I spoke with my good friend, Liz Allen, of the RNA Beef Committee who updated me on the 2017 Royal Qld Show, the largest annual showing of beef in the Southern Hemisphere. The Ekka is delighted to be celebrating a remarkable milestone this year - its 140th anniversary. From the very first show in 1876, the Ekka has been bringing the country and city together to celebrate and champion agriculture and the critical role it plays in our everyday lives.
This year there are a record 2889 animals competing across all beef sections, which includes carcass competitions held earlier in the year, with more than 1750 of those competing during Ekka this week. The cattle on display at Ekka each year showcase of some of the best genetics in the world, and this year more than $12,000,000 worth of cattle are present on the Brisbane Showgrounds during Ekka Beef Week.
It’s been a record two days for the Schools Judging Competition presented by Landmark held last Monday and Tuesday with a record 24 Schools participating in the Inter School Steer Young Judging competition, plus a record 297 Paraders and a record 274 students participating in the School Steer Young Judging. Today, judging begins for 30 breeds of Stud Beef.
Tomorrow morning, more than $53,000 in prize money will be handed out for the Paddock to Palate Competition presented by Mort & Co for Classes 37 Export, Class 38 trade and Class 39 Wagyu Challenge.
The Ekka is all about showcasing the best of the best our state has to offer and the Ekka Beef Week competition continues to highlight the world-class animals our exhibitors produce.
Vale John More Higgins
The Holy Spirit Church, Auchenflower, was packed last Monday for the funeral of an old mate, John More Higgins, a few days short of his 80th birthday. John was so well known across the country, particularly in the pastoral industry, and for many years a prominent stock agents with the then Queensland Primary Producers (Primaries). The congregation included a large gathering of ex livestock agents and livestock buyers. Our deepest sympathy goes to John’s wife Patricia and his extended family.