ENTRIES to the 2014 Southern Grassfed Carcase Classic are open and organisers are expecting a top-quality field of cattle after the good, early start to the season.
SA's successful beef carcase competition, held at Teys Australia's Naracoorte abattoir each spring since 2008, has grown into an important annual event for stud and commercial producers.
It has been a valuable source of feedback and created plenty of friendly rivalry between entrants benchmarking their genetics, nutrition and management systems.
SGCC chairman Allan Kain said it was terrific to see producers with small and large herds becoming involved, keen to understand how to continue to produce some of the nation's best grassfed beef.
"We are seeing a really good cross-section keen to learn about producing high-quality beef from grass fatteners to backgrounders to breeders of weaners and weaned cattle," he said.
The competition has consistently attracted more than 200 entries with strong support from local agents, livestock carriers and Teys Australia.
Cattle entered for the competition need to be delivered to Teys during the fortnight of judging between October 6 and 17.
With many young cattle in more forward condition than the same period last year, the committee is hopeful numbers will be up this season.
Mr Kain said the strong demand for Australian grassfed beef, domestically and overseas, was evident.
And the growth of Meat Standards Australia had made it critical that every animal met processors' specifications.
* Full report in Stock Journal, August 7, 2014 issue.
Catherine Miller
Stock Journal's livestock editor and South East correspondent.
Stock Journal's livestock editor and South East correspondent.
