QUEENSLAND beef producers have dominated the first phase of the RNA’s prestigious Paddock to Palate Competition presented by JBS Australia in Toowoomba this morning delivering standout performances in weight gain.

Russell Pastoral Operations from Blackall, Queensland, led the charge with multiple wins with their Angus X cattle.

They secured first place in Class 37A with an ADG of 2.797kg and also took top honours in Class 40A with an ADG of 2.287 kg, along with the highest individual weight gain in that class of 2.87kg.

In Class 38A, Devon Court Herefords from Drillham claimed first place with an ADG of 3.113kg, while a Charolais steer exhibited by Keddstock Pty Ltd from Yuleba topped the individual ADG results at 3.431kg.

The Wagyu Challenge (class 39A) also saw strong Queensland representation, with Thomas Burnett from Dirranbandi taking first place with an ADG of 1.286kg with his Wagyu X Angus.

Hancock Agriculture from Bell secured the highest individual weight gain for that class with an ADG of 1.613kg with their fullblood Wagyu entry.

Palgrove Pastoral Co from Bukkulla, New South Wales, also made their mark, securing several placings with their Ultrablack, including the highest individual ADG of 3.42kg in Class 37A.

The weight gain phase of the competition showcased a diverse range of high-performing breeds including Charolais X, Hereford, Santa Gertrudis, Shorthorn Santa, and Angus X.

Offering almost $55,000 in prize money, this year’s competition attracted 1,085 head of cattle – an impressive 35 per cent increase on 2024.

RNA beef committee chair Gary Noller said the growth in entries showed how valued the competition was within the beef industry.

“We’re seeing more entries year on year because exhibitors are recognising the commercial rewards,” he said.

“The competition provides real validation for both seedstock and commercial producers – it proves their genetics are not only performing in the paddock but are also commercially aligned with market demands.

“One of the great strengths of the competition is its benchmarking power, with the data giving producers the opportunity to identify their point of difference.

“The exhibitors who can strike that balance and perform consistently across all phases of the competition are the ones building more viable operations.”

Competition classes 37, 38 and 40 are three phased comprising best aggregate weight gain, carcass and MSA eating quality, while the Wagyu Challenge (class 39) is four phased finishing in a beef taste off judged by some of Queensland’s top chefs.

The exhibitors who poll the highest aggregate scores across all phases will be awarded the overall prizes at the Paddock to Palate and Beef Industry Dinner presented by JBS Australia at the Brisbane Showgrounds during Ekka Beef Week on Thursday 7 August.

Winning cattle in the 100-day competition will be featured in the JBS Royal 100 brand, while 70-day winners will be part of the JBS Queenslander brand.

Results

Class 37A Elanco Animal Health Best Weight Gain for Pen of Six Grain-Fed Steer (100 day)

1^st – Russell Pastoral Operations Pty Ltd, ADG: 2.797kg, Angus X, Blackall QLD

2^nd – Hinz Grazing, ADG: 2.737kg, Shorthorn Santa X, Miles QLD

3^rd – Palgrove Pastoral Co, ADG: 2.695kg, Ultrablack, Bukkulla NSW

Elanco Animal Health Class 37A – Highest Individual Weight Gain

Palgrove Pastoral Co, ADG: 3.42kg, Ultrablack, Bukkulla NSW

Class 38A Best Weight Gain for Pen of Six Grain-Fed Steers (70 day)

1^st – Devon Court Herefords, ADG: 3.113kg, Hereford, Drillham QLD

2^nd – Gyranda Pastoral Company, ADG: 2.792kg, Santa Gertrudis, Theodore QLD

3^rd – Gyranda Pastoral Company, ADG: 2.774kg, Santa Gertrudis, Theodore QLD

Class 38A Highest Individual Weight Gain

Keddstock Pty Ltd, ADG: 3.431kg, Charolais, Yuleba QLD

Class 39A Best Weight Gain for Pen of Six Grain-Fed Wagyu Steers

1^st – Thomas Burnett, ADG: 1.286, Wagyu X Angus, Dirranbandi QLD

2^nd -JE Hayden Pty Ltd, ADG: 1.171, Wagyu, Glen Innes NSW

3^rd – JE Hayden Pty Ltd, ADG: 1.157, Wagyu, Glen Innes NSW

Class 39A Highest Individual Weight Gain

1^st – Hancock Agriculture, ADG: 1.613, Wagyu 100%, Bell QLD

Class 40A Best Weight Gain for Pen of Six Grain-Fed Steers

1^st – Russell Pastoral Operations Pty Ltd, ADG: 2.287kg, Angus X, Blackall QLD

2^nd – Palgrove Pastoral Co, ADG: 2.247kg, Charolais X, Bukkulla NSW

3^rd – Texas Angus, ADG: 2.233kg, Angus, Warialda NSW

Class 40A Highest Individual Weight Gain

Russell Pastoral Operations Pty Ltd, ADG: 2.87kg, Angus X, Blackall QLD

Source: RNA