Shorthorn producers Sam and Jade Inglis, Crystal Brook, South Australia, have achieved outstanding success at the 13th Annual Southern Grassfed Carcase Classic.
The couple, trading as Inglewood Props, won the Grassfed Grand Champion Carcase with a Shorthorn steer scoring 95.49 points.
This is believed to be the highest score for a grassfed carcase in the history of the competition. They also placed first in the team of three animals aggregate, and third in the team of 10.
The competition is understood to be the largest annual beef grassfed carcase competition in the Southern Hemisphere with 1354 entries.
The Reserve Champion Carcase, 94.89 points went to Shorthorn x Angus from Lake Hawdon Robe SA.
A humble Mr Inglis said they were “lucky enough” to win in the grassfed section and Shorthorns had a lot to offer.
“Shorthorns are good at marbling, eating quality is quite high and they have the kilos in their frame to match it. We have always said the more kilograms you have the more money you get. Most of our steers are large framed and we’re able to get the meat on nicely,” Mr Inglis said.
Mr Inglis said they liked to be involved with the competition because it raised money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. “Friday night they handed over a cheque of $40,000,” he said.
Shorthorn Beef president, Chris Thompson, congratulated the winners on a “great achievement” and said the results showed that Shorthorns had “tremendous merits.”
“Shorthorns are probably one of the most complimentary breeds going around. Crossing with an Angus it brings really good results as well. Shorthorns do well in a grainfed operation with the JBS Thousand Guineas product. We know how well that hits the marketplace and how well that is received by end producers. We also know how well they do in a grassfed competition. This result demonstrates what we can achieve within the breed,” Mr Thompson said.
“The breed is moving ahead. The carcase, shape and type that we are producing combined with the marbling abilities to lay down fat cover on a grassfed animal is putting the breed in good stead for years to come.
“It is a great time to be involved with Shorthorns,” Mr Thompson said.
This latest success follows the outstanding result for Shorthorns at Beef Australia 2021. Where the Job family, Royalla Shorthorns, Yeoval, NSW won the Interbreed Champion Bull with Royalla Ventura P158.