Australia-500 of the worlds very best cattle.

AUSTRALIA-BEEF CARCASS COMPETITION.

ALMOST 500 cattle representing 157 exhibitors from throughout Queensland, NSW, Tasmania and Western Australia will take part in the nation’s most ambitious carcase competition during Beef 2009.

Instead of trying to gather together cattle from far-flung regions across the nation to a central point for processing and carcase appraisal, the Beef 2009 competition takes a novel approach where cattle can be fed and processed locally to a set of standard criteria.

A total of 17 abattoirs was nominated for use in this year’s competition.

While Queensland producers predictably have provided the largest number of entries this year, Tasmania is the surprise packet with the second largest number of cattle, followed by NSW and WA.

A full genetic spectrum of breeds will be represented including British, European, Bos Indicus and Sanga genotypes and their respective composites and crossbreeds.

Entrants were able to deliver their competition cattle to a nominated processor for carcase judging over a six-month period which ended on March 30.

Each mob of three steers or heifers was assessed on a uniform basis at each plant using the Australian Beef Cattle Appraisal System (ABCAS) and Meat Standards Australia grading systems.

Three classes each for grain and grassfed entries cover export weight (320-400kg), heavy trade weight (260-340kg) and medium trade weight (180-260kg) market segments.

Each carcase is assessed against market specifications, (25 points), saleable meat yield (40 points) and MSA eating quality (35 points) for a total score out of 100.

Results will also factor in evenness of pen weight, rewarding more even lines of cattle.

Significantly (given recent industry debate over the issue of dentition ’over-riding’ ossification scores to have a negative impact on grid pricing for certain slaughter animals) this competition awards points on ossification (maturity) score only.

An awards presentation and results briefing will be held during Beef 2009 on Monday, May 4, from 4.30pm.

Trophies will be awarded to the winning pen in each class, and to the competition’s overall single champion carcase and reserve.