From paraders to handlers to event organisers, roots run deep in the beef game at Casino.

On the cattle buying side, the story is similar.

Fourteen year old Harry Blok was active placing bids around the main street auction ring which saw the led steers sold following judging.

His father, Lennard Blok, runs Lee Pratt Beef out of Lismore and Harry was in the market for ‘quality at a good price’ – just like the numerous veteran buyers he was up against.

He was only 12 when he first tried his hand at cattle buying, with his father instructing close by, but Saturday was the first time he was effectively given the reins.

“I’ve always helped out and Dad usually taps me on the shoulder when I need to be bidding more,” Harry said.

A keen mathematician at school, Harry said he liked to help out crunching numbers in the office as well.

His ultimate goal?

To take over Lee Pratt Beef, of course ‘if dad lets me.’

by Shan Goodwin.

Originally published in The Land on 30 May 2016.

Read the full article here

Lismore beef processor looks to expand into China

Lismore meat processor Merrick Blok has taken his proactive approach to expanding the local industry all the way to Hong Kong.

“China’s a big market with a lot of potential customers,” Mr Blok, the co-owner of Lismore-based Lee Pratt Beef said. Read the full article.

South Lismore beef producers passionate about earning trust

Originally published in the Rural Weekly 3 September 2014.

When buyers look to source branded beef, they are seeking a dose of trust and passion for assurance they are buying quality, so say brothers Lennard and Merrick Blok. Read the full article