Perth Royal Show

Australia

'The commercial cattle competitions and sale at the Perth Royal Show boasted a bigger yarding this year.

The increase was in contrast with other show livestock sections which recorded a downturn in numbers due to the dry season.

Entries for the led and prime steer and heifer competitions were up by about 25 head on last year, to 197 entries, for the Sunday judging.

A few traditional buyers were absent for the following auction on Monday, but those present stepped up to lend strong buying support.

As usual, the selling spectacle drew plenty of interest from show goers, with prices reaching a top of $2800 for a Dexter/Limousin-cross steer.

Mark Rawlings, trading as Homegrown Dexter Beef, bought the 385 kg steer, which had been sashed champion lightweight steer.

Mr Rawlings breeds and lot feeds pure-bred and cross-Dexter cattle at his Southern Brook property.

They are processed in Northam, then sent to Meckering for boning and distribution to customers.

He said Dexters produced a high yielding carcass and top quality beef.

The steer was entered by Mick and Trish Cabassi, of Oldbury, who run Dexter and Limousin studs.'