2017 Circular Head Results

30 Jan

The 2017 Circular Head Competition saw Red Angus members winning prizes in both the hook and hoof sections.

A note from the Circular Head Agricultural Society:

Trade and Export Cattle Competition 2017/18

The 35th annual hoof and hook competition saw a yarding of 50 entries with a quality field of 36 yearlings and 14 heavy Japanese export steers, with many of the entrants in group of three cross-entered in the Beef Australia competition in Rockhampton. Our class specifications were altered to match the Beef Australia classes, hence the classes being Two and Three this year.

The hoof section was held at Stanley on Saturday December 9^th with young local expert Damon Englund picking the winners, and explaining his selections to the onlookers.

This year a first time winner took the prize in the yearling class, with D Green and C Powell taking out first with a Speckle Park cross. They have a group of pure-bred Speckle Park cattle on the way, so look out for them in future years. Second was Crighton Horton, and third M&G De Jonge. In the Japanese Export class it was Rex Frankcombe first and second, proving the consistent quality of his herd. Western Plains took third. The Frankcombe steer also won show champion and the Cyril Wells Memorial Trophy.

In the public judging the Forest Cattery and Kennel again sponsored the chocolates, for those who were closest to the judges selections in each class. Class Two winner was Yvonne Barker, with another box of chocolates for former judge Dale Grey in Class Three.

Thanks to our many sponsors for their continuing generosity that makes the competition possible. We also appreciate the extensive support of Greenham Tasmania. The disruption to the daily routine of the plant, especially the boning room, is considerable.

The other valued sponsors are Bayer Animal Health, Gallagher Australia, Chemvet, Zoetis, Incitec-Pivot, Trutest, Coopers Animal Health, Castlegate James, Moonlake Investments, Rabobank, Roberts Ltd., and Virbac Australia along with Onesteel Waratah fencing products, Pine Park (Angus, Red Angus and Charolais), and Webb and Woodiwiss livestock agents. Also local sponsors Perry’s Quality Meats, Smithton Vet Service, Medwin Enterprises, Jaeger Electrical and the Wells family, Anthony’s at Highfield, Nut Chairlift and Western Plains.

At the Greenham Tasmania facility on the 10^th of January, MSA assessor Janine Lau from MLA measured the carcases to establish the best performers on the hook. First place in Class Two went to Western Plains, with a heifer originally bred by neighbours Audrey and Robert Scott. Crichton Horton was second and Banna Holdings third.

In Class Three the Heres family from Shanford Park Angus took the main prize with Western Plains second and Bayswater Red Angus third

Peter Greenham congratulated producers on the conformation of the carcases, although there were carcases this year that did not quite fit the specifications.

Grass finished beef has grown in demand both locally and overseas, and the consistent quality of Tasmanian grass finished beef is gaining a reputation worldwide. He also commended producers for their continuing improvement in carcase quality.

The Committee would like to wish all beef producers a prosperous New Year. We thank entrants and our sponsors for their continued support. Our aim is to see the continued support for high quality grass-fed, antibiotic free and hormone free beef under the popular Cape Grim and Never Ever labels. We hope to see you at the 2018/19 competition, which will see a change in format to pens of three cattle per entry, to match the Beef Australia National Carcase Competition, and also hopefully see the opening of our new hoof judging facility at the Stanley Showground.

This year’s winners were:

HOOF

Class Two

1st 36 D Green & C Powell

2nd 48 Crighton Horton

3rd 30 M&G De Jonge

Class Three

1st 71 Rex Frankcombe

2nd 70 Rex Frankcombe

3rd 75 Western Plains

Champion of Show and CYRIL WELLS Memorial Trophy

1st 71 Rex Frankcombe