TOP quality local bananas were on display at the Innisfail and Distric Show this week.
Multiple local growers took out awards with banana exhibit judges impressed with the quality of the banana hands, bunches, cartons and singles on display.
Among the winners were Celledoni Farming, who received first place in five classes and the title of most successful exhibit.
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council congratulated all the successful entrants, as well as the committee who gave up countless hours to organise the display.
Banana Exhibit Chief Steward Rob Zahra said he was pleased with the turnout, despite tough conditions.
“The two growers that did particularly well – Celledoni Farming and Reidy’s Bananas – they’re always great supporters of our exhibit and good luck to them both,” Mr Zahra said.
He noted the effort involved in getting the Banana Exhibit together each year.
“There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes and just a few of us to do it.
“But there’s a good group of people involved and we enjoy each other’s company – that’s why we keep coming back each year.”
Full results:
Class 1: Champion Ratoon Bunch
1st: Innisfail Banana Farming Company
2nd: Celledoni Farming
Class 2: Champion Plant Bunch
1st: Celledoni Farming
2nd: Reidy’s Bananas
Class 3: Heaviest Ratoon Bunch
1st: Reidy’s Bananas
2nd: Reidy’s Bananas
Class 4: Heaviest Plant Bunch
1st: Nucifora’s Bananas
2nd: Reidy’s Bananas
Class 5: Best Two Ratoon Bunches
1st: Celledoni Farming
2nd: Innisfail Banana Farming Company
Class 6: Best Two Plant Bunches
1st: Celledoni Farming
2nd: Reidy’s Bananas
Class 7: Champion Carton of Hands, Ex Large
1st: Celledoni Farming
2nd: Hampson Bros Pty Ltd
Encouragement Award: Mackay’s Bananas
Class 8: Champion Cluster Carton Extra Large 13kg in 6 per layer carton only
1st: Sellars Bananas
2nd: Kalbo Fresh
Encouragement Award: M&A Catelan
Class 9: Champion Cluster Carton Large 13kg 6 per layer carton only
1st: Kalbo Fresh
2nd: Kalbo Fresh
Encouragement Award: Mengotti Pty Ltd
Class 10: Champion International Cluster Carton 15kg carton only
1st: Sellars Bananas
2nd: Kalbo Fresh
Encouragement Award: Mackay’s Bananas
Class 11: Best three (3) Clusters
1st: Di Carlo’s Bananas
2nd: Hampson Bros Pty Ltd
Class 12: Champion Hand
1st: Di Carlo Bananas
2nd: Celledoni Farming
Class 13: Heaviest Hand
1st: McCarthy Farming
2nd: Di Carlo’s Bananas
Class 14: Champion Pair of Hands
1st: Celledoni Farming
2nd: Di Carlo Bananas
Class 15: Heaviest Freak Banana (any variety)
1st: Hampson Bros Pty Ltd
2nd: M&M Bananas
Class 16: Heaviest Single Banana
1st: Hampson Bros Pty Ltd
2nd: Di Carlo’s Bananas
Class 17: Best Six Singles
1st: Hampson Bros Pty Ltd
2nd: Sellars Bananas
Class 19: Open Heaviest Ratoon Bunch
1st: Reidy’s Bananas
Class 21: Champion Lady Finger Bunch
1st: Woopen Creek Bananas
2nd: Woopen Creek Bananas
Class 22: Champion Lady Finger Carton Hand Pack
1st: J.A Dobson
2nd: Woopen Creek Bananas
Class 23: Organic Carton 13kg
1st: McCarthy Farming
Class 24: Most Successful Exhibition on Aggregate Points
1st: Celledoni Farming
Highly Commended Award
Mengotti Pty Ltd
Most Outstanding Exhibit
Sellars Bananas