WITH some of Australia’s best seedstock genetics set to be judged at Beef Australia, it is time to frame the betting market on which breed will claim interbreed glory.
Trying to guess a breed favourite in the champion of champions is perhaps more difficult than many would think.
Given their history of winning it five times out of the past nine beef expos, the Charolais would probably be odds-on favourite in the female class.
But betting on the Charolais cows is a bit like betting on a Gai Waterhouse odds-on starter in the Golden Slipper and an underdog might be a smarter choice.
Previous winners have included females from the Santa Gertrudis, Gelbvieh, Brangus and Red Angus breeds.
The Red Angus have certainly been dominant at recent showings with GK Red Ruba 26G40 from the Iseppi family’s Dalby-based seedstock business, GK Livestock, recently sashed supreme beef female of the 2015 Sydney Royal Show.
That’s no mean feat and one that puts the impressive red cow firmly in the spotlight for the interbreed at Beef Australia.
The field for the champion of champion bull is possibly a little more open.
The Brahman and Charolais breeds have won it twice each while the Simmental, Shorthorn, Gelbvieh and Hereford breeds have all claimed interbreed honours once.
The judging pool will come from the strength of 298 Brahmans, 218 Droughtmasters, 184 Brangus, and 118 head of Limousin.
Next the Angus and Braford both have 90 head nominated, Charolais 89 head, Simmental 85 head, and the Hereford/Poll Hereford 57 head.
There are also 22 breeds with fewer nominations but no less chance to claim to the crown.
No doubt there will be plenty of support from the central Queenslanders to see one of their own, possibly a Brahman or a Droughtie, claim the trophy.
Truth be told there is only one certainty when it comes to the interbreed. The result will be debated long into the evening but all those parading in centre ring will do their breeders, if not their industry, very proud.