Lardner Park's 50th anniversary steer trial will culminate in a Beef Day next week, with a program focused on current trends and future opportunities in the beef industry.
The Beef Day will be held on Friday, November 14, bringing together beef producers, industry experts and sponsors.
A full program is planned, beginning at 8.30am with the final weighing and turn-off of steers entered in this year's trial.
The program includes an on-the-couch chat with beef producers Tim Wilson and Trevor Hatch, a carcass boning demonstration, ex-AFL Essendon captain Dyson Heppell will share his stories on his rural upbringing and football and a presentation by Matt Runnalls of Mindfull Aus.
Coles development chef Michael Weldon, who was runners-up in the third series of Masterchef, will lead a presentation "What's Cooking in Beef Now" which will look at the cultural diversity requirements expected of beef producers.
Market trends will be discussed by Rob Radford of Radford's Abattoirs, Steve Rennie from Coles and Lachlan Jeffers of Meat and Livestock Australia.
Guest speaker, agricultural analyst Simon Quilty will provide an up-to-date presentation on the beef and agriculture industry.
From working as a research officer with the Victorian Farmers Federation, Simon moved into the meat trading and processing sector in 1990, where he worked with a number of export beef companies until 2010.
In recent years, Simon has moved into risk management and developed derivatives and meat swaps used by companies in Australia and North America to manage price risk in processed meat and livestock.
In 2020, he established Global Agritrends Downunder, the Australian arm of the US parent company.
At the end of the day, participants will have the opportunity to travel to Agriculture Victoria's Ellinbank Research Farm to learn about the Pasture 365 Project.
Refreshments will be served to guests, along with a grazing lunch to hero beef.
Tickets for the Beef Day are $35 each and can be purchased through https://lardnerpark.com.au/steer-trial

50 pairs for 50 years
Fifty pairs of steers were entered in this year's 50th anniversary steer trial at Lardner Park when the trial began in June.
The steer trial is Australia's only grass-based steer trial.
Steers arrived at the property on June 12 and after a settling in period, were weighed on June 17 ahead of monthly weighing days until the trial concludes next week.
Participating beef producers have been able to assess cattle under independently controlled grazing conditions throughout the trial.
Over the past 50 years, the steer trial has become a hallmark of excellence in the beef production industry, reflecting both the quality of grass-fed beef and the collaborative efforts of those involved in its evolution.
The significant anniversary not only celebrates the trial's rich history and accomplishments but also acknowledges the support of sponsors and industry participants who have contributed to its success.
The origins of the steer trial can be traced back to 1973 when the first competition associated with beef cattle was conducted at the Lardner Park field days.
After two years of meticulous breeding trials involving 90 heifers—30 Jersey, 30 Friesian, and 30 Angus, all mated with a Hereford bull - the groundwork was laid for a trial that would later become integral to the local community and Australian beef industry.
Cuts of meat were available for inspection, drawing attention to the potential of locally sourced beef and setting the stage for the future of the event.
The first official carcass competition began in 1975, attracting 25 eager entrants. The event marked a turning point in the venture; it was no longer just a demonstration of animal husbandry, but a bona fide competition that awarded prizes based on live weight gain and carcass merit. The steers were weighed for the first time that August and slaughtered in time for the 1976 field days.
As the industry began to embrace the new approach, the trial ignited a competitive spirit among beef producers, fostering an environment of learning and excellence.
As the event matured, so too did the format and objectives. By the mid-1980s, the steer trial began to emphasise more than just weight and carcass quality.
A new direction was designed to align cattle selections with market demands - producers were encouraged to select cattle specifically intended to meet market requirements.
The innovative concept opened new avenues for learning and adaptation, crucial in a constantly evolving agricultural landscape.
The competitive landscape grew more vibrant in the early 1990s, with the 1992-93 trial featuring 84 steers, marking a notable shift as it allowed for two turn-off dates - one for local consumption and the other targeting the lucrative Japanese export market.
The changes reinforced the trial's reputation, emphasising the essential skills required in correctly judging the conformation and growth rate of cattle, while also delivering insights into market demands.
At its core, the steer trial is not merely a competition; it represents a community dedicated to continued learning and growth.
Competitors receive valuable information after weigh-ins about every 35 days, highlighting how participants can leverage these insights to enhance their production practices.