AFTER a weather-induced two-year hiatus, the Fraser Coast Show prime cattle competition thumped its way back into the program last Friday.
Flood conditions from Cyclone Oswald put a halt on the competition in 2013, while 2014's drought conditions saw it cancelled again.
This year, though, the competition was back with vigour with some 117 head yarded.
None were more pleased of the competition's return than Broweena graziers Gaye and Colin Rockemer, who snatched both the champion live beast and champion carcase of the show.
The Rockemers run a breeding and fattening operation on their property Kolbor, turning off mostly bullocks.
They have received about 4 inches of rain in the past few months, spurring on a season which Colin simply described as "a beauty".
Colin said the winning steer, a Simmental-cross, was actually a twin that probably benefited from a bit of extra motherly love.
He said everyone had that special animal within their herd.
"We don't have a paddock of them like that. I wish we did," he said.
Other successful exhibitors included Gigoomgan Pastoral, Malarga Grazing, Lohse Land and Livestock, Dove Dale Partnership, and Brian and Lyn Thompson.
This year's event was considered one of the richest prime cattle competitions in the state, with just under $6000 in contributed
prizes and money.
The carcase awards were announced earlier this week after the cattle were processed at Teys Brothers at Beenleigh.
Chief prime cattle steward Cam Hughes said it was great that people supported the show and competition.
"We've always had the carcase competition as it's a good way for participants to get feedback on the cattle," he said.
"The quality was exceptional and that reflects the good season we've had."
He also paid tribute to his wife Lisa, who made a concerted effort to chase sponsorship and organise the event.
Teys Brothers Rockhampton-based livestock manager Ethan Mooney was the judge for the competition and continually complimented participants on the line-up of cattle presented.
The two onlooking grandstands at the Fraser Coast Showground cattle yards remained virtually full for the duration of the judging - a healthy sign of the interest in the competition.
