Callide Dawson carcase competition calls for grass fed entries

Competition public relations officer Mike Bradshaw said it was very hard to say what fat cattle would be around with very patchy rainfall over the past few months, but the committee was hoping for about 200 nominations to add to 320 head on feed already.

"This would take the total to 500 or more entries for 2021 which would pass last year's 483 carcases," he said.

"It's a great opportunity for graziers to see how their cattle stand up amongst some of the best Callide Dawson Valley producers in the area.

"The competition is a good guide to see how your genetics plus beef fattening operations are heading for the future."

Producers will have until May 21 to get their grass-fed and grain-assisted nominations into the competition, which has been running for 32 years now.

It comes after the grain-fed classes of the competition entered Warnoah Feedlot, Theodore, in late February, following a field day held at the Moura Saleyards.

It marked a shift from previous years, when the field day had been held at the feedlot after induction.

Mr Bradshaw said it was a deliberate decision aimed at achieving a good weight gain result.

"We're leaving them alone once they are in the feedlot to avoid disruption," he said.

The early field day also gave school students the chance to attend and compete in the live assessment competition before the local show circuit began.

As part of the changed strategy, exhibitors can view video updates on the CDBCC Facebook page to see how the cattle are progressing in the feedlot.

The classes of grain-fed trade cattle, including 78 steers and 75 heifers, will be processed at Teys Biloela on May 10 while on June 9, 159 head of grain-fed steers will be processed.

A presentation dinner will be held on July 9 in Biloela.