocolate products that have been executed with outstanding technical expertise and skill, being rewarded with Sydney Royal Gold Medals is a very rewarding experience in itself.  These awards are invaluable to the winner in acknowledging their outstanding product and encouraging further innovation to lead the Australian chocolate industry into the future.  About Jodie Van Der Velden Jodie Van Der Velden is the Chair of Judges for the 2016 Callebaut Sydney Royal Show and has been Chief Judge of Sydney Royal Chocolate competitions since 2012. Ms Van Der Velden has 10 years’ experience as a professional chocolatier. Her passion for the craft has been rewarded through myriad accolades. Considerable time spent in cacao plantations all over the world, working to understand the raw product in its natural state, has contributed in no small part to Ms Van Der Velden’s superior palate and the success of Josophan’s Fine Chocolates, which she founded in 2005.

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We fed the girl meat

We fed the girl meat

Two minutes and 40 seconds is all it takes to cook the perfect Wagyu steak. Carefully sliced to 10mm thickness and passing through the cooking chamber before resting for exactly two minutes, the steak was at its optimum flavour point. The fatty, marbled flesh tasted rich and gently sweet, with a lingering savoury taste. The judges only got a slither of wagyu, enough to give it a score but not enough to feel satisfied and full. That was lucky because they had to leave room in their bellies for the Grass Fed Beef and the Grain Fed Beef. Pleased by the very high standard of entries in the Sydney Royal Branded Beef , Branded Lamb and Branded Pork competitions, Chair of Judges George Ujvary was happy to welcome university student Sophie Ward for her first experience as a Sydney Royal judge. Sophie is currently finalising her Honours in Animal Science at Roseworthy College in South Australia and hopes to go on to complete her PHD in Sow Welfare. Sophie’s area of interest is the influence of the living conditions of pigs on the quality of the meat. “It was pretty incredible to taste such sweet flavoursome and tender pieces of pork,” said Sophie, “I would have loved to know about the living conditions from the entries afterwards, as well as the feed they were given as some of the flavours were just incredible.” Christmas dinner is looking good this year with such positive feedback from the Sydney Royal Branded Beef , Branded Lamb and Branded Pork competitions. 

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A few top drops

A few top drops

Wondering what to look for in wine for the rest of 2017? The KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show judges have done the work for you so no matter which wine region or territory you would like to support, here are some of the top selections by State. For a full list of the 2017 KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show medal winners visit Australia's Best Producers . NSW STEVENS SEMILLON 2011, Tyrell’s Vineyards Pty Ltd NOBLE ONE 2015, De Bortoli Wines PEPPER SHIRAZ 2013, Montoro Wines VAT 1 SEMILLON 2017, Tyrell’s Vineyards Pty Ltd VAT 47 CHARDONNAY 2013, Tyrell’s Vineyards Pty Ltd BRUT TRADITIONELLE NV, Centennial Vineyards CATO TEMPRANILLO 2015, Moppity Vineyards VIC OLD PREMIUM LIQUEUR TOPAQUE NV, Morris Wines CELLAR ONE LIQUEUR TOPAQUE NV, Morris Wines OLD PREMIUM MUSCAT NV, Morris Wines VP 2013, Morris Wines AMEN BREAK CHARDONNAY 2015, Clonal Brothers PENNON HILL CHARDONNAY 2016, Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove GREAT WESTERN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015, Best’s Wines Pty Ltd SA RIESLINGFREAK No. 3 CLARE VALLEY RIESLING 2017, John Hughes Wines MATTSCHOSS SINGLE  VINEYARD EDEN VALLEY SHIRAZ 2015, St Hallett PEPPERJACK SPARKLING SHIRAZ NV, W Salter And Son THE MARL SHIRAZ 2016, Hentley Farm AGED RELEASE RIESLING 2013, Penfolds Wines Pty Ltd CHRONICLES 7 th GREEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016, Hardys S.C. PANNELL BARBERA 2016, Stephen Pannell Wines Pty Ltd WA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017, Miles From Nowhere Winemakers SAUVIGNON BLANC RESERVE 2016, Redgate Wines SRS WALLCLIFFE CHARDONNAY 2016, Flametree Wines DJL SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON 2016, Xanadu Wines MERLOT 2016, Amberley Wines REDBROOK  CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014, Evans & Tate VERSE 1 CABERNET MERLOT 2015, Brookland Valley TAS/ACT GRAND VINTAGE 2008, House of Arras (TAS) PINOT NOIR 2016, Meadowbank Wines (TAS) ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2015, Gala Estate Vineyard (TAS) BRUT ROSÉ 2013, Clover Hill (TAS) 660 CANBERRA SHIRAZ 2016, McWilliam’s Wines Group Pty Ltd (ACT) 1877 SHIRAZ 2015, McWilliam’s Wines Group Pty Ltd (ACT) DEVIL’S CORNER MT AMOS PINOT NOIR 2015, Brown Brothers Tasmania (TAS)

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11 treats for Father’s Day

11 treats for Father’s Day

Spoil dad with these scrumdiddlyumptious selections from the 2016 Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy and Fine Food Shows.   BEER Gold American Pale Ale www.napoleonebrewers.com.au Napoleone Brewers, Coldstream NSW 3770   Gold Silent Knight Porter www.mobrewing.com.au Modus Operandi Brewing, Mona Vale 2567   Champion Lovedale Lager www.sydneybrewery.com Sydney Brewery, Lovedale NSW 2325   WINE Trophy 2014 Second Innings Malbec www.bleasdale.com.au Blesadale Vineyards, Langhorne Creek SA 5255   Trophy 2014 CCS Shiraz www.chalkerscrossing.com.au Chalkers Crossing, Young NSW 2594   CHEESE Gold Heritage Vintage www.begacheese.com.au Bega Cheese, Bega NSW 2550   BACON Gold Canadian Style Maple Bacon www.germanbutchery.com.au German Butchery, Mona Vale NSW 2103   LAMB Champion Grass Fed Lamb www.millyhill.com.au Milly Hill Lamb Pty Ltd, Armidale NSW 2350   BEEF Champion Grass Fed Beef www.bindareebeef.com.au Bindaree Beef Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW 2000   OLIVE OIL Champion Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil www.cobramestate.com.au Cobram Estate, Lara VIC 3212   COFFEE Best in Show Kenya www.mycuppa.com.au Carlini Coffee Company, Ashburton VIC 3147

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Good enough to eat

Good enough to eat

It was the early 1800s when Coenraad Van Houten created the cocoa press, squishing the bean and expelling the cocoa butter before washing the cocoa in an alkali solution to come up with ‘Dutch cocoa’. In the 1850s Englishman Joseph Fry added cocoa butter to cocoa powder and sugar to come up with the world’s first solid chocolate. In 1875 Daniel Peter and Henri Nestle added condensed milk to the solid chocolate and created a milk chocolate bar. Swiss man Rudolphe Lindt invented a machine that mixed chocolate to a perfectly smooth consistency in 1879. In 1911 in a small town in Belgium Octaaf Callebaut produced his first chocolate recipe and shops in the outlying villages could not get enough of it. In 1960, Callebaut began exporting chocolate, and in 2016, Callebaut sponsored the first stand-alone Sydney Royal Chocolate Show. In 2017, it becomes apparent that somehow chocolate and blowtorches can co-exist, along with ribbons, nitrogen canisters, spray paint and melting tanks. It may look a little like a mechanic’s workshop or a graffiti artist’s den, and it is definitely a construction zone.  Senses are on overload because it is the Chocolate Showpiece competition at the 2017 Callebaut Sydney Royal Chocolate Show, and the showpieces must be made entirely of chocolate. All decorations must be made of chocolate. Coloured cocoa butter, food grade decorative metallic powders, and edible gold or silver leaf are permitted. Non-edible stands are permitted. There is no minimum height restriction but showpieces must be no more than 180 centimetres tall. Imagine, almost 6 foot of chocolate sculpted into whatever takes your fancy. Chocolate can be used in the same way a sculptor uses clay, stone or metal. It is a very malleable material but it has no lasting qualities… it is meant to be consumed. Surprisingly Australia is not in the top ten of chocolate consuming countries across the world, we sit at a respectable 13 th place, just behind Russia and ahead of Sweden. With double our consumption, in first place is Switzerland. Belgium, the birthplace of Callebaut Chocolate is 5 th . Ireland, the UK and Austria complete the top five. The Champion Chocolate Showpiece sculptor will be named at the Taste of Excellence Awards on 22 September.

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Day 8 - by coach and mailman's bag...

Day 8 - by coach and mailman's bag...

Previously at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… Murray Wilkinson used nothing but whistles to put cattle through an obstacle course on Spotless Stadium. No, the cattle weren’t responding to the whistling, Murray’s working dogs were doing all the work. A small herd of 7 or 8 is easy for these dogs at the Show – they are used to moving 13000 head of cattle on the Packer family owned Ellerston Pastoral Company located east of Scone, NSW. Taking time off work the dogs, and Murray, have moved to the Show for two weeks to let city folk see exactly what a working dog is supposed to do. Each dog responds to a personalised whistled command… yes, Zac will sit patiently whilst Merle moves the cattle, but once Zac hears his whistle up he jumps and takes over or assists Chime and Boo with their moves! If you’re having trouble getting your dog to sit or stand still, perhaps you should have a talk to Murray or at least teach yourself how to whistle. Catch Murray Wilkinson and His Working Dogs in Spotless Stadium any day at the Show. Coming up today at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… Cartoon characters are taking over The Amphitheatre… Off the back of DreamWorks' movie release, the stars of Trolls - Poppy and Branch - will bring music, rainbows and friendship to audiences in a live-action show. Poppy has a song in her heart; she knows life is all about cupcakes and rainbows. Meanwhile, Branch is very cautious and careful but is always ready for anything – except perhaps for Poppy’s personality! Poppy and Branch might have their ups and downs, but they always make friends and understand each other in the end. You’ll find them singing and dancing in the Amphitheatre today. What happens when Tweety Bird and Daffy Duck run away and join the circus? Families with young children will find out in the Looney Tunes Circus Spectacular. It’s filled with amazing aerial acts including trapeze, silks, comedy routines, clowns, hula hoops, contortion and more.The 30-minute performance, to be held in The Amphitheatre, is all about strength, balance and beauty as stars of the Looney Tunes world defy gravity.

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By whatever beans necessary

By whatever beans necessary

Some people always order a regular flat white whilst others cannot get through a morning without a large cappuccino. For a few, it is their daily espresso or the treat of a mocha that helps. Then there are those who prefer a latte but only want a small one... a really small one... a mini even. So what do they order?  A piccolo latte is a café latte made in an espresso cup. It has a very strong but mellowed espresso taste thanks to the steamed milk and micro foam within it. One theory suggest the piccolo latte originated in Sydney when baristas and coffee roasters started drinking piccolo-style coffee in order to check how their brews were tasting with milk throughout the day. Not wanting a dairy bloat nor to be bouncing off the walls so full of caffeine, this perfectly shrunk café latte deliciously does the job. Perhaps, but a variation is also enjoyed in France, Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Latin America. Order a noisette, pingo or cortado if you want to feel like a local. The piccolo latte is going before the judges at the Sydney Royal Coffee Competition , with entries opening on 11 October . Established in 1998, the Sydney Royal Coffee Competition is one of Australia's leading coffee competitions. Coffee can be Australian grown or imported, provided the beans are roasted in Australia. Classes include Latte, Plunger, and the Piccolo and all are judged on visual, aroma and taste. Taste encompasses freshness, acidity, bitterness, sweetness, flavour and aftertaste.

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Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show

Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show

As cider is made from apples, perry is made from pears. And award-winning beer is made from blood, sweat and yeast! The Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show is open for entries now, but you’ll need to get your hops on – entries close on 11 July. Supporting the Australian Beer & Cider industry, by attracting the very best professionals as Judges and Stewards and providing an excellent environment for networking and professional development to all participants, the competition promotes and rewards excellence in the Australian beverage industry. Previous Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show winners include Sydney Brewery, Matilda Bay, Redoak and Murray’s Craft Brewing Co. All exhibits are of Australian origin, brewed in Australia and with all business names registered in Australia. All Cider and Perry Exhibits must be made using Australian-grown apples and pears. No additional flavours are allowed to be added. At Sydney Royal the judges don’t only taste and rate each exhibit, they also provide individual feedback to every exhibitor. Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show exhibitors have included Bridge Road Brewers, Franklin Cider Company, 4 Pines Brewing Co. and Lion Australia, with entry numbers increasing over the past ten years of competition. This is an outstanding opportunity to for beer, cider and perry producers and brewers to benchmark their product against competitors and draw attention to their beverages. As well as pride and prestige, a Sydney Royal win provides a springboard to increase returns. All winners receive Sydney Royal medal or trophy artwork designed to be used across a wide range of marketing collateral. There is also the opportunity to present and promote medal-winning products at the Sydney Royal Easter Show – an event that attracts on average 850,000 visitors every year, and the opportunity to be handpicked by Sydney Showground to supply your medal-winning product at hundreds of events that happen on site throughout the year. The Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show – entries close 11 July, judging takes place 19 September, awards night 22 September… find out more at www.rasnsw.com.au/beercider   and discover if beauty truly is in the eye of the beer holder.

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Day 10 - by coach and mailman's bag...

Day 10 - by coach and mailman's bag...

Previously at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… The final Grand Parade was a showstopper – Spotless Stadium was packed to the rafters as Showgoers in the thousands stopped to silently applaud the cattle, horses, sheep, woodchoppers, officials and more… and to thank them for their hospitality during the Show. Where else in the world can you talk to a horse, pat a lamb, watch a cow get milked, smile at a cowboy, chat to a farmer and remind yourself of the sheer beauty of this land and its glorious produce?    The smiling faces in the crowd are all the applause the Grand Parade needs - the silence is appreciated by the animals and their handlers because they are used to quiet times on the farm! Coming up today at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… Alpacas were first introduced into Australia in 1989 and by 2001 there were 40,000 of them in Australia! Today at the Show you can Walk an Alpaca – just make your way to the Cattle & Alpaca Pavilion. Alpacas can weigh up to 70kg and stand at about 1 metre (to the shoulder) so young children may need a hand with the reins. Alpacas like to cluck and hum when they are happy… and they are extremely photogenic!  Sheep shearing is quite possible the most iconic activity in rural Australia (although the drovers may have something to say about that!) In 1969, Australia recorded its biggest ever wool clip of over 923,000,000 kg. Today there’s sheep shearing in The Daily Telegraph Paddock – you’ll laugh at tales of life on the land and the goings-on in the shearing sheds. Each session some lucky audience members are invited to help take the clippers to a woolly sheep, as the experts explain the tricks of the trade.  Why not be a part of 2017’s wool clip!

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Well, here's cheers

Well, here's cheers

What constitutes a well-trained palate for beer tasting and judging? The judging panel for the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show comprises a combination of beer & cider producers, industry educators and communicators, brewers, industry professionals, sommeliers, retailers and journalists. Each judge is an expert, with an appreciation prepared by years of professional experience. And what exactly are they tasting for in blind judging of beer, cider and perry? Drinkability is important – do you want to drink some more and do you actually like it. Overall, the exhibit is judged on Appearance, Aroma, Flavour, Technical Merit, and Style. When it comes to beer, head retention is amongst the criteria judged, clarity and colour are counted, and hop character is also important. The criteria for cider and perry judging include finish and carbonation, fruit character in the aroma, and acid/fruit/sugar balance. The correct balance of taste, aroma and appearance for the style can mean the difference between a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal for beer, cider and perry exhibits. At Sydney Royal, the judges don’t only taste and rate each product but they provide individual feedback to every exhibitor. This alone is a tremendous reason to enter but coupled with the opportunity to benchmark your product against others and to receive recognition from industry peers, participation is more than rewarded. Neal Cameron, Chair of Judges is the developer and teacher of the Certificate III in Microbrewing at TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute. Neil is also Technical Director for Brewtique, specialising in brewing equipment installs around Australia and Asia. When asked what he would spend his last $10 on, Neal answered: “A decent craft beer, naturally.”  And if you’re wondering, as apples are to cider, so pears are to perry.

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Day 5 - by coach and mailman's bag...

Day 5 - by coach and mailman's bag...

Previously at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… Maisie Morrow was announced as The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl for 2017. Maisie is a representative from Zone 5 – Oberon. She is an Agronomist and Livestock Nutritionist for Landmark, with a degree in Rural Science and is involved in the Cassilus Rural Fire Brigade, Meriwa Show Society, Meriwa Country Women’s Association, and the Scone Grasslands Society. With ambitions to get involved with farming lobby groups, Maisie will be a tremendous ambassador for agriculture and the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The sound of thunder was roaring over Spotless Stadium and the night sky was alight with flashes of silver, gold and glittering sparkles. The rain was not a problem at all – the thunder came from the V8 Utes and the revving of motor-cross bike engines, and the sky was awash with the colours and crackles of the fireworks show. There’s a Cracker of a Cracker Show every night, the perfect way to throw confetti over the end of another fabulous day with the country folks in the city! Coming up today at the Sydney Royal Easter Show… Snakes Alive is not just a showbag, it’s a show at the Show in the Pet Pavilion, perhaps not a Pavilion mum will want to walk into today because the Sydney Royal Rat and Mouse Show is on in there too – with around 300 entries! First introduced to the Show as a non-competitive exhibit in 2003, the Rat & Mouse Show was officially included in the Sydney Royal competitions the following year. Oh, and the Snakes Alive showbag includes killer pythons and sea stretchies Maybe a steadying drink in the Sydney Royal Beer & Wine Bar is a good idea to help settle the nerves, open from 11am until late in The Stables. And if you are staying until late, there’s an evening harness parade tonight in Spotless Stadium, followed by the Senior Six Bar Showjumping and the Royal Rodeo Series. Find some food-on-a-stick, there’s a lot to choose from including lasagne, cheese, and chips, and settle in for dinner and a show. And don’t worry, if you’re down to your last dollar or two after a full day in the pavilions and carnivals, the Snack Shack has great meals all under $5.

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Twice-ground beef burgers

Twice-ground beef burgers

The secret to a great beef-burger is not one, but two cuts of delicious Australian farm-fresh beef. A hit of spice, a dab of mustard, hand-cut chips – it’s perfect for entertaining. Ingredients: 400g chuck beef, diced 400g beef rump steak, diced 2 tsp fine salt 2 tsp Herb de Provence Cooking oil spray 4 slice Provolone cheese 4 crusty rolls, split 2 Tbsp aioli 1 Tbsp mustard seed oil 1 cup radicchio leaves, torn 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced ½ white onion, sliced into rings Thick-cut chips, to serve Instructions: 1. Combine the beef, salt and Herb de Provence in a bowl, toss well, and refrigerate for 4 hours.  Pass through the wide blade of a mincer, and refrigerate for 1 hour. Pass again through the wide blade of a mincer, keeping the strands of the meat parallel. Wrap tightly in cling film to form a log, then refrigerate for 1 hour. Slice into four patties. 2. Sprinkle with cooking oil spray, then cook on a hot barbeque for 4 minutes each side, until just firm. Top with cheese while still hot. Brush the rolls with aioli and mustard, then build radicchio and tomato on top. Place a pattie on the salad, finish with onion, then serve with thick-cut chips. WORDS: Ed Halmagyi This recipe was first published in roughcut magazine issue 3 June 2016

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