Winton might be able to boast about a title as weight gain capital of western Queensland and feel good about it, after its show society steer trial program had to be accelerated.
Set up to encourage greater participation in the region’s annual show, and receiving entries from 18 producers, cattle gained so much weight on the winter herbage that they were sent off for the feedlot side of the competition four months ahead of schedule.
Teams of six to 12-month-old steers were inducted to a paddock at Daintree Station in early August, and averaged 0.98kg/day for the 121 days they were there.
Steward Ken Sorensen said everyone had been expecting them to do well, but not as good as they did, going into hotter months of the year.
He said there had been good performers in every breed, and more ordinary ones in each as well.
Two steers were standouts, putting on 1.3kg per day for the duration of the trial.
Teys Australia took delivery of 103 steers in early February for the second stage of the trial, and organisers expect to have final data available by the Winton show.
Results for the grassfed section are expected to be released next week.
Three trial steers held back from sale because they were already too heavy for feedlotting, are expected to be on display at the show in June.
Their average weight was 547 kg.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
