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FEEDLOT TRIAL WIN FOR ANGUS

Angus dominated the innovative 112 day feedlot trial run at Cargills at Wagga Wagga, NSW, with results announced at the NSW Beef Spectacular at Dubbo, NSW.

The 43 teams of five representing 13 breeds and crosses were assessed in three areas. The first was for adherence to induction specifications covering entry weight and condition plus correctness of documentation on the NVD form.

Feedlot performance was assessed and this included not only weight gain but how healthy the cattle remained. There were two deaths and 15% of the 215 head required treatment with no animals requiring second treatments.

As carcases, 80% were within Cargill’s specification for 112 day feeding regime with 30% rated ‘ideal’ by Cargill. MSA assessments were utilized to rate carcase quality with MSA boning group 1 the ultimate.

Viascan was utilized to gauge saleable meat yield with NSW Department of Industry and Investment officers estimating per animal differences of up to $250 return to the feedlot between the low and high yielding bodies.

An Angus entry from Big Springs Pastoral was third in the induction section. In feedlot performance an Angus entry from Werribee Agriculture tied for first place and another entry from Werribee Agriculture, an Angus Murray Grey cross, was third.

Angus blitzed the field for carcase quality taking out the first three placings with Frank and Andis Sorraghan of Mountain Creek Estate, Woomargama, in the Riverina in first place, with Susy Chisholm, Gwalia, Adelong, NSW, in second and Big Springs in third.

When it came to overall awards combining the three sections, Angus dominated featuring in the first five placings.

Frank and Andis Sorraghan’s entry was champion with Werribee Agriculture reserve. Big Springs was the next best overall performer with Werribee Agriculture the fourth best with a group of Angus X Murray Grey. DSK Angus from Coonabarabran, NSW, was the fifth best performer.

The Sorraghans also took out the award for best meeting CAAB specifications while Susy Chisholm’s entry was rated as best for meeting Cargill’s Riverine Gold specifications.

Frank Sorraghan said the steers that won had spent some time during the drought away on agistment at Louth on the Darling River. He selected the entries on structure and with no excess condition. This was his first entry in a carcase competition although he is no stranger to livestock competitions as his Rockwood Park Holstein stud won 11 interbreed dairy championships at the Melbourne Royal though the 70’s and 80’s.

When Frank dispersed his Holstein stud in 2001 and moved from near Shepparton to the Riverina, he already had his Angus herd established 10 years earlier with foundation cows from Hazeldean. Bulls came the Collins family studs Merrigrange, Merribrook and Merridale with some line breeding to the famous Wilcoola family.

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CAAB’s Kate Brabin assists with providing CAAB and Riverine Gold beef meals for over 300 at the announcement of the feedlot trial results.

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George Wilson, Big Springs, Wagga Wagga, NSW, receives his award from CAAB’s Phil Morley.

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Grant Garey, Cargills, Andis and Frank Sorraghan who took out the championship, and Phil Morley, CAAB.

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Chris Knox, DSK Angus, Coonabarabran, NSW, receives his award from Phil Morley, CAAB.

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Grant Garey, Cargills, with award winners Muff and George Wilson, Big Springs, Wagga Wagga, NSW.

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The championship presentation with Grant Garey, Cargills, Andis Sorraghan, Steve Exton, NSW Dept I&I, Frank Sorraghan, Jeff House, NSW Dept I&I, and Phil Morley, CEO CAAB.