FOR the first time in the 27-year history of the RNA Paddock to Palate Competition and Wagyu Challenge, all competition cattle will be fed at the JBS Beef City Feedlot, located west of Toowoomba.

Presented by JBS Australia, the competitions give beef producers the opportunity to benchmark their cattle and demonstrate their commercial relevance. This three-phased competition comprises of best aggregate weight gain; carcass; and MSA eating quality, while the Wagyu Challenge is four-phased finishing in a beef taste-off judged by some of Queensland’s top chefs.

In a notable change, Wagyu entrants will now spend their full 380 days at the Beef City Feedlot, starting with the 2026 class.

JBS northern chief operating officer Brendan Tatt expressed his enthusiasm for the extended partnership.

“We are delighted to not only support our valued producer partners but also back the renowned Ekka in its mission to bring the country and city together for a true celebration of agriculture,” Brendan said.

Beef City feedlot manager Sean Sturgess echoed this pride in hosting such a prestigious event.

“We welcomed the 2026 Wagyu class to site in March 2025, and seeing them day in, day out for over a year is quickly making them part of our feedlot family,” Mr Sturgess said.

“Hosting Wagyu cattle is a significant change for us, it’s exciting to demonstrate our flexibility and capability,” he said.

Wagyu Challenge cattle will be branded under a JBS product label and released in 2026 at the completion of the competition.

RNA Beef Committee chair Gary Noller acknowledged the ongoing partnership.

“As hosts of the Paddock to Palate since 2021, JBS plays a pivotal role in the competition’s success,” Gary said.

“On behalf of the RNA, I thank them for opening their gates to the Wagyu Challenge cattle and I look forward to celebrating the outstanding results from both competitions in 2026.”

• Entries for the 2026 Wagyu Challenge have now closed. The Paddock to Palate