Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Close up, David cutting T-bones Photo credit: Victoria Velton
By Victoria Velton
Halifax Meats has come away with a major result at the 2026 North Queensland Best Beef Carcase Competition, taking second place in the Class 1 Droughtmaster steers category.
The Ingham butcher was represented by its supplier, Rocky Creek Abattoir, with the winning cattle selected from producers supplying beef to the abattoir.
Halifax Meats’ entry, supplied by producer Peter Vitco, scored 228.38 points in the 200 to 280 kilogram Class 1 category, narrowly finishing behind the winning entry from Denelle Coutts and Kieran Mouldey with Byrnes Quality Meats, which scored 233.25 points.
For Halifax Meats, the result is more than simply a trophy or a placing. Owner David Edmonds said it was an exciting piece of feedback and a physical representation of the skill and care that goes into providing customers with quality meat.
“That’s sort of what our goal is, not to sell as much as we can. It’s just to make sure that we’re selling a quality product,” David said.
The competition is part of a broader agricultural event designed to bring together different parts of the North Queensland beef industry, from producers and the people growing feed for cattle through to abattoirs, butchers and consumers.
The carcases entered are assessed after the cattle have been processed, with the competition providing recognition to producers who have produced high-quality cattle within the relevant weight class.
While the carcase competition is a highlight, David said the event also provides an opportunity for the industry to learn about developments in cattle production, agriculture and the science behind producing quality beef.
Coming second is a welcome acknowledgement of Halifax Meats’ ongoing commitment to quality.
“It’s just good news and good feedback,” David said.
“It’s sort of a physical representation of your skill as a butcher.”
The result places Halifax Meats among the recognised businesses in this year’s North Queensland competition, with the Class 1 runner-up adding another achievement to the Ingham butcher’s reputation for quality produce.
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