Dannevirke: Spectators eye winning beef competition steer on a plate

The winning Angus X steer in the over 270kg section of the beef hoof and hook competition at the Dannevirke and Districts A&P Show. The steer was from Ngaputahi Station, farmed by father and son duo Forbes and Angus Cameron. Photo / Christine McKay

As onlookers eyed up the Angus cross steer when it entered the judging ring at the A&P Show, some were imagining it as a sizzling steak of prime-cut beef on their plate.

The Ngaputahi Station steer in the beef hoof and hook competition at the show also attracted the eye of the judge.

From the Pohangina farm of father and son Forbes and Angus Cameron the steer stood out, with the part from where the main cuts come from, superb, the judge said.

Weighing in at 387.8kg, the judges said this was "a very nice, correct steer".

And it not only won on-the-hoof, but when killed out at Silver Fern Farms at Takapau, it remained on top in class 2 of the competition (270kg and over) scoring 254 points.

First in class 1 (270kg and under) was a 258.8kg heifer from Ronnie and Vickie Turner of Matamau, scoring 202 points.

The Turners also took out second place in class 2 with a 296kg steer.

Mrs Turner told the Dannevirke News their success was "quite exciting".

But deciding on what stock to enter into this competition doesn't happen overnight, she said.

"Ronnie usually decides what we're going to enter a couple of years down the track. He really enjoys entering this competition."

And with the carcasses not going back to the owners but processed and sold, those people eyeing up the stock last Saturday could possibly be lucky enough to purchase a steak from these tasty cattle.