PETER King can't give away too much about the Gippsland Steer Association Hoof and Hook Competition, especially on the performance of certain breeds.
That said, the competition coordinator said the Simmental steers within the competition were "going very well".
While it's not a Simmental-only competition, the breed is one that has thrown its support behind the new event which is promising to re-invigorate the led steer section in a select group of shows.
The competition is an aggregate event taking place over four local shows and concludes with a carcase class, followed by a presentation night to be held in April, 2020.
It has attracted 14 steers competing across various criteria.
The first showing was held at the Dandenong Show on November 9, where Simmental steers from Pinaroo Hills Simmentals, Bunyip, Vic along with Len and Anne Comfort, Bales, Vic showed plenty of potential.
Mr King said this was a significant milestone for those taking part. The competition involves a handlers class as well.
"It was the first time into the ring for most. We had 12 green animals and more new handlers than experienced ones, all competing and supporting each other," he said.
"It's never been held before and there are a lot of people watching it."
Pinaroo Hills Simmentals' Vanessa Wenn said she was excited about the concept and believed it would really take off.
"I received second place in the class of 12 so was extremely happy with my win," Ms Wenn said.
"This is the second time I have entered a purebred steer into any steer comp, so it is still pretty new to me.
"My first experience was with Team H Cattle Care when I donated a purebred Simmental steer for the 2016 Royal Melbourne show Steer Competition."
Mr King said with smaller regional shows dying, the hoof and hook competition was a way of drawing some new life into the events and encouraging students to consider a career in agriculture.
Other showings will take place at Berwick Show on February 23, 2020; the Warragul Show on March 7, 2020; and then the final outing at the Bunyip Show, March 22, 2020.
Mr King said although the weight figures will be seen at the various shows, the final points structure will mean participants and onlookers will be guessing right to the end.
The concept has garnered significant support with sponsors such as Meat and Livestock Australia, Phillipsons According Services, Pinegully Park Belted Galloway Stud, Semex, Pakenham Western Wear and Team H Cattle Care all helping to get the competition going.
While the current competition is still underway, plans are being formed for the second one, including the possibility of two classes (heavy and medium weight steers) plus further support from breed societies.
Ashley Walmsley
Ashley Walmsley is the editor of ACM's only national, fresh produce magazine, Good Fruit & Vegetables, while also covering horticulture stories for the agricultural papers and websites. He also writes the weekly, The Ringer, column in the Qld Country Life.
Ashley Walmsley is the editor of ACM's only national, fresh produce magazine, Good Fruit & Vegetables, while also covering horticulture stories for the agricultural papers and websites. He also writes the weekly, The Ringer, column in the Qld Country Life.
