Cattle

Cattle Competitions at the Atherton Show

Step into the ring and showcase the strength, quality, and excellence of your livestock. Our cattle competitions are a cornerstone of the Atherton Show, celebrating the region’s proud agricultural roots and the hard work of breeders, graziers, and young handlers.

Whether you’re a seasoned cattle producer or a school student preparing your first steer, there’s a class for you. Join us in 2025 for another incredible showcase of top-tier cattle and future champions.

Enter Today
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the region’s premier agricultural competition. Whether you’re entering to win or for the experience, we welcome your cattle and your passion!

Stud Beef Cattle

This section is open to registered breeders showcasing pedigree bulls and females across various breeds. Cattle are judged on conformation, temperament, structure, and breed standards.

Key Details:

• Open to all recognised beef breeds
• Classes divided by age and sex
• Junior Handler classes available
• Cattle must be registered with a breed society
• All animals must meet health and NLIS requirements

Entry requirements, health declarations, and breed breakdowns included in the schedule.

Led Steer Competition

Our Led Steer competition is perfect for schools, youth programs, and individual exhibitors looking to showcase prepared steers for judging based on weight-for-age, temperament, and handling.

Highlights:

• Open and School divisions available
• Judged on market suitability and presentation
• All steers must be milk-tooth and meet weight requirements
• School teams encouraged to participate with training support
• Great opportunity for young handlers to develop skills

Support local ag programs – cheer on our future farmers!

Prime Beef

Designed for showcasing commercial cattle ready for market. Judged in the yards, Prime Beef classes focus on suitability for trade and meat quality potential.

What You Need to Know:

• Classes based on live weight
• Pen of Three and Single Animal entries accepted
• No need for registration – this is a commercial cattle showcase
• Entries judged on muscle score, condition, and uniformity

Junior Handlers & Young Judges

The future of our cattle industry is in great hands! Our junior competitions are a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved, build skills, and gain confidence in the cattle ring.

Junior Handlers Competition
This class is open to young people who want to showcase their cattle handling ability. Judging is based on the handler’s ability to control and present the animal—not the animal itself.

Junior Judging Competition
Participants will judge a group of cattle and provide oral or written justifications for their placings. A great way to learn the ropes of livestock judging and develop public speaking skills.

Age Groups May Include:

• Under 12 years
• 12–15 years
• 16–25 years

Entry Requirements:

• No previous experience necessary – newcomers are welcome
• All entrants must wear appropriate show attire and enclosed footwear
• Animals can be provided if the competitor does not have access to one

Awards and Prizes
Trophies, ribbons, and small prizes are awarded to top competitors in each age group.

Biosecurity Information

The Atherton Show is committed to maintaining the health and safety of all animals, exhibitors, and visitors. In line with state and national regulations, our event follows strict biosecurity protocols to minimise the risk of disease transmission.