SANTA Gertrudis, Charolais and Belmont Red steers lead the way in the first leg of the RNA's innovative four part Paddock and Palate competition.
The results of the average daily weight gain component were released at Mort and Co's Grassdale Feedlot at Dalby today.
Gyranda Pastoral, Theodore, topped the 100 day export competition with six 790kg Santas that recorded an impressive average daily weight gain (ADG) of 3.06kg.
It was the first time the Santa Gertrudis stud breeders had entered the competition.
Peter Mahony said it was an ideal opportunity to benchmark their cattle against the best in the state.
"This was the top end of our feeders that we sent back in February/March – we selected them on carcase attributes and they've come through and they did the job for us in the end," he said.
"We won the heaviest weight gain in the export class and we got 3.06kg per day, which I think is a tremendous reflection on the feedlot itself… it's beyond belief."
Santas were also in second place with a 762kg pen from Yulgilbar Station, which averaged 3.05kg/day.
Charolais placed third and fourth. The Sullivan family, Riverglen Pastoral Co, had a 708kg pen with a 3.02kg/day gain. David and Prue Bondfield, Palgrove, Dalveen, had a 727kg entry, which gained 2.96kg/day.
Riverglen also exhibited the single 100 day grainfed animal with highest daily weight gain of the competition. The 734kg Charolais averaged 3.6kg/day.
Yulgilbar topped the 70 day trade competition with a 627kg pen which recorded a 3.32kg ADG.
Aaron Jackson, Maryborough, Mark Bauer, Elara Brangus, Laidley, with John and Alison Bell, Inavale Brangus, Boonah. Click on the image to view a gallery of photos from the event.
QATC Emerald Ag College's Belmont Reds placed second and third with pens weighing 628kg and 652kg respectively. Both recorded a 3.17kg ADG. Yulgilbar also placed fourth in the trade competition with a 600kg pen with a 3.14kg ADG.
GL Campbell, Jambin, exhibited the single 70 day fed animal with highest daily weight gain of the competition. The 690kg Charolais averaged 3.8kg/day.
The Paddock and Palate is the richest beef cattle competition in Australia, boasting $45,000 in prize money.
The final winner of the competition will be determined following an assessment process including commercial value, MSA grading, and an internationally recognised beef 'taste-off' by a 20 person judging panel.
The 1015 cattle will be processed and valued at JBS at Dinmore on Saturday. The overall winner will be announced at a special RNA Paddock and Palate awards dinner during the Royal Queensland Show on August 7.
Results
Class 37 - Pen of six
1. Gyranda Pastoral Company, Theodore. Santa Gertrudis, ADG 3.06kg.
2. Yulgilbar Pastoral Company , Baryulgil, NSW. Santa Gurtrudis/Angus, ADG 3.05kg.
3. Riverglen Pastoral Company, Glenmorgan. Charolais-cross, ADG 3.02kg.
Class 37 – highest individual weight gain
1. Riverglen Pastoral Company, Glenmorgan. Charolais-cross, ADG 3.60kg.
Class 38 – Pen of six
1. Yulgilbar Pastoral Company, Baryulgil, NSW. Santa Gertrudis, ADG 3.32kg.
2. QATC Emerald Agricultural College, Blackwater. Belmont Red, ADG 3.17kg.
3. QATC Emerald Agricultural College, Blackwater. Belmont Red, ADG 3.17kg.
Class 38 – highest individual weight gain
1. GL Campbell and Co, Jambin. Charbray, ADG 3.80kg.