The 2019 Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza (UHBB) is anticipating record entries for cattle with 480 steers and heifers expected to herd their way to White Park, Scone over the weekend.
Known as the largest beef cattle youth event of its kind to be staged anywhere in Australia, the 2018 event drew support from 880 competitors ranging in age from primary school students right up to 18-year-olds.
UHBB president Charles Mill said a huge thank you to all the schools and breeders for entries into the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza.
"Entries this year are higher than ever and support is greatly appreciated, particularly with the widespread impact of the drought," Mr Mill said.
"Preparations are well underway for this year's event and we are looking forward to seeing you all."
During the three-day program that kicks off on Friday, participants will have the chance to take part in educational program, the Junior Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Competition, paraders and junior judging, interactive unled steer judging as well as the Michael Crouch Memorial Careers Evening.
There has been widespread interest from schools in the Hunter and across other parts of NSW including; Yass High School, Coonamble High School, Lake Cargelligo Central School, as well as new schools Orange Anglican Grammar School, Bundarra Central School and Henry Lawson High School, Grenfell.
Long-term local sponsors create momentum
This is the fourteenth year the UHBB will be partnered by sponsor Waverley Station Angus.
Waverley Station have generously contributed approximately 400 steers to 30 primary and high schools across the Upper Hunter since Beef Bonanza's conception in 2006.
Outgoing UHBB president Doug Robertson said without the generosity of event partner, Waverly Station Angus, the rapidly growing success of Beef Bonanza would not have been achievable.
Waverley Station was bought by the Crouch family in 1990 and has grown to become one of the top Angus cattle breeders in Australia.
The private, family owned business now encompasses around 60,000 acres between Scone, King Island and Gunnedah and in a normal season has a herd of approximately 30,000 Angus cattle. Waverley Station Angus is a major supplier into the domestic and international markets.
Other major sponsors we wish to acknowledge for their continued support of Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza include; Alexander Downs Feedmill, Coles, JBS Scone Abattoir, Hunter Local Land Services, MacCallum Inglis, Upper Hunter Shire Council, University of New England.
The three-day event kicks off on Friday October 25 till Sunday October 27 at White Park, Scone.
