Entries in the RNA’s carcase competitions, all a part of the prime beef section, are greater than ever, both astounding and delighting organisers.
Steward Gary Noller said the favourable weather of late had been a big boost to competitors, along with a general confidence in the beef industry.
“We are seeing commercial entries from seedstock people these days as well,” Mr Noller said. “It substantiates what they do through this competition as well.”
Most new interest has been seen in the supermarket trade competitions, offered by Coles Supermarkets with an HGP-free component, and Woolworths, for MSA value-based entries.
Mr Noller said the JBS Australia grassfed Jap Ox export class competition was back slightly by two pens of six.
“It’s well supported every year by five or six exhibitors – it’s a very coveted award,” he said.
Although entries will still need to be delivered on the Monday, the various abattoirs managing the intakes have instigated a Monday closure policy from the beginning of August, thanks to cattle shortages.
While the kill won’t take place until the following day, Mr Noller said it wouldn’t affect the end result.
Another new element to the carcase competitions this year is the new container built to display them, in the Woolworths pavilion.
"That was a $50,000 spend for us,” Mr Noller said. “We’ll be rotating the different classes all through the Ekka.
“It’s all open to the public and it gives show patrons firsthand exposure to what the industry is about.”
The RNA carcase competitions are seen as the best of their type and will be extremely competitive again, according to Mr Noller.
“It’s the benchmarking that it gives, as well as the thrill of the win,” he said.