Press release For immediate use May 11 2010 Plenty of sizzle at Manfeild expo PLENTY of good bull but nothing to beef about - in its third year, the New Zealand Beef Expo at Manfeild has truly become a prime event. Organisers of the May 17-18 event in Manfeild Stadium expect 1500 to 2000 attendees from around New Zealand for an event that has become a top stop for the nation's best breeders. What began as a national interest beef sale has, since moving into the Manawatu's only indoor agri-events facility, grown into an occasion that celebrates beef. The expo encompasses seminars, workshops, social events and the famous Steak of Origin competition, a headline-grabbing sizzler that acknowledges excellence from pasture to plate. In addition to those on site, many thousands are expected to choose to view the sales action on-line for the second year. Live-feed internet coverage of the auction action added a new and exciting perspective to last year's show. Beef Expo event manager Mark Stevens says the show just keeps going from strength to strength. An enhanced quality inspection system for day two's bull sale, involving 150 genetic lots, means this year the term "best of the best" takes even greater meaning. "They've probably been harder than in previous years, so in some breeds they would be about four notches up on past years in terms of quality." The category count has increased, too, with Murray Grey back in the mix alongside Shorthorn, Simmental, Hereford, South Devon, Charolais and Angus. Among the Murray Grey entry is a bull calf that has already won a Meat and Wool Cup, a feat Mr Stevens says is pretty much unheard of. "Shorthorn entries are very strong. They had a very good sale last year and a Shorthorn bull from down south won the champion of champions in 2009." A more positive economic climate is expected to lift the overall average price above last year's level. Within this region the mood is uplifted. "We haven't had a drought locally and beef prices are extremely strong, so things are looking positive." Manfeild stadium continues to inspire the event, too, he says. "There's always a lot of comment about how good this facility is and how well-suited it is to our event." That sort of comment delights Manfeild Park Trust chief executive Heather Verry. "The Beef Expo is a wonderful event that directly fits with our objective to promote the interest and improvement of agriculture. "This occasion is more than just a sale - it is a opportunity to socialise and celebrate a great New Zealand product. And, of course, it is also an excellent showcase for our wonderful facility." The stadium's 7750 square metre display area is an obvious attraction, but there's more to it. The mezzanine and stadium suites are also of great benefit, Mr Stevens said, allowing workshops and dinners to be staged concurrent with event floor activities. One refinement this year is an altered layout to allow for several more sale pens to allow all-breeds selling in one day, a first that promises hard and fast turnover. "We've probably hired every piece of portable yarding in the lower North Island to do this," he laughed. "It's pretty exciting to be able to run what was previously two days of sales into just one. "We have the capacity to have all those bulls under one roof - it's a bold move to get that number of lots through in just a few hours." Day one focuses on the judging of the bulls and finishes with breed dinners. There's more judging on day two before the announcement of the champion of champions, Sales and the FBNZ Hoof and Hook competition. Then comes Steak of Origin, run by Beef and Lamb New Zealand to identify the land's top sirloin of beef with the prestigious title of 2010 Steak of Origin Grand Champion. Supported by Pfizer Animal Genetics with an awards presentation, a competition that last year attracted almost 350 entries recognises farming excellence and makes a direct link between the beef produced on farms and the product enjoyed by consumers. "Farmers are increasingly taking this opportunity show how their skill in the paddock creates great tasting beef on the plate," Meat and Wool New Zealand chief executive Dr Scott Champion says. There are five classes available for farmers, wholesalers, foodservice and retailers to enter. With a total of $11,000 up for the taking, as well as the bragging rights of being named the Steak of Origin grand champ. It's more than a pure taste test. Analysis began at Carne Technologies where they are measured for marbling, pH and cooking loss percentage. Semifinalists are confirmed by a tenderometer, a mechanical ``tooth'' that bites down on the steak to determine its tenderness. A tasting panel in Christchurch then sampled the top third of entries to decide the finalists for the last hurdle - the dinner with tasting by a group of chefs and celebrities. ### For further information: Heather Verry, Chief executive officer, Manfeild Park Trust. 027 4829 422. ceo@manfeild.co.nz Mark Stevens, Events Manager, Performance Beef Breeders. 06 323 4484 or 027 323 4481 mark@beefbreeders.co.nz