Santa Gertrudis cattle are the feature breed at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show, marking a significant moment for breeders and enthusiasts after a 23-year wait.
The breed’s presence is being celebrated not only in the show ring but also in the kitchen with the debut of the "Hot Santa" pie, and in the charity auction, where a Santa Gertrudis steer has been selected to feature to raise funds for the Victor Chang Foundation.
"It’s been a long while since we’ve been the feature breed in Sydney—2002 was the last time Santa Gertrudis had this honour," said Santa Gertrudis Breeders' Association Shed Captain, Dennis Moxey of Denngal Santa Gertrudis Stud, Forbes, NSW.
With exhibitors from four states attending, Mr Moxey estimates there will be more than 120 purebred animals on show.
Having served as the Santa Gertrudis breed Shed Captain for 17 years, Mr Moxey said Sydney Royal remains a key event for breeders to showcase their genetics.
Denngal Santa Gertrudis Stud cattle at Sydney Royal Easter Show. Pic: Jack Courts
"It’s exciting for us, and we’ve worked hard to get numbers here. With many of the big studs represented, it’s shaping up to be a really great show," he said.
Being chosen as the feature breed at Sydney Royal is no small feat.
"Different breeds are invited by the Royal Agricultural Society to rotate as the feature breed, and this is usually planned several years in advance," Mr Moxey explained.
"When it came time for Santa Gertrudis, we rallied together and secured more entries than we have in the past.
Welbatch Pastoral Santa Gertrudis have made the journey to Sydney Royal Easter Show from Casino, NSW. Pic: Jack Courts
"The result is big classes and very strong competition. We’ve also set up special displays and organised a reception area to host a function on Saturday night after judging, where we’ll present prizes and recognise sponsors."
Stud cattle will be judged on Saturday, April 12, while steers will be judged on Thursday, April 10.
Mr Moxey said there would be two weight-based Santa Gertrudis steer classes, culminating in the awarding of the Grand Champion Santa Gertrudis Steer.
The feature breed will also lead the Grand Parade of Beef Cattle on their respective days.
'Hot Santa' pie time
This year’s show also brings an exciting culinary highlight for Santa Gertrudis beef: the "Hot Santa" pie.
Each year, the Baking Association of Australia produces thousands of pies at the event, incorporating beef from the feature breed. This year, the Santa Gertrudis beef has been sourced from Nolan Meats’ Cinnabar feedlot, west of Gympie.
"The pies will be baked on-site and will be sold throughout the show, with Santa Gertrudis signage recognising that the meat comes from a dedicated abattoir and feedlot that processed Santa Gertrudis cattle specifically for this. It’s fantastic."
The pie combines premium Santa Gertrudis beef with jalapeños and cheese for a bold, flavourful twist, and can be purchased from the Ag Discovery Pavilion on the corner of Macarthur and Barwon Avenue.
Beyond the show ring and the dining experience, Santa Gertrudis breeders are also contributing to a charitable cause.
Following success with their steers at last year’s Sydney Royal, the Doering family from Spring Creek Santa Gertrudis, Tansey, Queensland, were selected to provide this year’s Victor Chang Charity Steer.
The steer will be auctioned by one of the finalists of the ALPA Young Auctioneers Competition held on Friday, April 11.