All You Need to Know About the Beef Australia 2021 Event
COVID-19 restrictions meant there was doubt over whether Beef Australia 2021 would go ahead. Then, late last year came the announcement that it would definitely happen from May 2-8 in Rockhampton.
This news was welcomed across the beef industry, given that this triennial event is the most comprehensive in its calendar. Cattle competitions, cooking displays, and seminars are all at the centre of the event.
Typically, it attracts large numbers of visitors; 100,000 people attended in 2018. This year is likely to be a little different given that speakers and visitors from overseas will not be able to participate. However, providing the COVID-19 situation remains under control within Australia, domestic beef industry stakeholders should be able to travel to the event.
Key points
- Beef Australia 2021 takes place from May 2-8 in Rockhampton.
- The event was partly funded by the Federal Government ($3.9 million) and the Queensland Government ($1 million).
- The program includes cattle competitions, cooking demonstrations, a symposium, and seminars.
- The Rocks Restaurant is providing a unique dining experience.
- Entegra will be doing “live quotes” for sheds & steel structures from booth WP5 in the Walter Pearce Pavilion opposite Australian Meat Processor Corporation
Northern Australia Development
Funding package from the Queensland Government
Beef Australia 2021 received a substantial financial lift last year when the Queensland Government announced $1 million in funding. This was in addition to the $3.9 million already pledged by the Federal Government.
The funding is in recognition of the fact that the event is a world-class occasion which raises a considerable amount of revenue for businesses in the Rockhampton area. The positive financial impact is said to be approximately $85 million.
Overview of Beef Australia 2021
As with past events, Beef 2021 will create new trade opportunities in the Australian beef industry. It will also feature stud and commercial cattle competitions, seminars, property tours, kids’ events, restaurants, celebrity chefs, and cooking demonstrations.
There will also be opportunities to enjoy a meal provided by The Rocks Restaurant and to experience world-class entertainment. It’s an opportunity for the beef industry to come together at a positive event. This is much needed after what has been a challenging year for many people due to the pandemic.
Entegra booth WP5
Each day Entegra Signature Structures will have shed designers at booth WP5 in the Walter Pearce Pavilion opposite the Australian Meat Processor Corporation. The shed designers have been resourced to be able to provide a printed quote on the same day farmers make an enquiry at the booth. Entegra are known for the Ridgeback TM which features a concave roof that reduces air exchange by at least 20 per cent per hour when compared to conventional barns. Entegra also manufacture hay sheds, machinery sheds, dairy barns, industrial sheds, cotton sheds and other farm shade steel structures. Ask the team about the high volume Taperflow TM gutter and drainage systems.
Ridgeback TM at Darwin cattle yards
Cattle at the event
As you would expect from a beef industry event, cattle will take centre stage at Beef Australia 2021.
Stud
The Nutrien Livestock Stud Cattle Competition is one of the most anticipated happenings of the regular program. The seed stock sector acknowledges it as the premier stud cattle competition in Australia.
Carcase
The National Beef Carcase Competition is a welcome opportunity for Australian beef producers to benchmark their products at a national level. The aim of the competition is to give feedback to producers about quality and compliance with market specifications.
Commercial
Commercial cattlemen and women get the chance to test their skills against each other in the Nutrien Livestock Commercial Cattle Competition. It’s a regular feature of the program every three years.
Entertainment for visitors
There is an array of entertainment awaiting visitors at Beef Australia 2021. The program over the week includes:
- Music in “Are You Lonesome Tonight” which features opera arias and songs by famous names, including Puccini, Verdi, and Dolly Parton. It features young Australian singers such as Irena Lysiuk, Marcus Corowa, and Jonathan Hickey.
- CMC Rocks in the Ergon Energy Pavilion with DJ Grizzly Adams.
- The “Great Debate” hosted by Geoff Maynard. This time the fun centres on the question “Are Men More Romantic?”
- Neil McDonald and his working dogs.
- Australian Horseman and Entertainer Guy McLean showing visitors his skills.
- Bluey & Bingo meet and greets.
- Kids’ entertainment including puzzles, badge making, and mini tractor driving.
Celebrity Chef Demos
This is one of the features of the program that many visitors look forward to the most. This year, on the Ergon Energy Pavilion Stage, there will be demonstrations by several famous faces from the culinary world, including; Adrian Richardson, Analiese Gregory, ‘Fast Ed’ Halmagyi, Gareth Collins, Matt Moran, Scott Pickett, and Shane Bailey – Beef Australia Executive Chef.
You can also book to see a range of Coles Kitchen demonstrations.
Food at The Rocks Restaurant
High-end restaurant The Rocks comes to Rockhampton Showgrounds for Beef Australia 2021. This gives visitors the chance to sample an exciting menu for lunch or dinner from Monday to Friday.
Local produce is set to the hero of this experience. The restaurant is expected to be busy, so booking is recommended.
Education for all ages
Once again, this beef industry three-yearly event is about educating its visitors as well as entertaining them. The education and information program includes:
- CQ University presents the Beef Australia 2021 Symposium.
The symposium “Leadership – Over The Horizon” takes place on Monday 3 May from 7.30 am – 1.30 pm. A networking lunch follows it from 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm.
- Beef Australia’s 2021 Seminar Program
The Beef Australia Seminar Program is presented by Regional Development Australia Central & Western Queensland. All seminars cost $45 for a ticket (unless otherwise stated) and take place in the Paterson and Lawson Buildings at Rockhampton State High School. The seminar program runs from Monday 3 May to Friday 7 May.
- 2021 Suncorp Bank Schools Program
The aim of this program is to educate primary and secondary students about where their food comes from. It also highlights careers available in the agriculture industry with an emphasis on showcasing the cattle industry in the country.
Schools are requested to contact Tanya Nagle and Kellie Blinco if they want their students to participate, at [email protected] or by phoning (07) 3236 3100.
The fact that Beef Australia is taking place is great news. This event has been a star on the industry’s calendar since it first took place, in 1988. Tickets for this year’s event can be purchased online. Even without any overseas visitors, it seems set to be a memorable occasion.