The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) was delighted to recently provide agricultural schools and tertiary institutions, along with beef cattle breeders, the opportunity to enter the inaugural Hoof and Hook Competition in 2020. 

This competition was created to enable students to continue preparing their livestock and importantly complete their curriculum obligations, despite the cancellation of the 2020 Royal Melbourne Show Beef Carcase competition. 

The RASV were thrilled with the positive response and support for the new Hoof and Hook Competition with 135 entrants from 35 exhibitors, including 11 agricultural schools and tertiary institutions.  In a year that has caused immense disruption to many, especially to the many schools and colleges involved in the competition, it was wonderful to provide a platform to promote and celebrate excellence in agriculture. 

The ‘hoof’ component of the Hoof and Hook Competition was held in the regional Victorian town of Yea and on behalf of the RASV, I thank the Murrindindi Shire Council and the committee of the Yea Saleyards for their support in providing the use of their terrific facilities.  

With the assessment of the carcases complete, the full results of the competition were broadcast via a livestream on Thursday 8th October. 

There are a number of prestigious awards associated with the Hoof and Hook Competition, but none more so than the Borthwick Trophy, awarded by the RASV since 1953.    

It was terrific to see the Australian Shorthorn breed declared the 2020 champions and incredibly, even after almost 70 years, this is the first time the breed has won the award that recognises the highest scoring team of three purebred steers. 

Congratulations to the Wagga Wagga Christian College and Tim Weller for their brilliant preparation that saw their steer announced as the Grand Champion Carcase for 2020, with Wagga Wagga Christian College also being awarded the Bott-Burston Perpetual Trophy as the Most Successful School or College Exhibitor. 

Congratulations to all of the winners and encourage those interested in the full results to review the catalogue available on the RASV website. 

It would not have been possible for the RASV to develop and deliver such a successful agricultural competition without the fabulous support of so many:  

  • Our Beef Cattle Committee of David Bolton (Chair), David Spencer, Sam Nelson, Garry Turnham, Duncan Newcomen, Noleen Branson, Allen Snaith and Cindy Coad   
  • The 35 exhibitors, 11 of which were schools and tertiary institutions  
  • The many sponsors and supporters, without whom the event would not have been possible.  
  • Those who volunteered to assist throughout the event, with a special mention to Aimee Bolton for her assistance in finalising the carcase grid results.   
  • Judge, Geordie Elliot & Announcer, Alistair Brook  
  • RASV staff in particular Steve Taylor, Catherine Shelley, Ashley Lamers and Glenn Goodwin for their tremendous efforts at Yea, Victoria.