Darling Downs Beef Battle: A Night of Culinary Excellence
King River’s Josh Rich holding the trophy at last night’s Darling Downs Beef Battle.
Last night’s Darling Downs Beef Battle showcased an impressive array of beef, with a level of marbling that brought a smile to the face of Meat & Livestock Australia corporate chef Sam Burke. The competition, traditionally dominated by Stanbroke, saw a new champion emerge.
New Champion Takes the Stage
Taking home the coveted people’s choice award, King River, a Wagyu beef supply chain from Central Queensland, dethroned Stanbroke’s five-year reign. Meanwhile, Stockyard maintained its streak in the professionally judged section, securing their third consecutive victory.
The event featured ten premier beef brands, with approximately 500 attendees sampling steaks based on their flavor, intensity, juiciness, and tenderness. Two sets of awards were presented: one for public preference and another determined by professionals who tasted the same cuts the previous evening.
King River’s Promising Future
In a conversation with Beef Central, King River General Manager Josh Rich expressed excitement about their achievement. “We’re relatively new to the industry, and we look up to the established brands that have set a high standard,” he stated.

The Stockyard team claiming their award at the Beef Battle.
Stockyard Continues Its Legacy of Excellence
Yet again, Stockyard Beef demonstrated its status as a leading beef brand, adding to its accolades from recent competitions including victories at the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards, the Queensland Royal Agricultural Show, and the Sydney Fine Foods award.
Event Highlights

John Dee’s Peter Healy, Chris Leacy, and James Erbacher were among the event participants.
Networking and Community Engagement

Jason Keane from PF Install Solutions with Matt Norton from AgDSA and Bruce McConnel from the Southern Queensland Drought Hub.
Conclusion
The Darling Downs Beef Battle not only celebrates meat excellence but also fosters connections within the beef industry. With the emergence of King River and the ongoing success of Stockyard, this annual event proves to be crucial for showcasing and advancing the standards of Australian beef.
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