The Ekka Prime Beef Competition will be judged at the Dalby Regional Saleyards this year, a move that further reinforces the Western Downs' standing as one of the most significant cattle selling centres in Australia.
The revitalised competition will be held on Friday, 3 July, coinciding with the 85‑year anniversary of the Dalby Regional Saleyards and the 150‑year anniversary of the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka).
Following a one‑year hiatus, the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) has overhauled the Prime Beef Competition to better reflect modern commercial beef production systems.
RNA Beef Committee Chair Gary Noller said the refreshed format was expected to attract close to 1,000 head of cattle, driven by new class structures aligned with the way cattle are marketed today.
"We've moved away from single‑animal classes and will now judge pens of three and six head, along with new pen‑of‑10 feeder classes," Mr Noller said.
"These changes recognise the importance of backgrounding and feeder cattle production, particularly from regions not suited to finishing stock."
Mr Noller said Dalby was a logical choice to host the updated competition, given the saleyards' scale and influence within the national beef supply chain.
"Judging at Dalby means cattle will be assessed under the same commercial conditions as a standard Wednesday sale," he said.
"That reflects a shorter turnaround and a stronger focus on delivering a commercially superior end product, which is exactly what this competition is about."
The Dalby Regional Saleyards sells more than 200,000 head of cattle each year and services one of the largest feedlot regions in the country, with almost 44 per cent of Australia's feedlot capacity located within 200 kilometres of the yards.
Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Business Strategy and Economic Development Cr Megan James said hosting the Prime Beef Competition during the saleyards' 85‑year anniversary highlighted the facility's long‑standing role in the beef industry.
"For 85 years, the Dalby Regional Saleyards has supported generations of cattle producers and continues to play a critical role in Australia's beef industry," Cr James said.
"Bringing the Ekka Prime Beef Competition to Dalby during this milestone year recognises the national importance of this region to beef production and marketing."
As part of the anniversary celebrations, a new Dalby Regional Saleyards history wall will also be unveiled, capturing key milestones, stories and the people who have shaped the yards since their establishment in 1941.
"The history wall is a tribute to the producers, agents, workers and families who have contributed to the success of the saleyards over generations," Cr James said.
Cattle competitions have been part of the Ekka since its first Show in 1876, with the Prime Beef Competition continuing to provide producers with opportunities to benchmark performance and connect with industry peers.
Entries for the Prime Beef Competition are currently open and close on Friday, 5 June, with more than $30,000 in prize money on offer. Judging will take place on Friday, 3 July, followed by a new Awards Presentation Dinner at the Dalby Events Centre.
85-Year Anniversary Celebration Event Details:
What: Dalby Regional Saleyards 85-Year Anniversary Celebration
When: Friday, 3 July 2026, 10:00am
Where: Dalby Regional Saleyards
