Phase 1 of the EKKA Paddock to Palate competition has been completed – the feedlot weight gain for Class 39 – Wagyu. Taking out top honours was Kuro Kin Wagyu with an ADG of 1.156kg
The annual EKKA Paddock to Palate competition for Class 39 – Wagyu has now completed Phase 1 the feedlot trials.
Hosted by Mort & Co and proudly sponsored by the Australian Wagyu Association, the feedlot trials represent the best of the best in Wagyu for weight gain in Mort & Co’s Grassdale Feedlot, Dalby.
The announcement of the feedlot trials was announced on June 18th, 2018 at the conclusion of a 21 day period in dedicated paddocks.
Class 39 specifically for Wagyu, winner was Kuro Kin Wagyu. Six F1 cattle recorded an average daily gain (ADG) of 1.156kg. Using an F2+ Wagyu, Wentworth Cattle Company took the highest individual weight gain with an average of 1.325kg per day.
Phase 2, is the eating quality competition which will be assessed in late June and will be processed at 400 days.
The entries will be assessed on P8 fat depth, rib fat depth, fat colour, meat colour and marbling. Utilising the MIJ assessment camera, further scores will be allocated to meat yield, eye muscle area and fineness of marbling.
The third aspect of judging will be the Beef Taste-off. Using a striploin, judges will score on raw appearance, juiciness, tenderness, flavour and their overall liking of the sample. The overall winner will be calculated on an aggregate score across the three phases.
Winners will be announced in August at EKKA 2018, Brisbane.