Simon Noble

RUTHERGLEN PREMIUM LAMB

Simon Noble - Co-owner

A lamb grower since stepping foot from university with an agricultural economics degree, Simon Noble sums himself up with two words - determination and innovation. Keeping up with the demands of food production has steeled him with a sense of purpose that weathers all sorts of change.

His business, Rutherglen Premium Lamb, was born in 2002 from a collective of local lamb growers who banded together to thrash out production issues and jointly market their meat. But he's the kind of man who likes to wear more than one hat, and the other is that of Murray Cod producer from where he lives on that famous river.

'It's just the most beautiful spot,' gushes Simon. 'So we decided to put some guest accommodation on it. There's a renovated houseboat moored permanently on the billabong, and the birds, shrubs, trees and grasses are stunning.'

Simon's wife, Phillipa, works for the Department of Primary Industry and has been involved in land care well before the concept was on the public agenda. Her commitment to conservation ensures a harmonious mixing of the eco and tourism, and a passionate drive to maintain the beauty of their area.

When it comes to lamb, Simon is proud of the ethics that underlie their growing. The lambs are carefully handled right through their lives and kept satisfied with the likes of shade during summer. 'They're always slaughtered on a Friday,' says Simon. 'This is a really important point because they get to hang over the weekend, and by the time they're cryovac packaged, they've been hanging for a minimum of five days, which is critical to quality.'

Reflecting his commitment to work, work and more work, Simon prefers his lamb prepared as fast as possible - 'Thin slices cooked in one to two minutes,' he confesses. Does he ever get tired of lamb? 'Never.'

Rutherglen Lamb

Ph: 03 5766 2392

www.rutherglenlamb.com.au