Entries are open for the 2017-18 Southern Grassfed Carcase Classic, with SA and Vic beef producers encouraged to see where their cattle rank for eating quality and market suitability.
Last year the competition, held at Teys Australia’s Naracoorte abattoir, attracted 722 entries, making it the nation’s largest grassfed beef carcase competition. Organisers are hoping to hit 800 head delivered before entries close in late February.
SGCC chairman Allan Kain says after the success of the long delivery period in 2016-17, they have gone with the same format to fit the turn-off of an increased number of producers.
“We received some great rising two year old cattle in the January-February period and at the end of spring saw some outstanding cattle for over the border,” he said.
Mr Kain says it is a great opportunity for breeders and backgrounders to get valuable feedback on their cattle and a greater understanding of the influence of genetics and management on their Meat Standards Australia Index.
“The livestock industry in SA has set a goal to improve the average MSA index by two points in five years so this gives those producing cattle an idea where they sit," he said.
“With the good season we are all trying to put on weight and maximise the dollars we are making on every animal they are producing.
“It is even more important to be producing a top quality article with prices coming back as it was when they were going up.”
The SGCC has also been a great fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, with nearly $13,000 donated in 2016 alone from the deduction of 1 per cent of the sale proceeds.
The classes cover 180-kilogram to 420kg carcaseweight steers and heifers.
Producers must enter a minimum of 10 head unless negotiated with Teys Australia staff.
Teys Australia will pay a 5c/kg premium on entered cattle.
Entry forms will be emailed out to all previous participants or can be downloaded from the SGCC Facebook page.
- Details: Allan Kain 0409 366 010 or David Woolard 0418 382 045.