The highest-scoring Murray Grey carcase, bred by Groveleigh Partnership, Tamworth and exhibited by Wallawong, spearheaded a smaller team of seven Wallawong blood steers, which were awarded ten ribbons including two silver medals and a bronze medal for carcase quality from the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS).

The highest-scoring carcase was produced from a 457kg steer sired by Wallawong Ripsnorter, which had been fed for 100 days on a home-mixed barley ration. He was unplaced in a highly competitive steer class of 37 entries, but scored a 88 points as a carcase, winning a silver medal for carcase quality from the RAS. He was also a member of the third-placed Stan Hill Trophy team of three carcases.

‘It was the combination of excellent finishing ability, and industry leading muscularity that gave the carcase an advantage over the other entrants,” Wallawong owner Lachlan James said.

Another 472kg steer by Wallawong Ripsnorter, bred by Groveleigh Partnership, Loomberah, came second in carcase class nine with 86 points and also received a silver medal from the RAS for carcase quaity.

The bull Wallawong Ripsnorter has now proved to be a highly consistent sire of superior carcases, winning multiple gold, silver and bronze carcase quality medals over many years.

Other good carcase results included a 453kg Wallawong and Heath Birchall steer in the largest class of 37 entries, which scored 86 points and achieved a bronze medal for carcase quality from the RAS. This carcase was also a member of the third-placed Murray Grey Stan Hill Trophy Team. Another of Wallawong and Heath Birchall’s entries came fourth in heavyweight steer class 12.

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St Mary’s College and Heath Birchall’s lightweight steer entry by Wallawong Yearbook came second in the lightweight school’s steer class and was the winner of the taste test ribbon in its carcase class.

“We are very proud to have again partnered with our clients to demonstrate the industry-leading carcase qualities that are possible when using Wallawong Murray Greys,” Mr James said.

“Our clients' cattle and carcase quality are paramount to our business and to see them do so well is testament to this. Murray Greys have proven once again that they offer superior carcase qualities over and above other breeds.”

Murray Greys also came third in the prestigious Stan Hill trophy for the highest-scoring team of three carcases, with two out of the three carcases Wallawong Murray Grey bulls.

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Mr James selected all of the steers for the Sydney Royal team in November and December 2017 and they were fed for 100 days on a home-mixed ration at “Marriot Park”, Curlewis. 

“I knew we had some pretty special steers when we picked them out because of their muscle pattern, breeding, efficiency and softness. They were very similar steers to those we provide the Gunnedah Saleyards Canteen for all their meals,” Mr James said.

“It’s great for all the hard work to pay off and to see what you are really producing with steer and carcase results like these.”