Against 3000 entries and over six months of competition, Manning Valley ... Naturally beef has been selected as one of six finalists from across Australia who will vie for the accolade.

Other finalists include products from the diary, wine and seafood industries. Manning Valley ... Naturally is the only branded beef product to be selected.

Manning Valley ... Naturally grass-fed beef is produced at Wingham Beef Exports. The operation is one of the largest employers in the area.

“Even with the challenges this year to NSW rural communities due to the drought, we have maintained a superior product not only against Australian competitors, but also on the world stage,” Wingham Beef Exports general manager, Grant Coleman said.

The President’s Medal is recognised as the ultimate award in agricultural excellence and innovation, and is not decided purely on taste. It recognises a business’s social, environmental, commercial and overall integrity credentials through-out the entire production cycle.

Judges examine not just the commercial success of the business behind the product, but also its environmental integrity and social involvement.

To be eligible for consideration of the President’s Medal, finalists must first secure a category win.

In September this year, Manning Valley ... Naturally was announced Champion Beef for the branded meat category after taking out the only gold medal that was awarded for the grass-fed beef class.

Judges’ comments for that win noted, “The gold medal exhibit in this class was a standout ... an exceptional entry.”

The President’s Medal judging panel is comprised of Ed Halmagyi, whose culinary career spans more than 20 years, and Michael Bullen, who has an extensive career with the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Both have been selected due to their knowledge and expertise in sustainable food and beverage production.

Commenting on the finalist announcement, NH Foods director of sales, Andrew McDonald said, “This nomination is one of our proudest achievements.

“It represents all the diligent and dedicated work from everyone involved in the supply chain, beginning with the farmers we work with and continuing all the way to our processing plant, to ensure a superior quality, safe and nutritious product that has a great sustainability story behind it.

“As one of the largest paddock-to-plate producers of beef products in Australia, NH Foods is invested in all aspects of the beef supply chain.

“Proud of a strong relationship with cattle producers in and around the Wingham region, Wingham Beef Exports has been able to build a constant supply line of high-quality grassfed cattle, free from antibiotics and hormone growth promotants – mandatory product attributes,” Mr McDonald said.

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“With a world-leading and well recognised oversight system in place for Australian beef production, Wingham Beef Exports is constantly monitored for food safety and quality measurements.

“In addition, with the ever-growing interest of beef consumers into the background of where their food comes from, the plant works closely with cattle producers to ensure correct procedures are constantly maintained with regards to animal welfare and eating quality attributes.

“Farm audits are conducted by independent verifiers to ensure compliance.

“The Manning Valley ... Naturally brand is a region-specific identity, devised by the Mid Coast Council as an initiative designed to showcase the abundant high-quality produce that comes from the region.

“Wingham Beef Exports holds the exclusive rights to use the brand name in the beef segment.”

Launched in 2011, the nomination for finalist in the 13th annual President’s Medal follows a long list of accolades already heaped on the Manning Valley ... Naturally beef brand.

Previous awards include:

It is also the recipient of a total six gold medals from leading food competitions in Australia, including three from the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show (2018, 2016, 2012), the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show (2016, 2013) and the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards (2012).

The President’s Medal winner will be announced at a gala dinner on April 17, 2019 during the Sydney Royal Easter Show.