Local Dorper lamb at the market

Lisa Machin

A quality product doesn’t create itself, and this is what Warren reminds himself of each morning as he steps out of bed at 4.30am.

Warren and Marina Wiggins have generations of farming blood flowing through their veins, and it gives them great joy to bring a quality product; their Dorper lamb meat, to the Mullumbimby and New Brighton Farmers Markets each week through their business, Local Dorper Lamb.

The quality speaks for itself, with high-end restaurants such as Elements of Byron, Harvest Cafe at Newrybar, the Italian Diner at Bangalow, and The Brewery at Byron all offering the Wiggins’ lamb on their menus.

Another reason Local Dorper Lamb is a favourite with market-goers in the Northern Rivers is the ethical farming practices the business uses.

The sheep are hormone-free and raised in a stress-free environment using sustainable and organic farming principles. The sheep graze year-round on 80 acres of quality pasture (including cloves, plantain, and chicory) and natural grasses.

The farm practises rotational grazing where paddocks are rested for two months, ensuring pastures can regenerate and parasites are minimised.

Warren says the feedback he receives from customers at the local farmers markets is where he draws his passion from for what he does. ‘People can expect they are buying the best quality product direct from the farmer, and we can also advise on cooking instructions or recipes for the best way to cook the cut they buy,’ says Warren.

And in keeping with the innovative and sustainable mentality of the Northern Rivers, customers at the market can also chat to Warren about his latest venture.

‘We have been practising regenerative agriculture for two years now so I’m fully concentrating on getting my fertiliser out, which is fermented seaweed.

‘We make and ferment this product ourselves and feed it directly to the sheep, which is very good for them. It’s all about getting the microbes into our soil.’

You can catch Local Dorper Lamb at Mullumbimby Farmers Market on Fridays 7–11am and New Brighton Farmers Market 8–11am on Tuesdays.