The ARC National Beef Performers Awards went online this year, presented by Plaas Media on 26 November, and we came away with two national Beef Shorthorn awards.
Best Elite Cow: Duncraggan Duchess 063
One cow is chosen per breed, and ours is Duchess 063 (BLK 09 0063), an eleven-year-old who calved first at 32 months and has since reared eight calves at an average inter-calving period of 369 days. That is the kind of cow that pays the bills. Her breeding values are birth 1.47, weaning direct 4.3 and weaning maternal 6.9.
Special Performance Test Class: Duncraggan Zillion Dollar 473
Zillion Dollar 473 (BLK 18 0473) is Duchess 063’s son, by our 2018 class winner Xcellent 353, so this was very much a family affair! Born in September 2018 and tested at Winter Castles, he gained 1 642 g a day on test with a feed conversion of 6.10, and measured 305 mm scrotum. Seventeen breeds took part, each finalist being the national winner for its breed.
Thank you to the ARC and the sponsors for keeping the awards going in a difficult year.