KING Island beef producer Robert Williams and his partner Elvira Bolotova, a former journalist in Russia, were overwhelmed when named in JBS Australia’s Great Southern 2023 Beef Producer of the Year top 10 list at a gala event at Melbourne Showgrounds.
They were as one of three King Islanders named in the top 10.
Ex-rock lobster fisherman, Peter Watson, who took over his parent’s two properties in the north of the island, was named runner-up. He buys and sells beef cattle.
Duncan Clemons, from Manuka, who buys/sells and breeds cattle was named in the top 10.
“It was a huge day and it was totally unexpected and overwhelming,” Robert said.
“I was taken completely taken by surprise, it’s an amazing outcome for King Island and Tasmania’s beef industry. There is a lot happening in the industry.”
JBS Australia is the largest meat processing company in the country and exports to more than 80 countries worldwide.
The company ensures they purchase the best livestock in Australia with a key focus on food safety, animal welfare, product quality and customer service.
Robert said he is not a big supplier, but puts an emphasis on quality over quantity.
Over two properties Yambacoona Estate and Cracks, Robert and Elvira run at their peak about 280 black baldies and Herefords.
“It was a gobsmacking dinner,” Robert said.
“The whole day was unbelievable,” Robert said.
JBS hosted 500 for the dinner and ran beef information sessions during the day.
“The seminar during the day was tremendous.
“They had chefs showing how meat is cut and the different cuts and they also showed how meat is graded.”
Robert’s partner Elvira, who loves living on King Island and working the farms with Robert, is originally from the city of Irkutsk in Siberia. She worked as a journalist for over 20 years, in various newspapers, radio, and later in a news agency.
“When I was starting out as a journalist 35 years ago, it was very interesting work,” Elvira said.
“This was the era of Glasnost heralded by then-leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
“Journalism in Russia experienced an unprecedented rise.
“However, as democratic reforms rolled back, and the cost of printing services grew, journalism increasingly turned into a service of information and marketing services.
“Now, with the outbreak of the war with Ukraine, journalism in Russia has finally died. It is sad.”
Elvira’s home city Irkutsk has a population of about 600,000 and is the capital of a large Siberian region.
“I was born and raised in a small provincial town. And life on the island is a bit like a carefree childhood.
“But of course the standard of living in provincial Russian cities is much lower than in Australia.
“Most of the population still use stove heating and do not have basic amenities in the house, for example water supply, a bathroom and toilet.”
Elvira said in Russian provinces there is practically no infrastructure for sports or creativity.
“On King Island we have golf, equestrian sports, shooting, a yacht club and diving.
“I recently started playing golf and I am grateful to my friends and mentors,” Elvira said.
“Most importantly, King Islanders and Tasmanians are friendly and open people.
“I’m very lucky that I met Robert and ended up on this beautiful island.”