2025 Show Information

5pm Tuesday 14th October 2025
Online Entries Close for prime steer/ heifer and led heifer competition. 

5pm Friday 17th October 2025 
Paraders and Junior Judging Entries close. 

23rd – 26th October 2025 
Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza 

28th October 2025 
Carcase Judging Day (No public access) 

Tuesday 4th November 2025 
Carcase Results released 

Thursday 23rd October 2025 

12pm 
Bump in of all cattle exhibits. Please note no cattle will be permitted entry into White Park before this time. 

6:30pm 
Michael Crouch Memorial Careers Evening – Scone RSL 

Friday 24th October 2025 
WAVERLEY STATION EDUCATION DAY 

6:30am - 12pm 
Weighing of Led Prime steers and heifers 

7:45am – 11am 
Optional Paraders Practical & Workshops 

11am 
All led exhibits must be at White Park 

11:45am 
Students leave White Park for drop off to Junior Meat Judging, JBS Scone. (To be confirmed) 

12pm – 3pm 
Junior Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging – JBS Scone 

12pm 
Official Opening of 2025 Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza 

12:15pm – 1:30pm 
Whole Group Industry Demonstration 

1:45pm – 3pm 
Educational Workshops 

4pm 
Commercial Heifer followed Stud Heifer Judging 

6pm 
Sponsored Free Sausage Sizzle Dinner 

6:30pm 
School Steer Shootout in Main Arena 

Saturday 25th October 2025 

7:30am 
Led steer/heifer classes begin 

8am 
Unled exhibits must be at Scone Saleyards 

8am 
Weighing of unled prime steers and heifers 

At the completion of led steer and prime heifer classes 
Pee Wee (under 8’s) Primary (Over 8’s), 12’s, 13’s and 14 yrs Paraders competition. 

5.30pm – 7pm 
Interactive unled Judging at Scone Saleyards + Inter School Meat Judging Presentation 

Sunday 26th October 2025 

8am
Presentation of Waverley Station Scholarship & Group Photo 

8:30am 
Junior Judging Classes 

10:30am 
15’s, 16’s, 17 - 18yrs Paraders Classes 

10:30am 
Junior Judging Orals 

At the completion of Paraders Judging
Champion Parader Competition 

3pm 
Hoof & Hook Steers/Heifers transported to JBS Scone. 

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 (see attached map for details). 

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 (see attached map for details) 

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/msaor 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 MUST remain on full feed and water up unto dispatch from White Park on Sunday 26th 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. PLEASE NOTE THAT SEPARATE NVD’s WILL BE REQUIRED FOR LED AND UNLED EXHIBITS. 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. UNLED EXHIBITS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE MSA PATHWAY. 

10. Unled animals will not be permitted to be attended to after 8am Saturday 25th October. These animals are not to be groomed etc. on the day of competition. Animals will be adequately fed and watered prior to slaughter. 

11. Exhibits 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. 

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

13. 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. 

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

15. 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. 

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

17. 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. 

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

19. All exhibitors stalled in stables will be require to completely empty stables of sawdust prior to departure. Failure to adhere will incur a $100 fine for cleaning fees. 

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

21. 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. 

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

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

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

25. Champion Led Exhibit will be transported to the Scone Saleyards to compete for Supreme Champion Exhibit on Saturday 25th October at approximately 5pm. 

26. 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. 

Led Prime Classes 

Lightweight Steer (400kg - 440kg liveweight) 

Middleweight Steer (441kg - 549kg liveweight) 

Heavyweight Steer (550+ kg liveweight) 

Prime Heifer Class (400kg - 549kg liveweight) 

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 2024 jackpot was well supported with excess of $4500 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 that Jackpot entries will only be accepted at time of entry. 

Exhibits must be entered in the jackpot to also be eligible for the 2025 Community Chest Jackpot Prize. F 

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

Lightweight 

• P8 fat depth 5-10mm 

• Rib fat 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 

Middleweight 

• P8 fat depth 7-14mm 

• Rib fat 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 

Heavyweight 

• P8 fat depth 8-15mm 

• Rib fat 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, 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. 

• 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. 

Led Exhibits-White Park Scone 

Steers and heifers for the Prime classes will be weighed between 6:30am and 12pm on Friday 24th October 2025. Exhibits are free to arrive from 12pm midday on Thursday 23rd October 2025. All led exhibits must be on the grounds prior to 11am on Friday 24th October 2025. 

Unled Exhibits-Scone Saleyards 

Steers and heifers for the Prime unled classes will be weighed from 8am on Saturday 25th October 2025. Exhibits are permitted to arrive at the saleyards on the afternoon of Thursday 23rd October 2025. All unled exhibits must be delivered to Scone Saleyards no later than 8am on Saturday 25th October 2025. 

• 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. 

• Pre-Tagging of unled cattle will occur again in 2025. Any animals entered in the unled competition will be sent Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza tags, which will correspond with how the animal was entered. Only UHBB tags are permitted in unled entries. 

• 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. 

• Commercial and Stud Heifer judging will commence at 4pm on Friday 24th of October 2025. Due to the nature of the competition – stud and commercial heifer entries will be capped at 80 head – entries will be accepted on a first in first served basis and once capacity has been reached a waiting list will be formed. 

• 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 25th October 2025. 

• 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. 

Purebred Heifer Classes 

• 8mths - 12 months (birthdates from 25 October 2024 to 25 February 2025) 

• >12mths - 16mths (birthdates from 25 June 2024 to 24 October 2024.) 

• >16mths - 20mths (birthdates from 25 February 2024 to 24 June 2024.)

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 25th October 2025. 

• 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 will close at 5pm Friday 17th October 2025. 

• Paraders classes will take place on Saturday afternoon following the conclusion of led steer and prime 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 & Tertiary) will compete for the champion parader prize on the Sunday 26th October 2025. 

• 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 Paraders and Junior Judging Age Groups 

BIRTHDATES (as at 31/12/2025) 

PEE WEE 

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

• Day of Competition: Saturday 25th October 2025 

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). 

• Day of Competition: Saturday 25th October 2025 

12/13 Years 

• All students born in 2012 and 2013 

• Day of Competition: Saturday 25th October 2025 

14 Years 

• All students born in 2011 

• Day of Competition: Saturday 25th October 2025 

15 Years 

• All students born in 2010 

• Day of Competition: Sunday 26th October 2025 

16 Years 

• All students born in 2009 

• Day of Competition: Sunday 26th October 2025 

17/18 Years 

• All students born in 2007 and 2008 

• Day of Competition: Sunday 26th October 2025 

Item descriptionThe Junior Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Competition will be held in conjunction with the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. The competition will run from 1pm-5pm on FRIDAY, 24th October 2025 at JBS Scone abattoirs, Scone. 

The meat judging component is being coordinated by the Australian ICMJ organisation, with further information and entry forms to be emailed out soon. Students must be 15 years or older (as at 24th October 2025) and still attending school. 

The Michael Crouch Memorial Careers Evening will be held on Thursday 23rd 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 Agricultural 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 interactive unled judging will take place 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 25th October 2025. 

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

Led Live Classes 

• Each class 1st $120, 2nd $80, 3rd $60, 4th $40, 5th $30 

• Prime Heifer Champion $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

• Lightweight Champion $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

• Light Middleweight Champion $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

• Heavy Middleweight Champion $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

• Heavyweight Champion $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

• Grand Champion $500 + voucher/product 

Led Carcase Classes 

• Each class 1st $120, 2nd $80, 3rd $60, 4th $40, 5th $30 

• Prime Heifer Champion $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

• Lightweight Champion $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

• Light Middleweight Champion $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

• Heavy Middleweight Champion $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

• Heavyweight Champion $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

• Grand Champion $500 

Purebred Heifer Classes 

• Each Class 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40 

• Champion Purebred Heifer $150 & Reserve Champion $75 

Commercial Heifer Classes 

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

Unled Live Classes 

• Prime Heifer Individual 1st $120, 2nd $80, 3rd $60, 4th $40, 5th $30 

• Lightweight Individual 1st $120, 2nd $80, 3rd $60, 4th $40, 5th $30 

• Middleweight Individual 1st $120, 2nd $80, 3rd $60, 4th $40, 5th $30 

• Heavyweight Individual 1st $120, 2nd $80, 3rd $60, 4th $40, 5th $30 

• Champion Individual steer/heifer $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

Unled Carcase Classes 

• Prime Heifer Individual 1st $120, 2nd $80, 3rd $60, 4th $40, 5th $30 

• Lightweight Individual Carcase 1st $120, 2nd $80, 3rd $60, 4th $40, 5th $30 

• Middleweight Individual Carcase 1st $120, 2nd $80, 3rd $60, 4th $40, 5th $30 

• Heavyweight Individual Carcase 1st $120, 2nd $80, 3rd $60, 4th $40, 5th $30 

• Champion Individual Carcase $250 & Reserve Champion $150 

Supreme Champion Live Animal – $2000 Sponsored by McGrath 

Supreme Champion Carcase – $2000 Sponsored by McGrath 

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 

Junior Judging 

• Primary – 1st $25 2nd $20 3rd $15 4th $10 5th $5 

• 12/ 13 Years – 1st $50 2nd $40 3rd $30 4th $20, 5th $10 

• 14 Years – 1st $50 2nd $40 3rd $30 4th $20, 5th $10 

• 15 Years – 1st $50 2nd $40 3rd $30 4th $20, 5th $10 

• 16 Years – 1st $50 2nd $40 3rd $30 4th $20, 5th $10 

• 17 - 18 Years – 1st $50 2nd $40 3rd $30 4th $20, 5th $10 

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

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 

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. 

Community Chest Jackpot Competition 

• Be awarded 1st place in live class from any section and supreme champion carcase to win the Community Chest Jackpot – in 2025 the Community Chest Jackpot will be $15,000. 

School Steer Shootout 

• Winner of School Steer Shootout will be awarded $1000 

• 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. Competition Category 

ENTRY FEE 

Prime Led Steer/Heifer Live and Carcase Competition 

• $77 (Inc. GST). 

Unled Individual Steer/Heifer live & Carcase Competition 

• $77 (Inc. GST). 

Carcase Jackpot Competition 

• $25 (Inc. GST) 

Purebred Heifer Class 

• $55 (Inc. GST) 

Commercial Heifer Class 

• $55 (Inc. GST) 

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. 

The following list shows accommodation options available in Scone.

• 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. 

Please note that all exhibitors camping at White Park for the duration of the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza will require a vehicle access permit. This permit is to be displayed on the windscreen of all vehicles for the duration of the event. Access Permits can be obtained from the Secretary’s Office upon arrival. 

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 and for dinner on Friday night. 

Merchandise will be available for purchase at the 2025 Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza event. Hats, footy shorts and shirts will be available for purchase at the secretary’s office. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for updates. 

The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza Inc. is very pleased to be associated with many businesses 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

In 2025, we are excited to launch the inaugural Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza Community Chest Jackpot Competition. Through the extreme generosity of several local producers and the generous support of Alexander Downs Feed Mill, this is taking the UHBB to the next level. 

In 2025, the Community Chest Jackpot Competition will commence with a MASSIVE $15,000 up for grabs and, if not won, it will jackpot each year, until it is claimed. 

Community Chest Terms & Conditions 

To be eligible to go into the running for the Community Chest Jackpot Competition: 

• Animal MUST be entered in the Jackpot Competition. 

• Animal must place 1st in their class on the hoof OR place 2nd and be awarded a Reserve Champion ribbon on the hoof. 

• Animal must be awarded Supreme Champion Carcase. 

• If the Community Chest Jackpot competition is not won, it will jackpot each year. 

• In the event the Community Chest Jackpot has not been claimed after 3 years of competition, the committee reserves the right to reassess the criteria. 

• Any animal that is fortunate to win the Community Chest Jackpot Competition, will still be eligible for all existing prizemoney and entitled to their share of the UHBB Jackpot Competition. 

• Please note animals who place 2nd and do not receive a Reserve Champion ribbon will not be eligible for the Community Chest Jackpot competition. 

In 2025, we are also excited to introduce the School Steer Shootout to our Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza event. This new concept has been developed to create an additional opportunity for our school exhibitors to showcase the very best of their program and try their luck at an additional $1000 in prize money up for grabs. The School Steer Shootout will take place Friday evening on the 24th of October 2025 during the sponsored exhibitor sausage sizzle. Grab some dinner, support your school and join the fun, interactive atmosphere all while taking in the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza’s newest spectacle! 

How it works 

• School exhibitors will have the chance to nominate ONE animal to represent their program in the School Steer Shootout. 

• Entry into the School Steer Shootout is FREE. 

• Animals will be drawn as pairs for the initial round based on their recorded weight from weigh in earlier that day. 

• A panel of three judges will have 30-50 seconds to evaluate the pair of animals in the ring and at the call of the MC, they will need to vote left or right (by raising their arm) on which animal will advance to the next round. The animal with the least votes will be eliminated from the competition. 

• Animals advancing to each round will be paired again to go up against the next consecutive animal based on weight. 

• The animals will be assessed based on their carcase attributes and ability to meet market specifications based on their weight. The judges’ decisions will be final. 

• When the draw comes down to the final two animals, the animal with the most votes wins the competition and prize money. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• To enter the School Steer Shootout, the nominated animal MUST be exhibited solely by a school program (no shared or dual exhibitors listed). 

• School exhibitors will be allowed to nominate ONE animal to represent their program, these nominations will be taken during weigh in. 

• The nominated animal must be participating in the led hoof and hook competition at the 2025 Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. 

For information regarding the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza please contact: 

Charles Mill - President
0427807006 charles.mill123@gmail.com 

Monique McKinnon – Secretary,
0423817289 secretary.uhbb@gmail.com 

Lisa Bright – Sponsorship Coordinator:
0427654523 lisa.brigbt@mn.catholic.edu.au 

Annika Whale – Waverley Station Education Day Secretary:
0447130431 annika.whale@gmail.com 

See event information at: https://www.beefbonanza.com/