On The Land

17 July, 2026

2026 beef carcase competition open

ENTRIES are now open for the 2026 North Queensland Best Beef Carcase Competition, with local producers having the opportunity to benchmark their cattle against some of Australia’s best.

Hosted by Rocky Creek Abattoir, the competition will be held from 17-21 August and showcases the quality of pasture-fed cattle produced across Far North Queensland.

In an exciting first for the region, Rocky Creek Abattoir has been selected as a participating processor in the BEEF2027 National Carcase Competition.

This means eligible producers entering the North Queensland competition can also nominate their pens into the national competition, with the winners to be announced at Beef Australia 2027.

Competition organiser Shannon Byrnes said the opportunity was a significant milestone for northern producers.

“This gives Far North Queensland producers the chance to see how their cattle compare with some of the best beef producers in Australia,” she said.

“The competition isn’t just about winning. It’s about receiving independent carcase feedback that helps producers make better breeding, nutrition and management decisions while showcasing the quality of beef our region produces.”

Entries are open in three pasture-fed classes:

• Medium Trade: Pen of three pasture-fed steers or heifers (200-280 kg HSCW)

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• Heavy Trade: Pen of three pasture-fed steers or heifers (280.1-360 kg HSCW)

• Export Bullocks: Pen of three pasture-fed bullocks (300-420 kg HSCW)

Competition week will include producer carcase viewing sessions at Rocky Creek Abattoir, where entrants can inspect their cattle and hear from industry experts about the factors influencing carcase performance, eating quality and market specifications.

A Beers and Beef networking night will also bring together producers, processors and industry representatives, before the week concludes with the annual Awards Dinner.

Producers wishing to enter the BEEF2027 National Carcase Competition are encouraged to contact Rocky Creek Abattoir before registering, as national competition nominations close on 21 July.

Whether you’re a first-time entrant or a returning competitor, the North Queensland Best Beef Carcase Competition provides a valuable opportunity to benchmark your cattle, gain independent feedback and showcase the quality of Far North Queensland beef.

For more information or to nominate contact Rocky Creek Abattoir on 4095 4358.

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