Australian beef producers have the chance to prove the commercial relevance of their cattle, with entries now open for the RNA's 2021 Paddock to Palate Competition and 2021/22 Wagyu Challenge presented by JBS Australia.
Now in its 24th year, Australia's richest beef supply chain competition offers more than $54,000 in prize money and the invaluable chance for producers to benchmark their cattle.
RNA Beef Committee chair Gary Noller said it was evident the producers who were placing in the competition were reaping benefits from the recognition and data.
"The data coming out of the competition commercially validates the producers' seedstock breeding objectives," he said.
"We're finding the seedstock producers who are winning classes in the competition are the ones getting the highest prices and breaking records within their breeds.
"The commercial operators are topping commercial sales across the country as well."
Demand for the Paddock to Palate Competition's associated beef brands, the Royal 100 and Queenslander produced by competition partner JBS Australia, has also been high.
Mr Noller said beef from the competition was sold in more than 30 pubs, clubs and restaurants across Queensland this year.
"No other competition features beef brands and the Royal 100 is completely unique to Paddock to Palate, so chefs and consumers know they're getting the very best in Australian beef," he said.
"The product is only available once a year when our competition finishes and the demand this year was outstanding - it moved very quickly."
Paddock to Palate is a three phased competition comprising best aggregate weight gain; carcass; and MSA eating quality, while the Wagyu Challenge is four phased finishing in a beef taste-off judged by some of Queensland's top chefs.
The exhibitors who poll the highest aggregate scores across all phases will be awarded the overall prizes at an awards presentation dinner on Wednesday August 4.
Entries close Friday January 15. Exhibitors can enter up to three pens per competition class.
