The stage is set for Stock Journal's Steer Showdown, with Iranda Beef feedlot manager Tom Green to judge next month's innovative online steer competition.
Across three nights from September 1 to 3, he will pass his judgement on the more than 50 steers entered, ultimately sashing his grand champion.
His informative comments on the submitted videos will be streamed through Stock Journal's website from 7pm each evening.
Mr Green manages the 17,500 head feedlot at Tintinara owned by Thomas Foods International and is also responsible for 15,000 hectares owned by the company in the area. used for farming, backgrounding and running 1400 Angus breeders.
A 2019 Nuffield scholar, Mr Green has considerable judging experience including the Royal Adelaide and Canberra Shows and is looking forward to casting his eye over his first online show.
"Anything the ag sector can do with school students creating an environment where they can see where their food comes from, but which also may get them involved in the ag industry in their future professional lives is fantastic," he said.
Stock Journal editor Jacinta Rose said the company was thrilled to have someone of Mr Green's ilk sitting in the judging hot seat.
"I'm really looking forward to hearing his comments and insight on each of the steers, and can't wait to see which entries catch his eye," she said.
Ms Rose also commended the entrants for their hard work preparing and videoing their steers.
While we all love a good showdown, the most exciting outcome for the Stock Journal team is knowing students are gaining skills and an insight into agriculture that will stay with them for years to come.
- Jacinta Rose
"We thank all the teachers, parents and breeders who have helped make it happen, as well as our generous sponsors who have made it possible for us to run an online competition in such uncertain times," she said.
"While we all love a good showdown, the most exciting outcome for the Stock Journal team is knowing students are gaining skills and an insight into agriculture that will stay with them for years to come."
The entries in Steer Showdown represent about half of the animals entered in the Royal Adelaide Show's Steer Carcase Competition.
The steers will be processed at Teys' Naracoorte abattoir on Friday, September 4.
RA&HS of SA beef cattle committee chairman David Copping said it had been pleased to have received 110 entries of the carcase competition from Streaky Bay to Loxton to Jamestown to Mount Gambier.
"Thirteen breeds are represented with Simmentals leading the way with 20 entries from Angus, Hereford and Limousin, while Droughtmaster steers are making their first appearance," he said.
Mr Copping said they would endeavour to hold presentations on Sunday, September 13 at a location and format to be advised once it became clearer what the COVID-19 regulations are at the time.
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