Wagin cuts on city shelves

Premium steak cuts from the Wagin Woolorama’s supreme trade steer have hit the shelves of Meat the Butcher’s Dog Swamp shop.

For the past three years, Glen Fuchsbichler’s shop has bought the supreme champion, a heavy weight, and a champion from either the light or medium weight category.

This year’s heavy weight champion, later crowned supreme, was exhibited by Alistair Murray, from Narrikup, which came in at 260kg dressed.

“We buy two champions every year to get yield and quality for our customers and to support the show,” Mr Fuchsbichler said.

“We give our customers a few weeks warning to let them know and we label it as ‘get a taste of the best, champion steer Wagin Woolorama’.”

Mr Fuchsbichler normally pays about $1000 for a 220kg carcase but said he was more than happy to spend $3600 on the supreme because the quality was outstanding.

He also paid $3300 for the medium weight class champion, weighing 240kg dressed, entered by L Chorley and J Barber.

“It’s a real drawcard for our customers,” he said.

“Last year a gentleman from Gingin travelled down to select a choice pick of steak but left it a little too late — so get in quick.”

Meat the Butcher sells two carcases a week, and this week customers can buy some of the best beef on the market without digging any deeper into their pockets.

The trade auction held two weeks ago was the first time Mr Fuchsbichler attended, because his father Wayne normally bids on his behalf.

Other butchers buying at the auction to secure quality beef and support local producers was Princi Butchers in Beaconsfield.

As the volume buyer of the sale, Joe Princi also purchased a $2500 steer donated by the Patterson family, from Bullock Hills Simmentals in Katanning, to raise money for Beyond Blue and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.