Oxton Park was named Gundagai Lamb’s Producer of the Year for the second year in a row, so we asked Brad Cavanagh to tell us a bit more about their business, the partnership and what his favourite thing about producing high quality lamb is.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your enterprise
“Oxton Park” is located at Harden in the southwest slopes of NSW. It has been owned and managed by the O’Connor family for 104 years. The business is focused on the production of high-quality lamb, ZQRX Merino wool, wheat, canola and triticale.
What made you choose to become a Gundagai Lamb producer?
Initially we were curious as to how our lamb would grade under the GL grading technology. The quality-based payment model where producers were paid according to the eating quality of their lamb was very appealing. Since then, we have developed a great relationship with GL, this is based around similar business values and honest feedback. We are attracted to the GL vision of supplying the world with our great lamb products.
What is most important to you in choosing a partner like Gundagai Lamb to work with?
The trust and transparency between us and Gundagai Lamb is the most important part of our partnership. We have an excellent relationship with the GL supply chain team. This relationship has been built on many examples where fairness has been displayed from both parties.
What changes have you made on farm as a result of feedback from Gundagai Lamb?
We are constantly trying to fine tune every aspect of our breeding and management. Genetic Selection is always focused on producing high quality lamb, wool, and on farm production KPI’s. The GL feedback has allowed us pinpoint areas where there are clear economic rewards. Carcass feedback can give us clear data on how nutritional factors are affecting carcass composition. In addition, the real time animal health feedback allows us to proactively manage hard to diagnose animal health issues as they are identified at GL.
What are some major changes you have noticed in the lamb industry over the last few years?
We now have a scientifically proven measurement of carcass quality. This objective measure is an extremely important tool when applied at scale. On the back of this technology, we now have a lamb brand based on this scientific data not marketing spin. This is great for our industry.
What is your favourite cut of lamb? Or favourite lamb dish to eat?
The GLQ5+ back strap or boned shoulder roast
What do you enjoy most about producing high quality Australian lamb?
The people! The collaborative nature of the people within the supply chain. We all have the same goal of producing the highest quality Australian lamb that demands the highest possible economic return for our families and communities at all levels of the supply chain.