Two time winner of Darling Downs Beef Battle thrilled

A local beef producer has become the first in Darling Downs Beef Battle history to claim the top prize two years in a row.

Stanbroke proved a cut above the rest at the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) event, which attracted more than 350 taste testers.

Attendees at Clifford Park Racecourse were served nine courses of steak and blind judged each course, rating it on tenderness, flavour and overall liking.

Chef Alastair McLeod was a celebrity guest at the event on Thursday night and said it was an extraordinary celebration.

“To have the primary producers here battling it out, it was a very cool experience and the energy in the kitchen was amazing,” said Chef McLeod.

“It was an absolute privilege as a cook to be working with the very best ingredients as you can.”

After attendees finished voting on their favourite courses, Stanbroke was announced as the 2021 Darling Downs Beef Battle winner.

Sales Manager Mark Harris said the company is thrilled to have won for the second year in a row with their Diamantina Wagyu which impressed all of the judges.

“Absolutely stoked, it’s excellent news for us,” said Mr Harris.

“To win it two years in a row is really a testimony to the team we have on our Stanbroke properties, our feedlot in Chinchilla and at our award-winning processing plant in Grantham.”

“It’s a credit to the hard work of the entire team across the whole supply chain so we’re very proud,” Mr Harris said.

Mort & Co took out second place, with Stockyard winning third place.

Other competitors included NH Foods, Rangers Valley, JBS Australia, John Dee Beef and NAPCO - The North Australian Pastoral Company.

TSBE Food Leaders Australia General Manager Bruce McConnel congratulated Stanbroke on another great win.

“The Darling Downs Beef Battle is now in its fourth year, and continues to be a prestigious event for those wishing to network with the regions beef sector.”

“We at TSBE are exceptionally proud to bring this event to the region each year, and celebrate what we believe are Australia's best beef brands,” Mr McConnel said.

“Our guests enjoyed over 450 kgs of premium beef and make no mistake it really showcased the quality of our local produce.”

The event was sponsored by Seaway, and supported by AXIchain through the online voting platform.