Fifty pairs of steers have been through their first weighing for the 50th anniversary steer trial at Lardner Park.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Lardner Park steer trial, Australia's only grass-based steer trial.
Participating beef producers will be provided with the opportunity to assess cattle under independently controlled grazing conditions over the next six months.
Steers arrived at the property on June 12 and after a settling in period, were weighed on June 17. Monthly weighing days will now follow until the trial culminates with a carcass day to be held on November 14.
The 2024 trial was a very successful year for beef producer entrants and organisers are confident this year will herald similar results.
Lardner Park property manager Anthony Willems will provide regular updates on the condition of steers, their progress and the current weather and grazing conditions at the property.
Compliant with the Coles QA grass fed program, the aim is to achieve the best outcomes for both during trial information and data collection, and purchase price on carcass meat when the trial is turned off in mid-November, as a domestic grade with a specification of between 220-330kg HSCW (hot standard carcass weight).
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 the 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 following a period of anticipation, they were slaughtered just in time for the 1976 field days.
As the industry began to embrace this 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 the 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.
In October 1985, 24 steers were officially entered, showcasing not just quality beef, but the ability to respond to market needs.
The competitive landscape grew more vibrant in the early 1990s, with the 1992-93 trial featuring 84 steers. This year marked 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.Over the years, more industry partners have recognised the importance of the steer trial and the steer trial's reputation continued to grow, attracting leading beef producers eager to participate. Success in the competition was not only financially rewarding but also prestigious, with winners gaining recognition both locally and nationally.
At its core, the steer trial is not merely a competition; it represents a community dedicated to continued learning and growth.
Agriculture Victoria has played a vital role in this learning process, providing the necessary expertise over the years to process raw data and facilitate competition results. Competitors receive valuable information after weigh-ins every approximately 35 days, highlighting how participants can leverage these insights to enhance their production practices over time.