When you think of the Royal Queensland Show, or the EKKA as many of us know it, what springs to mind? Show bags? Rides? Strawberry sundaes?
Those are just some of the many highlights we look forward to when August rolls around! But at its core, the EKKA is an agricultural show where city and county folk meet. It’s a chance for Queensland country men and women to showcase the fruits of their labour, as well as educate those who are keen to know more about where their food comes from.
Peter and Pene Hood live in the country town of Plainview, just near Pittsworth. The couple are long-term exhibitors in the EKKA’s Prime Lamb and Sheep Competition. They run around 400 head on their property, including a breed called Texel. Peter was one of the first producers to introduce this breed into the country and since then, they’ve really made a name for themselves.
Supporting local farmers and producers is an imperative part in growing our agricultural industry. Since 1977, Ashton’s Butchery in Pittsworth have been supporting and stocking local farmers’ produce, including their own. They run their own farm just out of town.
“We know exactly what goes to the abattoir, what comes to the butcher shop and what comes to the customers,” explained Craig from the butchery.
The EKKA kicks off on Friday, 9th August 2019 and is on until Sunday, 18th August. Dig into those sundaes and pick up a show bag, but make sure you meet and greet a Queensland farmer, too!
