This year nominations are higher with 26 graziers entering five steers each for the challenge, delivered to Morvada Station west of Hughenden on June 24.

The first weigh-in will be on the July 21, with everyone eager to ensure that their steers make the grade to start the challenge.

Steers are to weigh between 340kg to 400kg. Once weighed for the first time they will be agisted at Morvada Station for about 12 months with a three-monthly weigh-in.

Field days and workshops will be incorporated with these weigh in days.

Some of the categories for the challenge include highest percentage weight gain across four steers, best commercial gain across pen of four steers and an overall prize of the Flinders Beef Challenge Champion Exhibitor which has $1000 cash prize sponsored by Rabobank.

These are three of the 12 categories for 2009.

A total of 17 exhibitors with seven head committed to the challenge in 2008 and at the end it was celebrated with an awards night naming all winners in each of the 14 categories.

Winners of 2008 Rabobank Flinders Beef Challenge Overall Champion were Redcliffe Station, securing first in seven categories out of 13.

The 2008 challenge included grass and feedlot fodder, however, in 2009 the challenge will only have grass feed, making the challenge slightly different.

Chairman of the group Allan Paine said it was encouraging to see the backing for the event.

“It is great to see so many support the challenge again this year and with the variety of breeds it will be very interesting to see the final results,” Mr Paine said.

All winners and runners-up will be announced at a formal dinner in October 2010, with presentations to each of the 12 categories.

Major sponsor Rabobank has again supported the challenge with other sponsors including Rosevale Vet Services, Allflex, Coopers, Fortdodge, Gallagher and Elanco.

Once again local rural agents Landmark, Newforce Livestock and Ray White Rural will support the challenge.