The nation’s largest cattle exposition, Beef Australia 2018, is a significant part of the Droughtmaster Australia’s events calendar this year, according to CEO Neil Donaldson.
“Droughtmasters has been one of the most numerous breeds on display at past expos, and this year is no different with 248 entries from 42 exhibitors to be judged in the stud classes on May 9,” Mr Donaldson said.
He said The Australian Commercial Beef Cattle Championships, held in conjunction with each Beef Australia show, will also be well supported by Droughtmaster breeders.
“Droughtmasters have been named grand champions at seven of the past 10 championships.”
Past grand champions have included:
- 1991 – Ed and Carol McCormack, Clonlara
- 1994 – Brett and Alan Nobbs, Cungelella
- 1997 – Nobbs Cattle Co
- 2003, 2006, 2012, 2015 – Ken and Kerry McKenzie, Yaralla.
Mr Donaldson said during Beef 2018, the society will be acknowledging the important role played by the Droughtmaster female over the years.
“Her renowned adaptability, fertility, calving ease, longevity and maternal instincts are also well recognised by other breeds and she is often used in crossbreeding programs,” he said.
“In recognition of the importance of the Droughtmaster female, our slogan this year is Diamonds in the Dust, however, since the amazing turnaround in climate conditions in recent weeks, perhaps it needs to be changed to Diamonds in the Mud,” he said jokingly.
He said the society is also looking forward to hosting international delegations at Beef 2018 during a function being held on Tuesday, May 8, with delegates to be treated to Droughtmaster grain-fed beef, processed and aged at Nolans abattoirs at Gympie.
Mr Donaldson said the society would be seeking expressions of interest for the Droughtmaster Australia USA Tour, which departs in October this year.
“From October 21 to November 3, we’ll be exploring cities such as Dallas, Fort Worth, Nashville, Oklahoma City, St Louis, and Memphis, with numerous ranch visits along the way. We’ll also be attending the Beefmaster Breeders’ Convention in Franklin, Tennessee.”
He said the entries in the Droughtmaster Photo Competition will also be on display at Beef 2018, where they’ll be judged on-site with the winner to take home a great prize courtesy of the Queensland Country Life.
The society will sell a range of promotional clothing and other merchandise at the Droughtmaster marquee at the main entry to the judging arena on site P28 to P31.
- An added prize for some breed class winners is a pair of Durango Boots.
