Improved outlook boosts sales

Held from June 3 to 5 on a purpose-built site at Kingsthorpe, west of Toowoomba in Queensland's agricultural region the Darling Downs, the giant primary industries event attracted a crowd of about 60,000.

Barry Harley, from organisers Rural Press Events, said the overall optimistic outlook in Australian agriculture coupled with a break in the dry in some areas had encouraged agri-manufacturers and service providers from all across the nation to see this year's CRT FarmFest in a positive light.

CRT State Manager Queensland and NSW James Nott said while those with access to irrigation had fared a bit better, most Queensland producers had just gone through a tough season.

"But they still have a business to run and our site here at FarmFest has been packed for the three days," he said.

Growth in the past year has taken the number of CRT stores across Queensland to about 100, and the same in NSW.

"The CRT brand is very strong, and that growth is on the back of that name and the services provided. We expect our expansion to continue," he said.

"Being at events like Farmfest builds on that brand name."

Mr Nott said the future of Farm- Fest was secure, regardless of the growth of internet retail.

"Agribusiness is a relationship industry and very much about building trust," he said.

"Farmers will always want to see, touch, try and ask 'what's the best deal you can do?'"

The livestock area, one of the unique attractions at FarmFest, was one of the busiest this year, with dozens of cattle breeds and both commercial and stud animals on display and competing in some prestigious competitions.

Guyra Shorthorn breeder Chad Williamson, Chadwick Shorthorns, sold the three bulls he had brought to FarmFest on the first day.

They all went to a commercial producer at Theodore, Qld, to be put to Braford and Charolais females.

Mr Williamson said the inquiry throughout the entire field days was strong.

David McCabe's Breffni Drought- masterstud, Chinchilla, Qld, took out the Battle of the Bulls competition on the Wednesday, via the 734-kilogram Breffni Felix, which was first judged junior champion.

The senior champion was Blue Dog Hunter, from Doug and Jan Bradshaw's Blue Dog Simmentals at Wandoan.

Champion led steer went to Travis Luscombe and Allison McCabe's Ace High Led Steers at Toowoomba, making it a back-to-back win in the competition.

The steer, Blueberry Wine, was sired by a Charolais/Angus cross bull and was out of a Limousin cow and weighed 626 kilograms at 18 months.

The Luscombe and McCabe partnership were also named most successful exhibitor in the open classes.

A 484kg Limousin/Charolais cross steer, Teddy Bear, exhibited by Cathy Yarnold and Blake Dawson was named reserve champion.

More than 100 cattle contested FarmFest's beef ring events this year.