ONE of the world’s great cattle events, Beef Australia 2015, came to a close on Sunday. Three years of prior planning and preparation paid dividends, culminating in a smoothly run and operated seven-day program of activities.
The celebration of all facets of the beef industry set a new benchmark for the triennial event, with an estimated 90,000 visitors - including more than 1100 international guests - pouring through the gates of the Rockhampton Showgrounds over the week.
The week provided industry representatives with an incredible opportunity to network with others from within the industry at a domestic level, while facilitating new trade and export opportunities by exposing the local supply chain to international industry leaders; all while relaxing, having a laugh and enjoying some sumptuous beef alongside a drink or two.
Just about any type of cattle breed you could think of was represented at the event with more than 4500 cattle on-site from more than 30 breeds. In total, close to 4000 cattle were entered in the three cattle competitions, including a record 582 in the ANZ National Carcase Competition.
Cattle-related goods and services were promoted all over the site with more than 500 businesses attending, and highly informative conferences, seminars and property tours delivered the latest industry news to producers and stakeholders.
The on-site restaurants served in excess of 100,000 beef meals, including 1400 steaks daily at the Breakfast Creek Hotel and more than 1200 cheeseburgers a day at the Cape Grim stand; and the celebrity chef International Restaurant served more than 4000 beef dishes for the week, with service led by 11 different chefs.
Beef 2015 at a glance
- Estimated 90,000 visitors through the gates to Rockhampton Showgrounds over five days – up 10,000 on 2012 figures
- The on-site restaurants served well over 100,000 beef meals, including 1400 steaks daily at the Breakfast Creek Hotel and more than 1200 cheeseburgers daily at the Cape Grim stand
- The celebrity chef International Restaurant served more than 4000 beef dishes for the week, with service led by 11 different chefs
- More than 4000 tickets were sold to the industry symposium and seminar sessions
- Close to 4000 cattle were entered in the three cattle competitions, including a record 582 in the ANZ National Carcase Competition
- Approximately 120 tonnes or six semi-trailers of sawdust and manure removed from the cattle sheds daily.
