2024 Show Information

Monday 16 September 2024 
Online Entries Open 

5pm Monday 14 October 2024 
Online Entries Close for prime steer/ heifer and led heifer competition. 

5pm Tuesday 22 October 2024 
Paraders and Junior Judging Entries close. 

24 – 27 October 2024 
Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza 

29 October 2024 
Carcase Judging Day (No public access) 

Tuesday 5 November 2024 
Carcase Results released 

White Park 

White Park is located on the southern side of Scone, next to the Golf Course. Entry to White Park is from Guernsey St. 

Please remember that White Park is an alcohol-free zone, and that no alcohol is to be consumed on the ground. 

Scone Saleyards 

Scone Saleyards is located at the end of Muffet St Scone. 

All unled exhibits will be housed and judged at Scone Saleyards. Delivery of all unled animals must be directly to Scone Saleyards. 

1. The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza Led Steer/Heifer component of the competition has been approved by Meat Standards Australia (MSA) as an eligible MSA pathway and ALL LED ONLY entries will be eligible to be MSA graded. Therefore, ALL Led hoof and hook exhibitors MUST become MSA registered to be eligible to enter the competition and to optimise the highest possible sale value of their exhibit. 

2. To register for MSA online go to: https://producer.msagrading.com.au

3. For more information go to www.mla.com.au/msa or phone the MSA hotline on 1800 111 672. 

4. All exhibits will be required to supply their MSA registration Number at the time of entry and the PIC of the last known location of the exhibit/s. 

5. To maintain MSA approval status ALL led hoof and hook exhibits mustremain on full feed and water up unto dispatch from White Park on Sunday 27th October. 

6. Any exhibitor found to have feed and/ or water withdrawn, will be automatically disqualified from the competition and will not be eligible for MSA grading. 

7. National Vendor Declaration Forms (NVD’s) and MSA vendor declaration Forms are to be submitted prior to weigh in of led exhibits. 

8. There will be a $20 administration fee charged for animals that are not correctly transferred on the NLIS database. Please ensure all animals are transferred onto the correct PIC which corresponds with the NVD submitted. 

9. Please note that separate NVD’s will be required for led and unled exhibits.

10. Unled exhibits are not eligible for the MSA Pathway.

11. Unled animals will not be permitted to be attended to after 8am Saturday 26th October. These animals are not to be groomed etc. on the day of competition. Animals will be adequately fed and watered prior to slaughter. 

12. In the Unled competition for 2024, the Upper Hunter Shire Vendor Bred & Fed Champion Exhibit award has been introduced. This exhibit must be vendor bred and vendor fed within the Upper Hunter Shire district and entered in the unled competition.

13. All exhibits (led & unled) must be polled or dehorned. Dehorned exhibits must not possess more than 3cm of horn. This will be strictly enforced and any animal failing to comply with this will be disqualified from the competition. 

14. Led and unled classes are open to all exhibitors with steers and heifers both eligible to compete. 

15. All exhibits entered for this section are required to be judged as carcases and will thus be slaughtered. Once an exhibit is weighed, tagged, scanned and at the completion of the live competition, ALL exhibits must be presented to the correct holding yards for dispatch to JBS Scone. Any exhibitor, who fails to adhere to this, will be imposed with a $100 fine and future participation in this competition could be jeopardised. 

16. All exhibits must be milk teeth. Any exhibit that shows evidence of adult teeth will not be eligible to compete. 

17. All exhibits must NOT have been treated with hormone growth promotants and not be within a withholding period or ESI at the time of slaughter. 

18. All exhibits must carry an NLIS device and be accompanied by a completed NVD form at the time of arrival. 

19. All exhibits must have a quiet temperament. Exhibits deemed as being dangerous will be disqualified at the discretion of the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza Committee. 

20. There will be a limit to the number of led entries that can be accepted. Entries will be accepted on a first in basis. 

21. Carcases will be juded in their respective live classes against the nominated specifications regardless of their final carcase weight. 

22. Team of Three Carcase nominations will be accepted via online QR code form prior to 8:30am on Sunday 27th of October 2024. 

23. Exhibits nominated as purebreds will be inspected for breed purity. Any exhibit that does not comply with its breed's standard of excellence will not be eligible to compete for purebred prizes. The eligibility will be determined by the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza Committee. Scurs and horns on polled breeds will not be accepted. 

24. Carcase prizes will be determined by the respective points each carcase scores. 

25. All led exhibits are to have a nose grip or nose ring attached when not tied up. 

26. When tied up, all led exhibits must be secured by a halter and neck strap/tie. 

27. Champion Led Exhibit will be transported to the Scone Saleyards to compete for Supreme Champion Exhibit on Saturday 26th October at approximately 5pm. 

28. Classes will be split according to entry numbers. However, the committee reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of classes dependent on entries received. 

3.1 Led Prime Classes 

• Lightweight Steer (400kg - 440kg liveweight) 

• Middleweight Steer (441kg - 549kg liveweight) 

• Heavyweight Steer (550+ kg liveweight) 

• Prime Heifer Class (400kg - 549kg liveweight) 

3.2 Unled Individual Classes 

• Lightweight Steer/Heifer (400kg - 440kg liveweight) 

• Middleweight Steer/Heifer (441kg - 549kg liveweight) 

• Heavyweight Steer/Heifer (550+ kg liveweight) 

• Prime Heifer Class (400kg - 549kg liveweight) 

3.1 Led Prime Classes 

• Lightweight Steer (400kg - 440kg liveweight) 

• Middleweight Steer (441kg - 549kg liveweight) 

• Heavyweight Steer (550+ kg liveweight) 

• Prime Heifer Class (400kg - 549kg liveweight) 

3.2 Unled Individual Classes 

• Lightweight Steer/Heifer (400kg - 440kg liveweight) 

• Middleweight Steer/Heifer (441kg - 549kg liveweight) 

• Heavyweight Steer/Heifer (550+ kg liveweight) 

• Prime Heifer Class (400kg - 549kg liveweight) 

A carcase jackpot system will be in operation at the Beef Bonanza. To be eligible for prizes exhibitors must nominate on the entry form and pay the additional $25 entry fee. Both led and unled exhibits are eligible for inclusion in the Carcase Jackpot competition. Prizemoney for the Jackpot Competition will be determined by the number of entries. All Jackpot entry fees will be allocated to Jackpot prizemoney. The Jackpot prizemoney will be allocated on the following basis. The 2023 jackpot was well supported with excess of $5000 being in the total jackpot. 

• Lightweight Jackpot Winner – 65% of the Lightweight Jackpot prize pool. 

• Middleweight Jackpot Winner – 65% of the Middleweight Jackpot prize pool. 

• Heavyweight Jackpot Winner – 65% of the Heavyweight Jackpot prize pool. 

• Prime Heifer Jackpot Winner – 65% of the Prime Heifer Jackpot prize pool. 

• 35% of overall Jackpot prize pool to best overall Jackpot entered carcase. 

Remember you must be in it to win it! 

Please note: Jackpot entries will only be accepted at time of entry. 

Carcase classes will be judged using a modified version of the ABCAS. Basic carcase requirements are as follows: 

5.1 Lightweight 

• P8 fat optimum depth 5-10mm 

• Rib fat optimum depth 4-8mm 

• Deductions will apply for carcases with a fat colour score above 3 

• Deductions will occur for carcases having a pH above 5.70 

5.2 Middleweight 

• P8 fat optimum depth 7-14mm 

• Rib fat optimum depth 4-10mm 

• Deductions will apply for carcases with a fat colour score above 3 

• Deductions will occur for carcases having a pH above 5.70 

5.3 Heavyweight 

• P8 fat optimum depth 8-15mm 

• Rib fat optimum depth 4-10mm 

• Deductions will apply for carcases with a fat colour score above 3 

• Deductions will occur for carcases having a pH above 5.70 

• The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza Inc. is in the process of negotiating a competitive grid payment system for carcases. All carcases will be sold to Coles and JBS. 

• All led only cattle, will be eligible to be sold under the MSA Show pathway. The base price will be competitive and be available the week prior to the Beef Bonanza. 

• All unled exhibits will not be eligible for MSA grading and will be sold on the respective Coles and JBS Grid. 

• Any animals that fall outside of the Coles and JBS minimum or maximum carcase weight will be subject to price deductions. 

• Carcases that exhibit excessive bruising or a pH above 5.70, or a butt score less than a C, or do not meet minimum fat requirements are undesirable and may incur a price discount. 

• Carcases will be sold on carcase weight and in some cases steers from the same class may not be subject to the same grid payment. 

• Home kills are not available as a sale option. 

• All carcase sales will be conducted by McGrath Upper Hunter who are sponsors of the event and will only be charging 3.5% commission for the sale of the livestock. 

7.1 Led Exhibits-White Park Scone 

Steers and heifers for the Prime classes will be weighed between 7.00am and 12pm on Friday 25 October 2024. Exhibits are free to arrive from 12pm midday on Thursday 24 October 2024. All led exhibits must be on the grounds prior to 11am on Friday 25 October 2024. 

7.2 Unled Exhibits-Scone Saleyards 

Steers and heifers for the Prime unled classes will be weighed from 8am on Saturday 25 October 2024. Exhibits are permitted to arrive at the saleyards on the afternoon of Thursday 24 October 2024. All unled exhibits must be delivered to Scone Saleyards no later than 8am on Saturday 25 October 2024. 

• Delivery slip for unled exhibits (in exhibitors pack) must be left in the agent’s box at Scone saleyards upon delivery of all unled cattle. 

• Once an animal has been presented for weighing, tagging, scanning and inspection, this animal is permitted to be presented for loading on Sunday afternoon and is required to be slaughtered for the carcase competition. 

Any heifer that does not meet the below criteria (i.e., is not pedigree recorded/ registered with relevant breed society), may be entered in the commercial heifer class. 

• Purebred Heifers must be pedigree recorded and be either purebred or a recognised composite breed. The classes will be conducted as interbreed classes. If a purebred heifer does not have certification, heifers may be entered in the commercial heifer class. 

• Heifers must be between 8 months and 20 months as of the 26 October 2024. 

• Heifers must be weaned prior to the show. There are no facilities available for mature cows. 

• Heifers must not have had a calf. 

• Heifers entered in the Heifer Classes are NOT eligible for the hoof and hook component of the competition. 

• Exhibitors are responsible for meeting their reporting obligations related to the NLIS database. The White Park PIC for transfers is NA521895. 

8.1 Purebred Heifer Classes 

• 8mths - 12 months (birthdates from 26 October 2023 to 26 February 2024) 

• >12mths - 16mths (birthdates from 26 June 2023 to 25 October 2023.) 

• >16mths - 20mths (birthdates from 26 February 2023 to 25 June 2023.) 

8.2 Commercial Heifer Classes 

• These classes will be open to commercial heifers which are not registered with a recognised breed society and may be purebred or crossbred heifers. 

• Please note heifers entered in the commercial heifer section will NOT be eligible for supreme heifer. 

• Heifers must be between 8 months and 20 months as of the 26 October 2024. 

• Heifers must be weaned prior to the show. There are no facilities available for mature cows. 

• Heifers must not have had a calf. 

• Heifers entered in the Heifer Classes are NOT eligible for the hoof and hook component of the competition. 

• Junior Judging classes will take place on Sunday morning. Entries are open to all school aged competitors 18 years and under. The entry fee for Junior Judging and paraders is $10 inclusive of both competitions.
  Please note that junior judging and paraders entries can be submitted online. Entries open Monday 9 October and will close at 5pm Tuesday 22 October 2024. 

• Paraders classes will take place on Saturday afternoon following the conclusion of the stud heifer judging and on Sunday morning following the Junior Judging. 

• White dust coats WILL NOT be required in paraders competitions. 

• The paraders competition will be split into three rings. 

• Champion Parader from each age group (except Pee Wee) will compete for the champion parader prize on the Sunday 27 October 2024. 

• Entrants intending to use animals that are not entered in either the prime or stud heifer classes must seek prior approval from the committee as stalling issues arise when unexpected cattle arrive. Stalling fees will apply. 

9.1 Paraders and Junior Judging Classes 

Classes are split based on competitors birthdates on 31/12/2024.

Competing Saturday 26 October 2024 

• Pee Wee - Any student Under 8 as at day of Competition and MUST be at school. 

• Primary - All Students older than 8 Years and in Years 3 – 6. (If student is 12 years and is still in Primary School, they are to compete in the Primary age group and NOT the 12-13’s age group). 

•  12/13 Years - All students born in 2011 and 2012 

• 14 Years - All students born in 2010 

Competing Sunday 27 October 2024 

• 15 Years - All students born in 2009 

• 16 Years - All students born in 2008 

• 17/18 Years - All students born in 2006 and 2007 

Thursday 24 October in the Scone RSL auditorium, commencing at 6:30pm.

The Careers evening is a fantastic opportunity for students in years 10 – 12 to gain a unique insight into different careers in the Beef Cattle Industry and to establish fundamental networks. Students will hear from representatives about their respective journeys in the agricultural industry and have the opportunity to interact with them throughout the evening. Further details will be emailed out closer to the event. 

The past six years has seen the running of the interactive unled judging at the Scone Saleyards. The interactive judging will include a judging competition open to the public and this year will see the competition being run in teams of 3. Prizes will be available for those placing classes and overall winners. The interactive unled judging will occur between 5.30-7.00pm on Saturday 26 October 2024. This year will see the judging of Prime Cattle as well as store steers. 

The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza is being supported by many generous sponsors. This enables significant prize money and prizes to be available. 

13.1 Led Live Classes 

• Each class 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40, 4th $30, 5th $20 

• Prime Heifer Champion $100 

• Lightweight Champion $100 

• Light Middleweight Champion $100 

• Heavy Middleweight Champion $100 

• Heavyweight Champion $100 

• Grand Champion $400 + Set of Cattle Clippers or Voucher 

13.2 Led Carcase Classes 

• Each class 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40, 4th $30, 5th $20 

• Prime Heifer Champion $150 

• Lightweight Champion $150 

• Light Middleweight Champion $150 

• Heavy Middleweight Champion $150 

• Heavyweight Champion $150 

• Grand Champion $500 

13.3 Purebred Heifer Classes 

• Each Class 1st $60, 2nd $40, 3rd $30 

• Champion $50 

13.4 Commercial Heifer Classes 

• Each Class 1st $60, 2nd $40, 3rd $30 

• Champion $50 

13.5 Unled Live Classes 

• Prime Heifer Individual 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40, 4th $30, 5th $20 

• Lightweight Individual 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40, 4th $30, 5th $20 

• Middleweight Individual 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40, 4th $30, 5th $20 

• Heavyweight Individual 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40, 4th $30, 5th $20 

• Champion Individual steer/heifer $400 

• Upper Hunter Shire Vendor Bred & Fed Champion Exhibit $200 

13.6 Unled Carcase Classes 

• Prime Heifer Individual 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40, 4th $30, 5th $20 

• Lightweight Individual Carcase 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40, 4th $30, 5th $20 

• Middleweight Individual Carcase 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40, 4th $30, 5th $20 

• Heavyweight Individual Carcase 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40, 4th $30, 5th $20 

• Champion Individual Carcase $400 

13.7 Team of Three Carcases 

• Champion Team of Three Carcases 1st $300, 2nd $150, 3rd $75 

13.8 Supreme Champion Live Animal – $2000 Sponsored by McGrath 

13.9 Supreme Champion Carcase – $2000 Sponsored by McGrath 


Additional Awards:

• Highest Placed Purebred Murray Grey Carcase $200 - Donated by Wallawong Murray Greys and Glenliam Farm Murray Greys. 

• Best Limousin / Limousin X Carcase $50 – Australian Limousin Breeders Association 

13.10 Junior Judging 

• Primary – 1st $20 2nd Prize 3rd Prize 4th Prize 5th Prize 

• 12/ 13 Years – 1st $50 2nd $40 3rd $30 4th Prize, 5th Prize 

• 14 Years – 1st $50 2nd $40 3rd $30 4th Prize, 5th Prize 

• 15 Years – 1st $50 2nd $40 3rd $30 4th Prize, 5th Prize 

• 16 Years – 1st $50 2nd $40 3rd $30 4th Prize, 5th Prize 

• 17 - 18 Years – 1st $50 2nd $40 3rd $30 4th Prize, 5th Prize 

• Champion $100 + Trophy PLUS entry to Junior Judging Training School at Tocal Agriculture College - Sponsored by Hunter Valley Angus Breeders Association 

13.11 Paraders Competition 

• Pee Wee 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize 4th Prize, 5th Prize 

• Primary, 12 - 13 years, 14 years, 15 years, 16 years and 17 – 18 years heat place getters will receive ribbons for their recognition. Any competitor who places 1st in their respective heats will progress to the championship class where one competitor will be awarded champion. 

• Champion of each age group will receive $50 + Prize 

• Supreme Champion Parader $100 + Trophy 

13.12 Carcase Jackpot Competition 

• Lightweight Jackpot Winner – 65% of the Lightweight Jackpot prize pool. 

• Middleweight Jackpot Winner – 65% of the Middleweight Jackpot prize pool. 

• Heavyweight Jackpot Winner – 65% of the Heavyweight Jackpot prize pool. 

• Prime Heifer Jackpot Winner – 65% of the Heifer Jackpot prize pool. 

• 35% of overall Jackpot prize pool to best overall Jackpot entered carcase. 

• As part of the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza Inc. OH &S policy, all exhibitors are required to have a current public liability insurance policy. Please provide the relevant details on the entry form. 

• All electrical leads and equipment used during the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza must be tagged with approved and current safety tags. Please ensure that this requirement is completed. 

• All exhibitors must use an individual electrical cut off lead when using electrical equipment. 

• Adult supervision is required when electrical equipment is being used by competitors under 18yrs. 

One of the objectives of the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza Inc. is to make sure that entry fees for the Beef Bonanza are reasonable and economical for exhibitors. Due to the excellent support of sponsors the entry fees have been kept low. Entry fees are as follows and all prices include GST.

• Prime Led Steer/Heifer Live and Carcase Competition 
  $66

• Unled Individual Steer/Heifer live & Carcase Competition 
  $66

• Carcase Jackpot Competition
  $25

• Purebred Heifer Class 
  $44

• Commercial Heifer Class 
  $44

• Junior Judging and Paraders Classes 
  $10 

Scone has numerous hotels, motels, and caravan accommodation options. Listed below are contacts for some accommodation options. Camping is available at White Park. Those wishing to camp at White Park will need to supply all necessary equipment. Electricity is very limited for camping at White Park. White Park is also an alcohol-free zone. 

2024 will also see the introduction of a base rate of $25 per camping site/group for the duration of the event (Thursday night - Saturday night). To book camping, please do so via Nominate entry platform. 

Approximately 20 powered sites for camping will be available at an additional cost to purchase via Nominate on a first come, first served basis. These are a minimum of a 3 night stay. 

The following list shows accommodation options available in Scone.

• The Gable Inn - 6545 9009 

• Scone Motel - 6545 3079 

• Isis Motel - 6545 1100 

• Colonial Motor Inn - 6545 1700 

• Airlie House - 6545 1488 

• Royal Hotel-Motel - 6545 1722 

• Highway Caravan Park Scone - 6545 1078 

• Scone Caravan Park - 6545 2024 

Security will be provided Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, starting at 9pm and finishing at 5am. Security guards will visit White Park to ensure that there is a safe and secure environment. The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza expects teachers and parents to provide supervision of their children, especially when in a public area and using public facilities. The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza takes no responsibility for the supervision of any students. 

The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza will be running the Canteen at this year’s event. This enables all funds raise to be injected back into the running of the competition. Exhibitors support of the canteen would be greatly appreciated and any volunteers available to assist in the canteen during the event, please contact Canteen Co-ordinator Amy Willard via email: amz.grant95@gmail.com or on mobile: 0439 337 660.
The canteen will be open during competition, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

Merchandise will be available for purchase prior to the 2024 Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza via our Website and Facebook Page. Please ensure you order well in advance to ensure you receive your merchandise by the time of the event. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for updates. 

The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza Inc. is very pleased to be associated with the following businesses outlined on the next page that have sponsored this year's event. Please think of them when you next need to make a purchase. Please note that further sponsorship is available; please contact our Sponsorship Coordinator – Lisa Bright – 0427654523 

For information regarding the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza please contact: 

• PRESIDENT
  Charles Mill - 0427807006
  charles.mill123@gmail.com

• SECRETARY
  Monique McKinnon - 0423817289
  secretary.uhbb@gmail.com

• SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR
  Lisa Bright – 0427654523
  lisa.brigbt@mn.catholic.edu.au

• Waverley Station Education Day Secretary
  Annika Whale - 0447130431
  annika.whale@gmail.com

• See event information at: www.beefbonanza.org.au