With only a couple weeks of feeding left, producers taking part in the Barcoo Beef Challenge got to see their cattle up close on Monday.
Currently on feed at B Feeders at Rodgers Creek, the 100-day competition saw 396 entries this year.
B Feeders managing director Ben Maher said Monday's field day marked day 84 on feed, with cattle entering the feedlot at an average weight of 406 kilograms in late November.
"Cattle have done very well; the weather has been ideal for feeding and fortunately for the competition, not a hot or wet summer," Mr Maher said.
"The majority of cattle are Santa- or Charolais-infused and have handled the conditions well, and only 4 per cent have been treated for any feedlot-related health issues. A two-shot BRD vaccine program with the Coopers MH+IBR has no doubt assisted in the good run of health."
Weighed on day 50, the group had averaged 2.4kg of daily gain to that point, ranging from 1kg to up to 4kg.
"Like any competition we still see a wide variation in performance, and although some cattle are behind in average daily gain they have been retained with the focus shifting to the carcass side of competition," Mr Maher said.
"The cattle feeding part of the challenge finishes on March 16, when the bullocks exit for Kilcoy where the carcase component will be assessed."
