California Lamb Month Celebration Kicks off with North State Festival

Governor Jerry Brown shows support of statewide promotion of lamb products

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The California Sheep Commission (CSC) has announced that this October launches the first-ever California Lamb Month celebration, and has received the support of Governor Jerry Brown for the endeavor.

“The festival and the month-long promotion are really about celebrating the entire industry and raising awareness”

“Lamb is nutritious, high in protein, and savored by consumers and professional chefs alike,” said Brown in a letter to the CSC received last week. “I encourage all Californians to recognize the importance of lamb in a healthy diet, and the importance of the lamb industry to California’s economy.”

Citizens throughout the state will have plenty of opportunities to take part in the celebration, beginning with the Lamb Festival in Dixon, CA – fondly referred to as “Lambtown USA.” The two-day event at the Dixon May Fair Grounds will be held Oct. 6 & 7, and includes cooking demonstrations, a cook off and an eating competition with lamb, not to mention many fiber events, a sheep and wool show, sheep dog trials and other family-friendly activities.

“The festival and the month-long promotion are really about celebrating the entire industry and raising awareness,” said David Goldenberg, President and CEO of the CSC. “California is the second largest lamb producing state in the nation and traditionally raised on pastures by small family farmers. We are grateful for Governor Brown’s acknowledgement and hope he can try our great products this month as well.”

Deputy Secretary Nate Dechoretz of the California Department of Food and Agriculture will be visiting the Lamb Festival on Saturday to have a complimentary lunch and meet with producers.

Superior Farms, the largest North American lamb processor which has a facility in Dixon, is helping close the loop for shoppers and restaurant go-ers. “ We have multiple retail partners who have chosen to participate and promote California lamb this month, including Raley’s, Albertson’s, Stater Brothers, SaveMart and Lucky’s Supermarkets,” said Angela Gentry, Marketing Director. “We also have a “Where to Dine” feature on our website to help find great lamb dishes in California.”

More information about the CSC is available at www.californialamb.com. Superior Farms information and recipes for lamb can be found at www.superiorfarms.com. You can also follow Superior Farms on Twitter at @eatlamb and “like” them on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/SuperiorFarms.