What’s Happening?
Entries are now open for the 2027 RNA Paddock to Palate Competition, presented by JBS Australia, as the event celebrates its anniversary.
The competition brings together beef producers to assess cattle performance across the supply chain, from feedlot efficiency to carcase quality and consumer taste testing.
Producers can enter the Export, Trade and HGP Free Export classes, while the Wagyu Challenge will have a separate entry period.
Why It Matters?
Paddock to Palate gives beef producers more than an opportunity to compete for prizes. It also provides performance data that can guide breeding, feeding and marketing decisions.
RNA Beef Committee Chair Gary Noller said the information helps exhibitors assess their cattle and make informed decisions about their herds.
“The competition allows exhibitors to gain access to objective performance data, enabling them to refine genetics, improve herd productivity, and validate breeding strategies,” he said.
Noller said the competition also connects exhibitors with the wider beef industry, creating opportunities beyond the judging process.
“It provides exhibitors with a unique platform to benchmark their cattle, elevate their brand, and gain exposure to processors, buyers, and consumers. Exhibitors receive detailed feedback that supports breeding, feeding, and marketing decisions.”
Local Impact
Toowoomba remains central to the competition, with the first judging phase taking place at JBS Beef City feedlot west of the city.
Cattle are initially assessed for aggregate weight gain before progressing to carcase judging and Meat Standards Australia (MSA) eating quality testing.
The combined results determine the overall winners, providing producers with a broader assessment of their cattle’s commercial performance.
Beef City will also host a field day during the competition, bringing participants together as the judging program progresses.
By The Numbers
- 30th anniversary: First judged in 1998, Paddock to Palate reaches its milestone edition in 2027.
- More than $63,000: The competition offers prize money across five classes, recognising cattle performance throughout the supply chain.
- More than 1,300 cattle: The 2026 competition attracted record entries from Queensland and New South Wales.
Zoom In
The competition includes three classes currently accepting entries, each designed around a different feeding category and duration.
While the classes have separate overall trophies, they follow the same cash prize structure.
Competition Classes and Overall Prizes
| Class | Feeding Period | First Prize | Trophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 37 Export | 120 days | $2,500 | Sturrock Perpetual Trophy |
| Class 38 Trade | 100 days | $2,500 | Ken Crotty OAM Perpetual Trophy |
| Class 40 HGP Free Export | 120 days | $2,500 | A Bassingthwaighte Perpetual Trophy |
Beyond the overall awards, producers can receive prizes for weight gain, carcase performance and eating quality.
Prize Breakdown for Classes 37, 38 and 40
| Award Category | First | Second | Third | Fourth | Fifth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Winner | $2,500 | $1,700 | $1,100 | $800 | $550 |
| Best Weight Gain for Pen of Six Grain-Fed Steers | $1,000 | $700 | $300 | – | – |
| Highest Individual Weight Gain | $750 | – | – | – | – |
| Pen of Six Carcase Competition | $1,000 | $700 | $300 | – | – |
| Champion Carcase | $750 | – | – | – | – |
| Reserve Champion Carcase | $500 | – | – | – | – |
| MSA Eating Quality Competition | $1,000 | $700 | $300 | – | – |
| Highest Individual Index Score | $500 | – | – | – | – |
These awards recognise both individual animals and pens of six grain-fed steers, giving exhibitors several opportunities to earn recognition.
Zoom Out
Paddock to Palate has also established a reputation beyond the competition itself, connecting cattle performance with the commercial beef market.
It is the only beef competition in Australia to produce a commercial brand, JBS Royal 100.
The brand has become a sought-after annual release among restaurants and butchers, demonstrating how competition results can reach consumers.
What To Look For Next?
Entries for Classes 37, 38 and 40 close on Friday 4 December 2026, giving producers time to prepare for the upcoming competition.
Meanwhile, entries for the 2028 Wagyu Challenge, covering Classes 39 and 41, will open in January 2027.
The 2027 judging program begins in February, with cattle arriving at Beef City ahead of their respective competition periods.
Key Competition Dates for 2027
| Competition Stage | Class 37 Export | Class 38 Trade | Class 40 HGP Free Export |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Delivery | Monday 8 February | Friday 26 February | Monday 8 February |
| Competition Starts | Thursday 11 February | Tuesday 2 March | Wednesday 10 February |
| Final Weighing | Friday 11 June | Thursday 10 June | Thursday 10 June |
| Beef City Field Day | Tuesday 15 June | Tuesday 15 June | Tuesday 15 June |
| Cattle Processing | Wednesday 16 June | Thursday 17 June | Wednesday 16 June |
| Overall Winners Announced | Thursday 5 August | Thursday 5 August | Thursday 5 August |
The competition will conclude during Ekka Beef Week, when the highest combined scores across all three judging phases are recognised.
Overall winners will be announced at the Paddock to Palate Awards and Beef Industry Dinner on Thursday 5 August 2027.
Producers interested in participating can find entry information and competition requirements on the official Paddock to Palate website.