Clean sweep of Otago/Southland Beef carcass competition

Evan Ferris, of Waikaia, looks over his winning entrant in the on-the-hoof section, far left, which was awarded the Doug Lindsay Memorial Trophy at the Charlton saleyards last week. Photos: Nicole Sharp

Evan Ferris took out the Otago/Southland Beef Carcass Competition last week, clean-sweeping with his Limousin Steers.

Mr Ferris was crowned the on-the-hoof champion and reserve champion, winning the Doug Lindsay Memorial Trophy.

He was also the winner of the on-the-hook section, winning the Alan Dodd Trophy.

Otago/Southland Beef Carcass Competition on-the-hook judge Neil Willis, left, with winners Evan Ferris and Kay Worthington.

Convener Barry Gray, of Owaka, said there were 32 entries this year from all over Southland and Otago.

''We've had a couple of first time entrants.''

There were more Simmental entries than usual this year.

Two thirds of the entrants were owner-bred.

More cattle ended up in the lighter classes this year, with 14 in class one (220kg-270kg), 10 in class two (270kg-320kg) and eight in class three(320kg and over), Mr Gray said.

''It varies on year to year.''

On-the-hook judge Neil Willis said there was a lot of variation in this year's competition.

''The good ones were very, very good and some not so good. There was outstanding conformation in the heavies.''

A lot of points in the competition had come from the rib eye area, with Mr Ferris' winning beast having a rib eye area of 141.

''You wouldn't see a chiller like that on a normal production day.''

On-the-hoof judge William Mitchell said the winners of all classes were better finished than the other entrants.

''Especially in the lighter weights. The heavy weights were a good line of cattle.''

Southern Rural Life