STUD cattle entries for Beef 2024 are already past 900, but if past events are anything to go by, there will be a late surge in numbers as the nomination deadline draws closer.

The deadline for this year’s stud entries has been extended to Monday 19 February.

Despite the challenges around COVID, the previous Beef Expo held in 2021 attracted some 1700 stud cattle entries from all Australian states, representing 30 breeds.

The spectacle across six simultaneous judging rings is easily the largest stud beef display in Australia, if not the southern hemisphere

The Nutrien Ag Solutions Stud Cattle Championship, one of the crown jewels within the triennial Rockhampton event, will be staged over three days of the event.

Beef Australia CEO Simon Irwin said the recent surge in cattle prices and seasonal conditions across large parts of Australia would help boost stud entries this year, especially as many cattle would roll-on from their local show circuits (and as far south as the Royal Easter Show in Sydney) to compete in Rockhampton.

“The stud cattle championship is recognised by the seedstock sector as our nation’s premier stud cattle competition,” Mr Irwin said.

“Beef Australia exists for the advancement of the Australian beef community, and the stud cattle championship is at the heart of what we do,” he said.

“As with every event, the stud cattle championship will be closely watched as producers vie to secure a prestigious Beef Australia ribbon and be named the best of the best in stud cattle across the country.”

“The results of years, and for some producer’s, decades of work will be showcased over five days at the 2024 event, which is testament to the dedication shown throughout the industry.”

Several new breeds are likely to appear in May, including Ultrablacks, an Angus/Brangus composite designed for optimum eating quality while retaining some tropical adaptation. Several African Sanga and Indicus breeds have also indicated they are likely to enter teams for the first time.

“We encourage breeders to nominate their cattle, vie for top honours and showcase the pinnacle of excellence within the stud cattle industry to the national and international audience that will be at Beef 2024,” Mr Irwin said.

Beef Australia stud cattle championship committee chair James Kent said the organisers had been working closely with the Beef Australia team to work through and finalise details for the 2024 Championship.

The committee was appointed in January last year.

“It’s been a busy 12 months working through classes and criteria, prizemoney, entry fees and scheduling of events but the committee remain focused on creating a platform that not only showcases the finest cattle but also serves as a time to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the Australian seedstock sector,” Mr Kent said.

“Planning for the Stud Cattle Championship involves an incredible amount of volunteered time to which end I’d like to thank the committee for their unwavering support and dedication as we head towards Beef 2024.”

Three days of judging

The Nutrien Ag Solutions Stud Cattle Championship will take place across three main days, starting with breed judging on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 May.

A Parade Of Champions will take place on Thursday 9 May showcasing all 30 breeds, followed by the interbreed stud beef championship, including supreme champion interbreed) bull, female and exhibitors group, representing the grand champions from each breed.

An Off the Lead stud cattle exhibitor meet and greet will be held on Sunday 5 May at the Rocky Sports Club.

Nominations are open for Nutrien Ag Solutions Stud Cattle Championship until close of business on Monday, 19 February. Click here for details, and to lodge entries