BIGGER than Ben-Hur, Beef 2015 saw some of the highest quality breeding cattle the industry has to offer parading throughout the week.
But it was difficult to overlook one bullock among the glamour. His towering form and magnificent set of curved horns had attendees clamouring to get a better look.
The 12-year-old Santa Gertrudis/Brahman bullock Frankie B won hearts, raising more than $3500 for RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service.
Learning behavioural etiquette from Timbrel Fitting Services Terry Connor and fed on Blue Ribbon stock feed, Frankie B was rightly guessed to weigh 1001kg during the fundraiser last week.
Visitors to Beef 2015 who caught sight of Frankie B were able to pay just $2 for the privilege of guessing his weight, which also placed them directly into the draw for a $2000 fuel voucher.
RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service representative Kirsty Wooler said the potential to raise further funds was given to cattle producers who could take a special tag home with them to place on one of their calves.
“We gave out 62 specially marked ear tags and the hope is the tags will be used to mark calves at branding.
“The fundraising continues once Beef ends and it will still bring in funds for the next couple of years as the producer will feed the calf up and then, when the time comes, if he’s going to meat works or sale, the funds will be donated to RACQ.”
Kirsty said the money raised from cattle sales over coming years would make a huge difference and help RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service cover operating expenses and continue to provide services in the event of accident or injury.
She extended special thanks to Richard and Victoria Moffatt, RV Pastoral, Muldoon, Morinish, who welcomed Frankie B to their property, Caltex, The Fitzroy Lions Club who manned the Guess The Weight site and Beef 2015 for donating site fees.
“Everyone put in a big effort and it was great to see so many people getting involved.”
The winner of the competition will be announced via the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service Facebook page later in the week.