The versatility of Bellevue genetics has once again shone through at the 2024 Ekka Prime Lamb Carcase and Paddock to Plate Competition, with ribbons won in all classes entered.
“We put a lot of time, effort and data collection into our Dorper genetics and we are thrilled to see that our prime lambs keep coming out on top, ground truthing our rams and our stud breeding program,” said David Curtis.
Bellevue is thrilled to have taken out the overall Paddock to Plate Competition for the second year in a row. These champion pasture-fed lambs were a pen of three White Dorper lambs, with an IMF of 5.55 per cent. They weighed 51kg hot on the scales, before being processed the following day and dressing out at 26kg.
They were raised exclusively on organic pasture on our Bellevue property.
Bellevue 2024 EKKA results:
Prime Lambs carcase competition:
• Champion, Grass-Fed Single Lamb
• Overall Reserve Champion, Pen of Three Lambs
• First, Pen of Three Restaurant Trade Lambs
• Second, Pen of Three Light Trade Lambs
• Second and Third, Pen of Three Heavy Trade Lambs Paddock to Plate Competition
• Overall Paddock to Plate Champion
* First & Third, Paddock to Plate, Pasture-Fed, 22-34kg
* Second, Tasteoff Challenge
* Carcase Champion
This is an industry-relevant event, with more than 40 entries over a number of sheep breeds.
A huge thank you must go to the competition sponsors: Carey Bros Abattoir, Rob Ashton’s Butchery, Millmerran Abattoir, McMahon Brothers, Meat and Livestock Australia, Riverina Stockfeeds, as well as Stocklive.
Chief steward Peter Hood and his many volunteers and officials so generously give their time, year after year, organising this industry-relevant event.
Whether you are a stud or commercial breeder, this competition’s feedback is invaluable; being able to see what an ideal, trade-suitable carcase looks like.
For Bellevue, this success demonstrates that the Bellevue stud breeding objectives remain “on point”, with selection focussing on the important attributes that align with producing a consistent quality, trade-desired prime lamb carcase.
Bellevue Dorper lamb is supplied to Brisbane butcher, Meat at Billy’s with retail outlets at Ashgrove, Paddington and online, as well as Sunshine Coast butcher, Eumundi Meats at Noosaville.
Every Bellevue ram sold is a product of a breeding program that places maximum emphasis on measuring (LambPlan) and selecting for the commercial production of prime lamb.
Early maturity and weight gain, exceptional and high yielding carcasses, enough fat for excellent eating quality and maternal traits, visual selection for structural correctness, quality, temperament and soundness.
* Bellevue will offer 120 rams at their 23rd Dorper and White Dorper Ram sale, to be held on Thursday, 26 September, on-property at Bellevue, Millmerran.
* The auction will be conducted by Nutrien and interfaced with AuctionsPlus.
* Register for sale updates by clicking the link at www.bellevuedorpers.com.au
