A DECISION almost 13 years ago to diversify their operation and establish a feedlot is still paying dividends for these Dirranbandi producers.
The Deshon family walked away with multiple champion ribbons including Grand Champion Beast of the Show for a grain fed steer at the Dirranbandi Show on Saturday.
The family run a large cropping operation in the Lower Balonne and introduced a 1000 head feedlot, Abarue, on their property in 2004.
After battling drought and unreliable seasons the decision was made to value add on their grain operation by using their own grain and hay to finish cattle themselves.
The family only background and buy in stock to fatten on the property.
Family member Doug Deshon said the feedlot had been put in to combat drought after the family was sick of sending cattle off their property that were only half finished.
“It’s been marvelous because we have had no good crops for four years except last year,” he said.
The family entered 28 head in the Commercial Cattle section of the show with the winning steer headed to the meatworks the following day.
They were also named the Most Successful Exhibitor.
Commercial cattle steward Andrew Price said entries were down on previous years but that was expected after a tough season.
“We had 78 head and we normally have about 100 or 120,” he said.
“The quality was still pretty good.”
GDL St George livestock agent Andrew Wardle judged the competition based on exhibit’s confirmation, finish, weight for age and trade suitability.
More than $1500 in prize money was donated for the champion placegetters.