Gelbvieh Takes Centre Stage at the 2026 Ekka

The Australian Gelbvieh Association was proudly represented at the 2026 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), with exhibitors presenting an impressive line-up of Gelbvieh cattle across the junior, senior and group classes.

 

The Ekka remains one of Queensland’s premier agricultural events and provides an important opportunity to showcase the quality, versatility and continued development of the Gelbvieh breed to both the beef industry and the wider public. This year’s judging saw strong representation from Midas Gelbvieh, Merrindale Gelbvieh, Crosshill Gelbvieh and Weetalabah Gelbvieh, with quality cattle exhibited throughout the classes.

 

Junior Females

The junior female classes produced an exciting line-up of young females.

 

In the 8 months and under 12 months class, Midas HG Tanya W029 took first place, ahead of Merrindale Winky KF5W06 in second.

 

The 12 months and under 16 months class was won by Crosshill Calista's Image W16, followed by Crosshill Calista's Choice W7 in second and Merrindale Willow KF5W04 in third.

 

Crosshill went on to claim both major junior female awards, with Crosshill Calista's Image W16 named Junior Champion Heifer and Crosshill Calista's Choice W7 awarded Reserve Junior Champion Heifer.

 

Junior Bulls

There was also plenty of quality on display throughout the junior bull classes.

 

Midas VD Warren W028 won the 8 months and under 12 months class, with Merrindale Wilba KF5W08 placing second.

 

In the 12 months and under 16 months class, Merrindale Wacey KF5W03 claimed first place ahead of Crosshill Weston W4.

 

The 16 months and under 20 months class was won by Weetalabah Wowza W009, followed by Weetalabah Whatzup WBHW002 in second.

 

Weetalabah Wowza W009 was subsequently awarded Junior Champion Bull, while Midas VD Warren W028 was named Reserve Junior Champion Bull.

 

Senior Females

Midas Gelbvieh enjoyed a particularly successful showing in the senior female section.

 

Midas Opal V027 won the 20 months and under 24 months heifer class.

 

In the 24 months and under 30 months class, Crosshill Miss Calista V6 placed first, followed by Midas Xena V012 in second and Merrindale Vera KF5V476 in third.

 

The 30 months and under 60 months cow class saw Midas Yeletta V004 take first place, with Midas Zena U028 in second.

 

These two females went on to secure the senior championship honours, with Midas Yeletta V004 named Senior Champion Cow or Heifer and Midas Zena U028 taking Reserve Senior Champion Cow or Heifer.

 

Midas Yeletta V004 continued her success to be awarded the prestigious title of Grand Champion Cow or Heifer.

 

Senior Bulls

The senior bull classes provided another strong display of Gelbvieh genetics.

 

In the 20 months and under 24 months class, Weetalabah Vector WBHV033 placed first, followed by Merrindale Veteran KF5V480 in second and Midas V39 in third.

 

The 24 months and under 30 months class was won by Crosshill Valentino V10, with Midas V013 taking second and Merrindale Victor KF5V474 third.

 

Weetalabah Vector WBHV033 was named Senior Champion Bull, with Crosshill Valentino V10 awarded Reserve Senior Champion Bull.

 

Vector then went on to claim the day's top male honour, being named Grand Champion Bull.

 

Breeder's Group and Most Successful Exhibitor

The Breeder's Group provided exhibitors with the opportunity to showcase the consistency and depth of their breeding programs.

 

MJ & SM Agnew and JG & JA Fulton – Crosshill Gelbvieh claimed first place, followed by C R Braithwaite – Midas Gelbvieh Stud in second, and Brian and Jasmin Kaddatz – Merrindale Gelbvieh in third.

After a highly successful day across the individual and group classes, C R Braithwaite – Midas Gelbvieh Stud was awarded the title of Most Successful Exhibitor for the 2026 Ekka.

 

A Great Showcase for Gelbvieh

The Australian Gelbvieh Association congratulates all exhibitors on an outstanding showing at the 2026 Ekka. Preparing cattle for an event of this scale requires an enormous commitment of time, effort and resources, and the presentation of the Gelbvieh team was a credit to everyone involved.

Our sincere thanks also go to the families, handlers and supporters who worked behind the scenes throughout the week, as well as everyone who followed the judging and sent messages of support from around Australia.

 

Events such as the Ekka provide an invaluable opportunity to put Gelbvieh cattle in front of commercial producers, fellow stud breeders and the general public. The quality and consistency of the 2026 exhibit was a wonderful advertisement for the breed and highlighted the work Australian breeders continue to put into producing functional, productive and competitive Gelbvieh cattle.

 

Congratulations once again to all exhibitors and placegetters, and particularly to Midas Yeletta V004, the 2026 Grand Champion Cow or Heifer, Weetalabah Vector WBHV033, the 2026 Grand Champion Bull, and Midas Gelbvieh Stud, the Most Successful Exhibitor.

 

The Australian Gelbvieh Association looks forward to seeing the breed continue to build on this strong showing in the years ahead.