The Toowoomba Showgrounds.

A new field-day dedicated to the beef cattle industry will be held at Toowoomba in just over three weeks time.

The inaugural Darling Downs Beef Xpo will take place on Wednesday September 2 and Thursday September 3 at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, replacing the previous long-running AgShow multi-commodity field days.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland says the beef specific event is aimed at bringing real and tangible benefits to beef producers across southern Queensland with a range of activities, seminars and networking opportunities.

Landmark and Elders will present over 170 bulls at the Spring Classic Sale. Inspection commences on Wednesday afternoon with the auction getting underway from 9am Thursday.

The Elders Hoof & Hook competition starts on Wednesday with the hoof judging before the steers are taken off site for the hook component.

The open Led Steer competition starts at 12pm, on Thursday. Both competitions will be staged in the Lakeside Pavilion. These mostly crossbred cattle will be vying for $4800 in prizes. RASQ Beef Committeeman Cameron Collins said over 50 entries are expected.

Over 120 nominations are expected for the two day campdraft to be held in the Main Arena. Nominations are available through Campdraft Central.

A range of industry speakers have been engaged to present on a variety of subjects with the USQ Institute of Agriculture Seminar Series. Seminars will be held each day at 10am, Noon and 2pm.

A networking event is scheduled for Wednesday evening with a range of beef products prepared by Queensland Choice Meats and guest speakers Mr Pat Gleeson from Oakey Abattoir & Dr Ben Lyons TSBE’s representative in China.

Over 50 exhibitors displaying a wide range of beef specific equipment, products and merchandise will be on site across both days.

Gates open each day at 8:30am and entry is free.

For further information and a full program of actives contact the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland on (o7) 4634 7400 or www.rasq.com.au