Community & Business
14 May, 2024
Local butcher on a rol
Luke Thomas has recently returned from NSW after placing second in the Butcher Wars competition at Meatstock in Sydney, adding yet another trophy to his myriad of awards in the meat industry.
Only two months ago, Mr Thomas was named Australia’s best apprentice butcher for 2023 by the Australian Meat Industry Council.
Since then, he has completed his apprentice-ship, and is a fully qualified butcher at Ashton’s Butchery.
After placing second at Meatstock in Toowoomba earlier this year, Mr Thomas travelled to Sydney to compete in the Butcher Wars competition (hosted by Meatstock) over 19 - 21 April.
“It was different to the previous competitions I’ve done because now I’m qualified, I was up against qualified butchers,” he said.
“In Sydney, there was people from the Australian team and veterans in the butcher community, it’s a lot tougher.
“There’s a lot of years of experience there to compete against,” he said.
Butchers were asked to create a display that would be judged on appearance, creativity, technique and speed.
They each received a half saddle of pork, and half side of lamb for their display.
The contestants were allowed to bring garnishes, seasonings, sauces, marinades, knives, saws, and any other additional items, to enhance their presentation.
The time frame was strictly 30 minutes, to break the meat and create the display, before each contestant was given the opportunity to explain their exhibit to the judges and crowd.
“It was a really cool experience,” Mr Thomas said.
He travelled with his dad to Sydney, which was the final Meatstock event for 2024, after shows at Hamilton, Toowoomba and Bendigo.
Mr Thomas plans to compete in all four Meatstock competitions in
2025 which could see him travel to Toowoomba, Sydney, Melbourne, and as far as New Zealand.
