Quality prime cattle shine at Gayndah Show

The show, held on Saturday, April 10, drew a strong field of 162 head of quality prime grain- and grass-fed cattle.

This year saw cattle drawn from Gympie, Mundubbera, Murgon, Proston and the local area including new exhibitors.

A total of 62 head were sent to Teys Australia at Beenleigh to compete in the carcase competition, with the winners to be announced on Thursday night.

A 532kg Santa Gertrudis milk-tooth heifer owned by the Baker family, Gayndah, was named the grand champion beast of show after first taking home the gong for champion male or female of show - grain-fed.

Lance Baker of Woodmillar Santa Gertrudis said it was a nice surprise to take home the top gong.

"It's always pretty strong competition in there," he said.

"She sort of stood out, she was never going to be a breeder but she was a meat machine."

Judge Barry McIntyre of Nolan Meats, Gympie, said the grand champion would have a high dressing percentage.

"The meat to bone ratio was exactly what I think processors are looking for," he said.

"She was an outstanding heifer."

The Baker family was also successful in collecting the awards for champion pen of males (bred and fattened), champion pen -bred and fattened at Muan Feedlot, and the aggregate points.

Mitch and Megan Upton, Murgon, claimed reserve champion beast of show and champion male of show with a 584kg milk-tooth, grass-fed Charbray steer.

Melita and Katria Palmer, Gayndah, exhibited a Droughtmaster/Limousin-cross heifer that won the awards for champion female of show - grass-fed and junior champion of show - no permanent teeth.

Elsebach Grazing Co, Gayndah, exhibited a pen of grey poll Brahman heifers to claim champion pen of male or female.