STUD cattle competition entries for May’s Beef 2024 event in Rockhampton closed yesterday, with an enormous 2024 nominations from breeders in all mainland Australian states, representing 29 breeds.

The entry number is up 324 head or 11.6pc percent on registrations in 2021, when the event was still hampered by COVID limitations. Not since pre-COVID Beef Expos have entry numbers been this high, ranking May’s event as easily the largest stud cattle display in Australia.

The Nutrien Stud Cattle Championship remains one of the core events at each triennial Rockhampton Beef Expo.

Beef Australia chief executive Simon Irwin said the event is recognised by the seed stock sector as the nation’s premier stud cattle competition, and the number of nominations received this year backed that up.

“Beef Australia exists for the advancement of the Australian beef community, and the Stud Cattle Championship is at the heart of what we do”, Mr Irwin said.

“In 2021, the Championship saw 1700 stud cattle championship entrants across all adult and junior competitions. This year, at the time of nominations closing last night, we’ve received an incredible 2024 nominations, representing 29 breeds.

This figure does not include additional cattle yet to be entered into the event’s junior competitions.

“I’d like to thank the Australian seedstock industry for their continued support for the Championship,” Mr Irwin said.

“The return of international visitors (few could visit Australia at the previous 2021 event due to COVID) will make the 2024 Championship the most viewed in the history of the event.

“This fantastic response is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Australia’s cattle breeding community, and a recognition of the work put in by our Stud Cattle Championship Committee.”

Stud cattle committee Chair James Kent said the committee couldn’t be prouder of the response to nominations this year.

“We’re excited to showcase the exceptional quality and diversity of Australia’s stud cattle at this year’s Championship, not only to the rest of the nation, but to the world,” he said.

“The Championship will feature a diverse range of breeds, each vying for top honours across the various classes.”

• Nominations for the Stud Cattle Championship closed at midnight, Monday 19 February.
• Substitutions, withdrawals, and late entries close at 5pm Friday 15 March.
• Junior Led Steer nominations close Friday 15 March.
• All other junior event nominations close Monday 29 April.

Source: Beef Australia