Pecora Dairy are 'so delighted' about being part of this year's Annual President's Medal finalists

Pecora Dairy was one of six producers selected from thousands of entrants from the Sydney Royal Easter Show for the Annual President's Medal.

Their signature Yarrawa Cheese, which is Australia's first raw milk cheese, was used as a hero ingredient in a panna cotta served to guests on the night.

"it just matched, there was a bit of sweetness, a bit of sour, a bit of savoury," said Pecora Dairy owner and Liberal candidate for Whitlam Mike Cains.

More than 200 guests gathered in the Chairman's Lounge at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on April 13, to honour the finalists and see who the winner would be.

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Guests had the opportunity to taste all of the finalists' products, which were featured across a six-course meal.

"It was all about celebrating Australian produce," he said.

The South Australian winery Shottesbrooke Wines was awarded the Annual President's Medal on the night.

Mr Cains said there "was such a good vibe" on the night and "everybody was dressed up".

The cheesemaker was "honoured" to be recognised as a finalist.

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"We are just so delighted - the President's Medal would have to be the most coveted medal," he said.

"When we get to count ourselves among that number, it is an honour and privilege."

According to a statement on the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW website, the medal pays tribute to quality goods, but goes beyond that.

It also recognises a producer's "overall financial, social and environmental integrity through the entire production cycle from gate to plate."

These three facets are referred to as the "triple bottom line".

Mr Cains said he loved that the medal acknowledged a producer's impact and contributions.

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"It is recognition for things we do outside making good cheeses," he said.

"No one pays you for being a good steward of animals or custodians of the land.

"The President's medal puts that right at the front."

The NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and MInister of Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders were some of the guests present on the night.

Mr Cains said the Highlands should be proud that two producers from the region have been finalists "back-to-back", after Gumnut claimed was bestowed with the honour in 2021.

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