The Gympie Carcase Classic idea was first raised by Charlie Cotter and Terry Nolan in August 1986. A committee was set in place which included Charlie Cotter, Greg Gooding, Bryan Moore and Terry Nolan. The competition commenced in 1987 and was held at the Wide Bay Feedlot in Kilkivan. The main objective of the Gympie Carcase Classic was to find the most ideal carcases for the domestic market.

This year saw the introduction of the first backgrounding period in the competition’s 29 year history, and the inclusion of the MSA Index Score in the scoring system, adding up to five points to carcases deemed exceptional eating quality.

Limousin Prize Winners

Carcase with the Largest Eye Muscle Area
Entry 84 a Limousin heifer exhibited by D & H Pratt (EMA 108cm2)

Best Weight Gain in Feedlot
1st – Entry 125 a Limousin X heifer exhibited by R & R Zerner
2nd – Entry 58 a Limousin X Greyman steer exhibited by Kingaroy SHS

High Point Limousin
Entry 84 exhibited by D & H Pratt with 289.7 points.

Most Profitable Animal
Entry 125 a Limousin X heifer exhibited by R & R Zerner

Most Suitable Carcase for the Domestic Market (Heifer)
Entry 84 a Limousin heifer exhibited by D & H Pratt

Most Suitable Carcase for the Domestic Market
3rd – Entry 84 a Limousin heifer exhibited by D & H Pratt

The Charlie Cotter Allrounder award – this award was created in 1997. To win this prestigious award entries must have the highest points in the allrounder scoring which is a combination of feedlot performance (% weight gain), carcase points and overall profitability, as well as meeting the Nolan Meats specifications.

1st – Entry 84 a Limousin heifer exhibited by Doug & Hayden Pratt (only the 3rd ever heifer to take out the prize). The Pratt family’s winning Limousin heifer had an initial feedlot weight of 284kg and a final weight of 406kg for a weight gain of 43 per cent. The heifer had an eye muscle area of 108 square centimetres, a P8 fat depth of five millimetres and a marbling score of one.

3rd – Entry 125 a Limousin X heifer exhibited by R & R Zerner