Crippling drought costs and bush fire threats failed to dent the resilience of northern NSW and southern Queensland livestock exhibitors at the Lismore Show last week.
Led steer classes attracted a near record 98 entries, more than 200 head of stud beef cattle were judged and dairy numbers also defied expectations.
Show president John Gibson described the response as amazing considering the circumstances, adding it proved the show's reputation as a vital show case for stud and commercial cattle producers.
Led steer judge, Travis Iseppi, Lowood, emphasised 'finishability' during his comments, placings on the hoof reflected in carcase awards when a Square Meater shown by first-time Lismore starters, Troy Nuttridge, Gatton and Gary Sewell, Wondai got the nod for grand champion live and scored again for champion lightweight carcase with a score of 88.49 points.
From the 220-360kg class, the steer was auctioned for $1407 dressed weight.
Toowoomba's Travis Luscombe continued his love affair for Lismore when seven of his eight mainly Limousin steers got amongst the ribbons both in hoof and hook classes.
Entries were second hoof and third and fifth hook (361-430kg), second hoof and fourth hook (431-480kg), first and third hoof (481-550kg).
The Queensland Country Life-sponsored school steers contest resulted in a close tussle between Bonalbo Central and St John's College, Lismore, with the former coming out on top thanks to it winning champion carcase and reserve champion led steer.
The carcase winner also annexed the top award in open competition, the 481-550kg class winner scoring 89.87 points.
The calf was sired by a Dalkeith Poll Hereford bull and was out of a Simmental-Hereford cross cow.
Fundraising for district bush fire victims received a $2526 boost when veteran steer exhibitor John Nicholls of Casino, NSW auctioned one of his entries purchased by the Northern Co-operative Meat Company.
Kyogle, NSW dairy farmers and Charolais breeders, Murray and Nicole Nicholls, bagged major awards with steers and stud cattle, the highlight being all-breeds junior champion female and supreme of show, supreme junior male and senior female, breeders group and champion of champions breed pair.
Leading the onslaught was their junior female, Tookawhile Pitch Perfect with Temana Charolais breeding on both sides.
Their best result with steers was first hoof and third hook for 431-480kg entries.
Dairy Spectacular judges Henry Bevan, Malanda and Shane Wadley, Toowoomba had no hesitation in selecting a Jersey from the Hewett family's Fairbrae stud at Bentley, NSW for all-breeds champion exhibit - Fairbrae T Bone Ruby, winner of the over six years milk class at only her second show ring appearance.
Pat and Trish McDonald, Kenarie stud at Murwillumbah, NSW followed up this year's Brisbane Jersey champion female award with all-breeds champion group of three, intermediate champion exhibit and senior udder.
The spectacular was launched with junior parader and judging classes, Loka Manu from Gympie winning the 14 years and under parader event.