Champion All Breeds Heifer, Deepfields Lola Dice, exhibited by Kathy Curran, pictured holding the heifer with judge Scott Myers.
The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza at Scone celebrated both youth enthusiasm and genetic leaps and bounds being achieved within the beef industry, with more than 800 participants entering the ring.
Three hundred and eighty head of cattle were entered from 68 schools across NSW, concreting the educational importance of the event, now in its 11th year.
From October 21-23, school and individual participants converged on White Park, Scone, to compete in parading, junior judging, and on the hoof and on the hook competitions.
Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza president Doug Robertson said this year the event proved “it is as big as it can get” saying 2016 marked the highest participation numbers.
He said logistically the event is attractive, given its almost limitless to how many students can be involved.
“I think it’s increased because of the benefit to the students; they take away a deeper understanding of the beef industry and what’s involved in raising livestock,” Mr Robertson said.
“Students gain life skills because of the exposure and education throughout the event – even those not from an agriculture background have the opportunity to grow.”
Under judge Michael Crowley, Meat and Livestock Australia, Armidale, the led steer/heifer competition sashed previous grand champion and heavy weight champion as supreme exhibit.
Prepared by Red Bend Catholic College, Forbes, and led by Lilly Hand, the Limousin steer took out the top accolade for its superior muscle pattern and true to type traits.
The led heifer competition gained 50 entries, with judge Scott Myers, Moss Vale, sashing champion to Kathy Curran, Deepfields Limousin stud, Catherine Field.