Keen to compare the feedlot performance of their Angus steers bred in the Victorian Western Districts, James and Georgie Knight from Mortlake entered the 2017 Beef Spectacular Feedback Trial for the first time and took out the Grand Champion pen of Five Steers, sponsored by Teys Australia.
With their pen of five Angus steers, Mr Knight said they were pleased with their success having no preconceived notion of how they might fare.
“We are new to the beef business at Mortlake, and Georgie and I thought this was a fantastic opportunity to throw some steers in and not necessarily our best steers,” he said.
“We knew it would be comprehensive and we would receive what we needed to further our business.”
Mrs Knight also paid tribute to her father for giving them the chance to return to the family farm and build on what he had achieved.
“I would like to thank my father for for providing us with the opportunity to take the reins and have a go and see what we can,” she said.
“He has set a pretty high benchmark.”
The Perpetual Award was presented to Mr and Mrs Knight by Grant Garey, General Manager Feedlots and Southern Grain Fed, Teys Australia
The Reserve Champion pen of Five Steers was awarded to the Minnamuura Pastoral Company, Boggabri, for their Angus/Speckle Park entry.
The award was presented by Mr Garey to Minnamurra Pastoral Company general manager Dennis Power.
Results:
Feedlot Performance – Gilmandyke Angus, Orange 1st, with equal 2nd, Rosedale Livestock Partnership, Blayney and Coota Park Blue E, Cowra.
Carcase – James and Sal Morse, Molong, 1st, with Lex and Sally Crosby, Forbes, 2nd and James and Georgie Knight, Mortlake, Victoria, 3rd.
Riverine Premium Beef Champion Pen – Dennis Power, Minnamurra Pastoral Company, Boggabri, with Reserve awarded to Wantabadgery Pastoral Co, Wantabadgery.
Teys Certified Premium Black Angus Champion Pen awarded to James and Georgie Knight, Mortlake, Victoria with Reserve awarded to Melon Pastoral Company, Roslyn.
Riverine Classic Beef Champion Pen awarded to Tex Pierce and Kim McConville, Mudgegonga, Victoria.