The addition of a new class in this year’s Central Queensland carcase competition will provide more opportunity for cattle producers to get involved.
Central Queensland Carcase Classic committee president Glen Kelly said an additional steer class will give livestock producers without fattening country an opportunity to be in the competition.
“With our competition’s scoring system equally conscious of carcase yield and meat quality, adding a weight gain score covers all aspects of profitability,” Mr Kelly said.
The carcase competition committee as included a new feed-on steer class using a current 100-day grainfed scoring formula aimed at a 300 to 420 kilogram carcase with four teeth or less, plus an added weight gain scoring component.
“Steers will go on feed at the Duaringa Station Feedlot on March 20, with five steers per entry into the feedlot,” Mr Kelly said.
“The top three scoring carcases from each pen will make up the final pen score.”
In another change, the competition committee said the led steer Hoof and Hook class has had the hoof section moved to the Junior Beef Show, which better aligns slaughter dates for all competition cattle as well as providing further educational opportunities for junior competitors.
In an effort to give producers an added opportunity to view carcase competition cattle, a field day will be conducted at Duaringa Station Feedlot on June 20.
“Hosted by Duaringa Station Feedlot in conjunction with Teys Australia and Meat and Livestock Australia, the day will include guest speakers, viewing of the steers at 85 days on feed, and sponsor displays,” Mr Kelly said.
“The competition provides a platform for graziers to showcase their cattle and benchmark their achievements against other producers in Central Queensland, whilst also operating as an important fundraiser for local beneficiaries.”
For the coming year, the beneficiaries include the Ridgelands Show Society, Marlborough P & C, ICPA Capricornia Branch, Dingo P & C, Capricornia School of Distance Education P & C, and the Clarke Creek P & C.
“A total of $13,150 was returned to the local communities involved in the 2016 carcase competition,” Mr Kelly said.
“In just nine years, the Central Queensland Carcase Classic competition has raised $78,000 for our local community organisations.”