The competition is not only the richest of its kind in terms of prize money, but also provides an important opportunity for producers to benchmark their cattle.
RNA Foundation beef committee chair Gary Noller said it was essential the RNA kept the competition running, despite the dry weather conditions.
“Nothing stops in a grazier’s world, so when times are tough they have to push even harder with the promotion of their bulls,” he said.
“Our competition provides a platform for producers to prove their commercial relevance which helps with promotion, and because of the benefits we’re encouraging them to enter.”
The competition will again feature a 100-day Hormone Growth Promotant-free export class, after attracting more than 200 cattle in its first year in 2019.
“We would expect to see even more entries in this class in 2020 due to the market increasing through China for HGP-free beef — it is now a major part of Australia’s export,” Mr Noller said.
The competition is made up of three phases, comprising best aggregate weight gain over 100 days for export and 70 days for trade; a carcase competition; and an eating quality competition.
The exhibitor who polls the highest aggregate score across all three phases will be awarded the overall prize at a dinner presentation during Royal Queensland Show's Beef Week in August.
Entries close on Friday, January 17.
For more information, and to enter, visit: www.ekka.com.au/competitions/animals/beef-cattle/paddock-to-palate-competition/
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