Prime Beef

Our Prime Beef Competition returns in 2026, offering more than $30,000 in prize money and a refreshed format designed to better reflect modern commercial beef operations.

What's New in 2026

NEW classes  

The competition will now offer Pen of 10 Feeder Classes, introducing another important commercial aspect of the industry - backgrounding and feeder cattle.

NEW location

Judging will take place at the Dalby Regional Saleyards on Friday 3 July - one of Australia’s largest livestock selling centres. The competition will operate under the same commercial conditions as a standard Wednesday sale at Dalby Regional Saleyards, which reflects a shorter turnaround for exhibitors.

NEW Awards Presentation Dinner  

An Awards Presentation Dinner will be held at Dalby Events Centre following judging on Friday 3 July, providing valuable networking opportunities for exhibitors and industry stakeholders.

Better benchmarking

The competition changes are expected to drive entries toward a record 1,000 head of cattle, providing exhibitors with more meaningful benchmarking.

2026 competition classes

Grass / Pasture Fed Classes

Pen of 3 Heifers & Pen of 3 Steers:

380kg to 430kg

431kg to 480kg

481kg to 530kg

Pen of 6 Steers

400kg to 530kg

531kg to 620kg

621kg to 740kg

Grain / Grain Assisted Fed Classes

Pen of 3 Heifers & Pen of 3 Steers:

380kg to 430kg

431kg to 480kg

481kg to 530kg

Pen of 6 Steers

400kg to 530kg

531kg to 620kg

621kg to 740kg

Feeder Classes

Pen of 10 Heifers & Pen of 10 Steers

320kg to 400kg

401kg to 500kg

Stay tuned for the full competition schedule when entries open on Thursday 26 February 2026.