Angus Genetics shine at the historic 150th Ekka
Angus and Angus-influenced cattle delivered an impressive showing at the 2026 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), with exhibitors securing a strong collection of champion titles and placing across the led and prime cattle competitions.
The 2026 Ekka marked an extraordinary milestone for the iconic Queensland event, celebrating 150 years of bringing Queenslanders together for the states largest and most loved annual show.
Angus Australia CEO Scott Wright was on the ground in Brisbane for the milestone event, where Angus genetics were well represented across the cattle competitions.
Strong results in the grass and pasture-fed pens
Angus and Angus-cross cattle featured prominently throughout the Grass and Pasture Fed Pens competition.
Daryl McNamara claimed the Grand Champion Grass or Pasture Fed Pen with an Angus X Hereford entry, following a successful run across the steer classes.
In Class 5, Pen of 3 Steers from 431kg to 480kg, Mr McNamara’s Angus X Hereford cattle took first place before going on to be named Reserve Champion Pen of 3 Steers Grass or Pasture Fed.
His Angus X Hereford cattle were also successful in Class 8, Pen of 6 Steers from 531kg to 620kg, taking first place and ultimately securing the Champion Pen of 6 Steers Grass or Pasture Fed title.
U8J Cattle Company also enjoyed an outstanding Ekka with its Angus entries.
The operation placed second in Class 2, Pen of 3 Heifers from 431kg to 480kg, before being awarded Reserve Champion Pen of 3 Heifers Grass or Pasture Fed.
U8J Cattle Company continued tis success in the steer section, taking first place in Class 7, Pen of 6 Steers from 400kg to 530kg.
Angus cattle lead feeder pen results
Angus cattle were again prominent in the Feeder Pens of 10 competition, with Angus entries filling several of the leading positions.
In Class 19, Pen of 10 Heifers from 320kg to 400kg, C & J Varidel Trading claimed first place with their Angus heifers before going on to secure the Champion of 10 Heifers title.
Redford Station – ACC placed second with its Ultrablack-cross heifers and was subsequently awarded Reserve Champion Pen of 10 Heifers, while Bidson Pastoral Company placed third with Speckle Park X Angus heifers.
The Angus breed was particularly well represented in the Feeder Pens of 10 Steers.
In Class 21, for steers weighing 320kg to 400kg, Barb and Phil Neilley secured both first and third place with Angus cattle, while C & J Varidel Trading placed second with another Angus entry.
Barb and Phil Neilley’s success continued when they were awarded Reserve Champion Pen of 10 Steers.
In Class 22, Pen of 10 Steers from 401kg to 500kg, RJ & FM Duff added another strong Angus result, placing second.
Collectively, the results provided an impressive showcase of Angus and Angus-influenced cattle across a range of weight categories and production systems at one of Queensland’s premier agricultural events.
Cracker makes Ekka history
Away from the pen competitions, an Angus bull named Cracker made his own piece of Ekka history.
The 34-month-old bull from The Station Angus, Yarrowitch, tipped the scales at an extraordinary 1.426 tonnes, earning the title of the heaviest bull in Ekka history.
Cracker is the younger brother of Buster, who took out the competition in 2025, continuing an impressive family record at the show.
The record-breaking result added another highlight for the Angus breed during the historic 150th Ekka and attracted plenty of attention from showgoers in Brisbane.
From champion commercial pens to a record-breaking heavyweight, the 2026 Ekka provided an outstanding showcase of Angus genetics and their influence across the Australia beef industry.
The strong results across grass and pasture-fed and feeder competitions demonstrated the performance and versatility of Angus genetics across different production systems, while Cracker’s record ensured Angus also played a memorable part in the Ekka’s 150-year celebrations.
To view official results
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