As per tradition the prize winning steers including those entered in the school show team competition were offered for auction directly after judging.

Non prize winning steers on the hoof and those highly commended were bought by Nolan Meats, Gympie, sparking an understandable display of emotion from the many students involved in their raising and handling.

The Breakfast Creek Hotel continued its proud involvement with the RNA, paying the top price of $22/kg for the grand champion steer.

Breakfast Creek Hotel venue manager Sam Gullo said the establishment was a proud provider of quality beef and a keen supporter of minimising the city country divide. “We’re a country place, we’re the biggest steak house in Queensland and we enjoy being part of the wider community,” Mr Gullo said. “We’ve supported the Ekka for the last 15 years and we’re proud of the connection we’ve built with not only the RNA but beef producers.”

Mr Gullo said the grand champion steer would feature on the menu at a luncheon for prostate cancer as part of an Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) program. “We would expect a full house as it’s a real attraction for people,” he said. “We’re all about the steak and the winning ribbons will be hung up to reinforce the message that we care about quality beef and supporting those that produce it.”

Mr Luscombe’s heavy weight champion steer also sold well earning $9.20/kg from the Norman Hotel, Brisbane.

An overwhelming day of success saw a broad smile frozen upon Chris Law’s face who said he would not end the day differently to any other. “I would have been glad to come here and just win a ribbon,” he said. “I’ll head upstairs and have tea with my mates as per usual. It’s always the best part of the show but tonight it might be a tiny bit sweeter.”