SIMMENTAL and Simmental-cross steers were front and centre within the 2019 Lardner Park Steer Trial in Victoria.
The annual competition, now in its 45th year, began in July, with entrants invited from anywhere in Australia, arriving on the property in late June.
The final weigh-in was held on December 2 with the Simmental-infused animals performing well, with full figures released through the subscriber newsletter.
The weight gains for the final period were down from previous periods but overall for the trial, were similar to that of other years being 1.28kg per day.
Some of the Simmental and Simmental-cross cattle within the trial were from Eddie Jefford, Solney Farms, West Gippsland, Victoria, and Trevor Hatch, Three Oaks, Athlone, Vic.
Some 66 animals from Vic and NSW were penned at the Warragul property in July.
Compliant with the Coles Quality Assurance grass-fed program, the aim is to achieve the best outcomes for both during-trial information and data collection, and purchase price on carcase meat, as a domestic grade with a specification of between 220-310kg HSCW (hot standard carcase weight).
The competition is the only grass-based steer trial in Australia.
Producers across multiple states are provided the opportunity to assess cattle under independently controlled grazing conditions.
While much of the nation's cattle country was suffering drought, the specially kept Lardner Park pastures were in excellent condition, exhibiting lush, green paddocks with plenty of grass for steers to indulge in.
Other breeds within the trial included Angus, Angus-cross, Red Poll, Murray Grey, Speckle Park, Herefords and Charolais-cross cattle.
This year, the number of trial partners, including Telstra, had nearly doubled.
Lardner Park chief executive Nicola Pero said it was a fantastic show of industry support.
The trial results and awards are expected to be announced in March, 2020.
Organisers said there was a great turn up at the final weighing to see the steers for the last time before being processed the next day at JBS.
They reported that all producers were happy with the condition and temperament of the steers.
A feed test of the pasture consumed through November was taken as well as the final blood test the week before. Dr Grant Nielsen from West Gippsland Vet Care will analyse the results and present the information at the awards presentation and carcase day.
