For the first time, the RNA Paddock to Palate has introduced the 330-day Wagyu Challenge as part of the competition.
And it was vertically integrated family company, Stanbroke Beef, Grantham who were placed first in the 330-day weight gain section with a daily weight gain of 1.37kg average daily gain with its F1 steers.
These steers were also named the the highest individual weight gain of 1.57kg average daily gain. Stanbroke Beef markets both the Diamantina and Sanchoku premium Wagyu labels.
Richard and Dyan Hughes, Wentworth, Clermont were placed second for the F2 steers with an average daily weight gain of 1.23kg average daily gain.
Their son, Bristow Hughes, Strathalbyn, near Collinsville was placed in third position for a pen of Brahman F1 steers with an average daily gain of 1.17kg.
The Hughes family have been breeding Wagyu for more than 20 years and sourced their genetics from Marlborough breeder, Wally Rea, The Overflow.
“We are very pleased with the performance of our cattle in first phase of the competition,” Mrs Hughes said.
The challenge features 100 head of Waygu infused cattle and is a four-phased competition. It comprises best aggregate weight gain, a carcase competition, carcase value and finishing in a beef taste off.
