Melbourne Royal beefing up the Carcase Competition at 2023 Show

Schools, studs, commercial producers and agricultural schools and colleges will roll into Ascot Vale in September in pursuit of prize money, a Melbourne Royal blue ribbon and the glory of winning at the 2023 Melbourne Royal Show’s prestigious Beef Carcase Competition during Melbourne Royal’s 175th year.

Entries have opened for the competition which has over 100 animals compete annually and provides learning opportunities and industry insights into the science and skill required to breed cattle to suit the domestic and export markets.

All entrants are assessed on genetic selection, nutrition and animal handling – vital elements that influence the blend of live judging and carcase scores, assessed by the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) grading system.

Finley High School won grand champion carcase in 2022 with steer, Progress Magic Man. Agriculture teacher Robyn O’Leary, pictured below, described the steer as ‘a very safe packaging, met all the specifications, and fitted in beautifully with what the competition requires.’

The school also took home the Bott-Burston trophy, awarded to the most successful school or college exhibitor across both the led and carcase judging.

Finley High School will return to the 2023 Melbourne Royal Show, with 35 students busily preparing to defend their title.

“We’re bringing around 16 to 18 carcase animals and we’re especially excited about one we’ve bred ourselves, so we’ve got our fingers crossed,” Robyn said.

“There is a lot of work going on to get organised and show ready and the students are doing a fantastic job.”

Entries close Tuesday, July 25. Judging of the 2023 Melbourne Royal Beef Carcase Competition will take place on Saturday, September 23 to Sunday, September 24 and the winner will be announced on Saturday, September 30. 

About the Melbourne Royal Beef Carcase Competition
Steeped in more than 150 years of tradition, the Melbourne Royal Beef Carcase Competition brings the best cattle and producers from across the country together. Over 100 exhibits are displayed and judged over five action-packed days. It provides studs, commercial producers, agricultural schools and colleges with a chance to network and benchmark the quality of their livestock. Exhibitors of all ages enjoy balancing the great tradition of cattle showing with the latest innovations in technology and seedstock marketing.

For more information about the competition visit https://www.melbourneroyal.com.au/beef-carcase/