The Morgan family’s The Grove Shorthorns has won the 100 day HGP free export class in the hotly-contested 2023 RNA Paddock to Palate competition.
Indeed, Spencer, Sophie, Megan and Godfrey Morgan of “Myall Grove“, Condamine owned three of the top four carcase teams in that class.
“This is the third time in four years – since the HGP free export class started – The Grove has had overall champion pen,“ Spencer Morgan said.
“Consistency across feeding regimes highlights the market options The Grove genetics can meet.“
The fourth generation, family-based seedstock operation also placed third overall in Class 37, completing a successful Ekka for the Morgan families.
“The Paddock to Palate competition is the best event of its type as it is so industry focused,” Mr Morgan said.
“It’s the best way to benchmark your cattle when all entries are fed together and dead together, there is no room for discrepancy.
“We have supported the RNA event for 24 years and will continue to do so.”
Texas Angus, Warialda, NSW placed second in the 100 day HGP free export class and Palgrove Pastoral Company, Bukkulla, NSW third.
With its Charolais-cross cattle, Palgrove then won Class 37, 100 day HGP export, with the Morgans second and Palgrove third.
Palgrove general manager Ben Noller said they were pleased to top the Class 37 100 Day HGP Export Class, attributing success to their cattle genetics:
“It’s humbling to be up against some of the key producers within our industry, be benchmarked against them when you’re feeding cattle all in one spot and one time and to be compared and come out on top,“ he said.
“It’s proof of profit for us that our genetics are performing.
“JBS are kind enough to supply us with Royal 100 product for our bull sale and it allows our clients – and anyone who attends – to try this product and it’s certainly been well-received.“
Overall winners of the 70 day HGP trade (or class 38) was Aurelian Pastoral Company, Warwick with a pen of Angus cross Ultrablack cattle.
Russell Pastoral Operations, Blackall placed second and third.
Sunland Cattle Co, Rockhampton won the Wagyu Challenge in front of Hamblin Pty Ltd of the Blue Mountains.
Meanwhile, a carcase worth $8282.75 gave Taldra Cattle Co, Kaimkillenbun the highest individual carcase value.
Held annually in conjunction with the Royal Queensland Show – The Ekka – the RNA Paddock to Palate competition is Australia’s richest beef supply chain competition.
It celebrated its 26th anniversary this year and offered almost $55,000 in prize money towards 28 exhibitors, with more than 500 cattle entered for grading.
Competition cattle are fed for 100 days and processed through JBS’s vertically-integrated Beef City feedlot in Toowoomba to ensure the Royal 100 beef delivers a consistent, delicious and high-quality dining experience.
RNA Paddock to Palate entrants were judged in a tri-phased competition, grading by aggregate weight gain, carcase and MSA eating quality to assess the commercial value of their produce.
JBS Australia general manager of Feedlots, Marketing & Industry Relations Michael Finucan said the competition partnership with JBS’s exclusive Royal 100 brand provided an annual opportunity to showcase the best of regional Queensland.
“Congratulations to Palgrove Pastoral Company and G. Morgan & Company for their standout products that underscore the excellence we’re proud to serve through JBS Australia’s Royal 100,“ he said.
“We’re delighted to showcase our talented network of producers and the strength of our end-to-end supply chain through this exclusive partnership.“
The exclusive Royal 100 beef brand is available for consumers to purchase at 52 select restaurants and butchers for a limited time.
The product is only offered to the market once per year.
Owner of SJO Hotels Jaimee Neilson said it was a privilege to serve Royal 100 beef in recognition of local Western Downs winning cattle families.
“We are excited to be invited to be a part of JBS’s Royal 100 event once again,“ he said.
“It is even more of a privilege being able to showcase this superior beef in two of our Western Downs Hotels, The Bun Hotel & Windsor Hotel Miles with 2023 and 2022 winners over a range of categories.
“All are Western Downs cattle families including Rasco Wagyu, Kaimkillenbun, The Grove Shorthorns, Condamine, Devoncourt Herefords, Drillham and Juandah Grazing, Guluguba.
“It truly is a remarkable event, with even more remarkable beef.
“A total paddock to palate and once a year dining experience.”
