Bec Skene and her mother Elisabeth Skene, Meldon Park Simmentals, Cecil Plains, were jubilant after claiming the Beef Australia 2018 interbreed champion bull trophy. Photo by Kelly Butterworth.
Helen Walker and Sally Cripps, Fairfax Media
Emotion spilled over in the climactic final moments of judging of the champion interbreed bull at Beef Australia 2018.
Robert, Elizabeth and Bec Skene, Meldon Park Simmental Stud, Cecil Plains, claimed the highly decorative accolade with their exhibit, Meldon Park Major Player.
Judge Brett Nobbs, NCC Brahmans, Duaringa, told the crowd he was looking for a sire that would reproduce better than himself.
“Meldon Park Major Player has it all – he is the complete package and has sire appeal,” Mr Nobbs said.
Mrs Skene said Major Player represented Queensland-bred bloodlines.
He is by Lucrana General (P) from Meldon Park Escort (P).
With a weight of 902kg and eye muscle area of 133 square centimetres and fat scans of 9mm and 13mm, he was earlier sashed the Simmental grand champion bull.
Celebrating 30 yrs of #BeefAus2018 all-breed stud champions with launch of new perpetual trophies for future winners; unveiled by inaugural ‘88 champions Wendy Lapointe (Dunmore London Town) and Rob Sinnamon (Robenlea Nightingale). Photo by Marty Rowlands
It is the second time the Simmental breed has won the the champion interbreed bull award in Beef Australia’s 30 year history.
Dunmore London Times, bred and exhibited by Harry M Miller, Dunmore, Manilla, NSW claimed the first win at the inaugural Beef 88.
The new perpetual trophies were unveiled earlier in the week by the inaugural ‘88 champions Wendy Lapointe (Dunmore London Town) and Rob Sinnamon (Robenlea Nightingale). Very apt that 30 years later a Simmental bulls takes out the top honour and receives that trophy on behalf of the Miller family.
Meldon Park Major Player will be offered for sale in September.