A YEAR of drought, fire and rain couldn’t stop Queensland’s best prime beef exhibitors from missing the 2015 Brisbane Royal Show.
With more than 270 entries added to the 2015 program, RNA beef cattle chairman Gary Noller said next month’s commercial cattle competition was bigger and better than ever.
“The current price of cattle at the major centres is something which I think has not only driven the number of prime entries, but increased our paddock to palate competition numbers by around 210 head,” Mr Noller said.
“We put that down to a combination from a change in the economic climate, which has increased their worth, and the prize money which has attracted people to the competition.”
Exhibitors traditionally use the time at Ekka to benchmark their cattle and catch up with other beef producers, with Mr Noller adding he was very proud of the industry.
“We’re the only royal show in Australia that does a prime cattle show, and I understand how much of an ask it is for people to bring prime cattle to the city – but Queensland is a big cattle state and we have very supportive producers.”
Mr Noller said the RNA committee aimed to maintain the commercial exhibition by integrating every component of the industry into competition.
“In order to do this, we have a seedstock show, a led steer competition which includes a crossbred component and the prime cattle competition, and the much-anticipated paddock to palate competition, which also integrates the seedstock.
“The whole process is trying to capture in real life what the beef industry is all about and we don’t want to lose any facets.
“I think, to me, it brings in the grassroots cattle breeder
who’s striving to improve his herd on a commercial level.”
The competition will kick off with the led steers on Wednesday, followed by, for the first time in Ekka history, two full days of prime judging.
“It’s a great time for people to network and join in on the festivities, and we want to keep that alive.
“The cattle agents and buyers will be there, and it’s a great opportunity for producers to talk to their processors and the big seedstock producers to benchmark their genetics and promote their bulls.
“And the best thing is, they’re all brought together by a common interest.”
