In a bid to cement its place in the beef industry, the Brangus Society is excited to announce the start of a feedlot trial at Rob Maudsley’s Waterfall feedlot at Goomeri.
Eight mainly central Queensland breeders have contributed 147 head, which started on feed on March 8.
In conjunction with Nolans Meats, the trial will collect data from Brangus steers from paddock to plate, with prime cuts being made available to the Bracken Ridge Tavern in the month surrounding this year’s Ekka.
The idea is the brainchild of Edward Quinn of Voewood, Calliope, who has put 48 head of his own cattle in the trial.
A Brangus Society committee member, Mr Quinn said it was likely a first of its kind for the breed.
“I wanted members to be able to get more feedback on their cattle, but just as much, I want to see the breed gain more acceptance.
“We get a premium in the saleyards and through private sales but not in the processing sector.”
Mr Quinn said Brangus cattle he had entered in Beef 2012 trials had done really well, showing high feed conversion ratios and high weight gains.
Other feedlot participants include Tim Dwyer, Burrumbush Brangus, with seven steers, Gavin Klibbe, Kuraby Brangus, 15 steers, Ron Hanson, Bindaree Brangus, 13 steers, Mark Bauer, Elara Brangus, five steers, D Baker, Goomeri, six steers, Tony Fernie, Boombah Brangus, 11 steers, and Brad Saunders, Pheasant Creek Brangus, 42 steers.
“We had to have a minimum of 100 and a cap of 200 so I’m very happy with this response,” Mr Quinn said. “It was open to everyone and we had interest from central Queensland to northern New South Wales, but it came down to freight in the end.”
Cattle will be fed for 102 days and participants will receive information on feed conversion, weight gains, carcase data, MSA, and marbling, as well as feedback on the steak on a plate, after they are killed at Nolan Meats.
Prime cuts will be cryovaced for six weeks before serving to Bracken Ridge Tavern customers under the Brangus brand.
“It’s no use having great weight gains if the meat tastes terrible, so this will be an important part of the whole thing,” Mr Quinn said. “Plus I want to see us get the most from those 147 head.”
Mr Quinn and his wife Kara have been organising the trial in conjunction with Brad and Vicki Hanson, Bullakeana Brangus, since October last year along with the support of the Brangus community.
A dinner during the Ekka is planned and interested sponsors should contact Edward on 0418716442
