OUR seedstock industry continues to be hammered by unrelenting harsh climatic conditions, yet its major players have pulled out all stops to present the best they have in the form of stud cattle at this year's Royal Queensland Show.
Royal National Association of Queensland (RNA) officials are applauding exhibitors for the way they have responded in the face of such adversity with a total of 301 exhibitors nominating 997 head of cattle.
Spread across 31 breeds, that's eight head more than last year’s official nominations; however, when withdrawals are taken into account it's likely there will be slightly less cattle on the grounds.
While on paper there are 20 fewer exhibitors this year which, according to the RNA's cattle committee is not surprising in the light of crippling drought conditions across western Queensland and NSW, all the major supporters are back, some understandably with cut-backs to the size of their show teams.
The response confirms the importance stud cattle breeders place on continuing to put their best breeding material in the public arena, probably more so in tough times such as these than good.
And they have acknowledged there is no better venue to do this than at the Brisbane Ekka.
The display of stud beef will start on Wednesday, August 6, and conclude on Thursday, August 14.
RNA beef cattle committee chairman Phillip Harpham used the word 'unbelievable' to describe exhibitor response.
"A great effort considering weather conditions; we are very happy despite a few less than last year," he said.
The individual breed entry list has Santa Gertrudis leading the way with 116 animals, 10 more than last.
In size the Santas will be followed by Charolais with 105 head also from 28 studs.
Charolais Society of Australia Queensland chairman Jim Wedge said the Royal Queensland Show was now one of the largest in Australia for the breed, reflecting the fact that Queensland led the nation for numbers of Charolais.
"While entries are down we are still looking forward to a good showing," he said.
"The main role for Charolais in Queensland is in cross-breeding and we are seeing that in the sale ring."
Mr Wedge said the Ekka was unequalled for the place to show the beef industry what the Charolais breed could offer it.
Also showing double figures will be the Angus breeders with 89, Droughtmasters, 75, Brahmans, 65, Limousins, 71, Herefords and Poll Herefords 63, Red Angus 63, Murray Greys, 50, Simmentals, 40, Devons, 35, Brangus 34, Brafords, 27 and Charbray 19.
Some smaller breed showings will include the Red Polls, 9, Shorthorns, 7, Simbrahs, 6, Senepols, 6, Gelbvieh, 6, Blonde d’Aquitaine, 4, Romagnolas, 4, Speckle Parks, 4, South Devons, 2, and Bazadaise, 2.
The small breeds will be judged during the second week of the Ekka, kicking off on Thursday, August 14. That line-up will feature 30 Australian Lowlines, 23 Auslines, 15 Dexters, 11 Square Meaters and one Galloway.