The Goombungee-Haden AH and P Society held its annual carcase competition in October for vendor-bred cattle only.
Event organisers say the event delivers an exceptional exhibitor experience and education for all vendors as they receive feedback on their animals’ performance.
The Hoof and Hook Competition calendar began on Saturday 5 July, when the cattle arrived at “Hesslands” Maclagan for their Induction process and Initial weigh-in.
All animals met the entry weight specifications of 180kg to 280kg.
The competition saw 23 entries from 23 different producers from the Goombundgee and Hayden districts.
The cattle were fed on a finishing mix for 80 days, at “Hesslands”, Maclagan.
Weighing the cattle for the Best Weight Gain competition began on Saturday, 20 September.
The end of the feed period was on Saturday, Tuesday 23 September at “Hesslands“ and a final weighing and judging of the Hoof competition commenced.
All carcases were AUSMEAT chiller assessed and MSA-graded.
Wednesday, 24 October saw the commencement of the slaughter date at Maclagan Meats and then on Saturday, 27th October vendors viewed the carcases at Maclagan Meats before lunch at Goombundgee Hotel where prizes were awarded.
The following prizes were awarded:
•Most Points gained with one beast in carcase and Hoof and Hook was awarded to Scott and Tania Duncombe, Cooyar with an Angus and was sponsored by Wayne and Belinda Hess. Scott and Tania were first time entrants and were blown away by the win and were pleased with the experience and said it’s always good to come away learning from the experience, that is why we entered the competition.
Second place went to Wayne and Belinda Hess, Waite A Wyle Blonde d’Aquitaines with a heifer
•Hoof Competition was won by Wayne and Belinda Hess, Waite A Whyle Blonde d’Aquitaines with a Blonde x Angus Heifer
Hook Competition
•Lightweight Carcase first place went to Scott and Tania Duncombe
•MSA Eating Quality Award went to The Grant Family,
• Best Weight Gain was awarded to Scott and Tania Duncombe
•Largest Eye Muscle area went to M & M Brennan
•Butchers Choice – Wayne and Belinda Hess, Waite A Wyle Blonds
•Highest Dressing Out Percentage – was won by Corey & Tim Schilf, Maclagan Meats with a Blonde/Angus/Speckle Park X.
•Prizes for the Hoof Competition were not awarded to exhibitors whose carcases do not meet the grading criteria.
Carcases that did not meet the below were disqualified and were not eligible for any carcasebased
prizes:
•Carcase weight range 180.0kg – 280.0kg
•Carcase P8 fat less than 5mm
•Carcase subcutaneous rib fat less than 3mm
•Carcase ultimate pH greater than 5.70
The committee would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support – Wayne & Belinda Hess, Ridley Agriproducts, Stephen & Laurel Peters, Lynne & Stephen Hartwif, Errol and Diane Luck, Wait A Wyle Blondes and Wayne and Belida Hess Maclagan Meat sell their product to Allora, Toowoomba, Dalby, Kingaroy and Yarraman.
Wayne and Belinda said they were thrilled with their success, proudly taking out first in Live Carcase, first in Butchers Choice, and second olace Overall an outstanding achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication that goes into their breeding program.
Wayne said it was a great feeling to be recognised among such strong competition and that events like these are more than just about winning ribbons. “It’s always good to go head-to-head with other top producers,” he said. “It’s a fun competition, but more importantly, the feedback we receive is invaluable. It really helps guide our on-farm decisions and ensures we’re heading in the right direction with the cattle we’re breeding.”
He explained that competitions like this give producers the opportunity to assess how their cattle perform against others under the same conditions. The feedback from judges and butchers provides real insight into carcase quality, yield, and market suitability information that’s vital for future breeding decisions.
Wayne and Belinda Hess have also sold 3 Heifers and 1 Steer to Oakey and 1 Heifer and steer to Gympie and said they proud to have commercial cattle headed to Oakey State High School and Gympie State High School for their respective 2026 show teams.
