Steak of Origin 2011

NATION'S FINEST STEAK SERVED UP

A South Devon/Friesian X sirloin steak from Phil Hoskin has been named the most tender and tasty in the nation in the 2011 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Steak of Origin competition, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Genetics.

20 finalists, carved down from nearly 400, were tasted by a panel of judges at the grand final today during the Beef Expo in Feilding.

The judging panel comprised Commonwealth Gold Medallist Alison Shanks, All Black Legend Richard Loe, food writer and television personality Julie Biuso, radio host Jamie Mackay and top chef, Graham Hawkes.

Each steak was assessed on aroma, juiciness, tenderness, texture and taste.

Head judge and chef, Graham Hawkes said the competition just keeps growing and the entries just keep getting better.

“The quality of New Zealand beef is simply the best and the entries this year were no exception,” says Hawkes.

The Grand Champion was awarded the prestigious Beef + Lamb New Zealand Steak of Origin Trophy, the original Beef Carcass shield and $5000.

The supreme brand award went to Bowmont Wholesale Meats in Invercargill with their Hereford Prime entry.

The full results of the final are as follows:

Class 1: Best of Breed - European

• 1st:  Rob & Mary Ann Burrows, Culverden (Charolais), processed at Ashburton Meat Processors
• 2nd: Charlie Stephens, Christchurch (Piedmontese) processed at Ashburton Meat Processors/Ellesmere Butchery
• 3rd: Cornwall Park, Auckland (Simmental), processed at Auckland Meat Processors/Wilson Hellaby
• 4th: TD & BR O'Shea, Whangarei (Limousin), processed at Auckland Meat Processors/Wilson Hellaby

Class 2: Best of Breed - British

• 1st:  DC & LJ Redmond, Rakaia (Angus) processed at Ashburton Meat Processors
• 2nd: Robin & Jacqueline Blackwell, Inglewood (Angus) processed at Taranaki Abattoir
• 3rd:  Tim & Kelly Brittain, Otorohanga (Angus), processed at Auckland Meat Processors/Wilson Hellaby
• 4th:  Tim & Kelly Brittain, Otorohanga (Angus), processed at Auckland Meat Processors/Wilson Hellaby 

Class 3: Best of Breed – Crossbreed & Other

• 1st: Phillip Hoskin, Pahiatua (South Devon/Friesian X) processed at Silver Fern Farms, Hastings
• 2nd: Kate & Paula Jordan, Blenheim (Charolais/Jersey X) processed at CMP Kokiri
• 3rd: Nigel Foster, Kaitaia (Angus X) processed at Silver Fern Farms, Dargaville
• 4th: Julia & Stewart Eden, Gore (Dexter/Friesian X) processed at Alliance Mataura

Class 4: Best of Brand – Retail

• 1st:  Bowmont Wholesale Meats, Invercargill (Hereford Prime)
• 2nd: Foodstuffs, North Island (AngusPure)
• 3rd: Glanworth Partnership, Pahiatua (AngusPure)
• 4th: Chef’s Choice, Wanganui (AngusPure)

Class 5: Best of Brand – Wholesale & Food Service

• 1st: Angus Meats, Christchurch (Angus Reserve)
• 2nd: Progressive Enterprises, Auckland (Countdown Finest Angus)
• 3rd: Land Meat NZ Ltd, Wanganui (AngusPure)
• 4th: Neat Meat, Auckland (AngusPure)