About
The Best of the Bay Beef Competition aims to identify the best beef producer in Hawke's Bay. The Competition has a three-part judging process; on the hoof, on the hook and eating quality. Entrants receive a complimentary ticket to the Hawke's Bay A&P Show and along with staff are invited to attend the prizegiving which is also open to the public. AFFCO New Zealand and the Hawke's Bay A&P Society extend a warm welcome to all interested farmers to enter the Best of the Bay Beef Competition.
Key Dates
Entries close - 22nd of September 2025
On the Hoof Judging, AFFCO Plant - 24th of September 2025
On the Hook Judging, AFFCO Plant - 25th of September 2025
Prizegiving, HB A&P Show - 23rd of October 2025
Judging Criteria
1. On the Hoof – the live animal is judged at the AFFCO plant by an AFFCO Livestock Buyer. (25% of score)
2. On the Hook – the slaughtered animal is judged at its slaughter site using the AUS Meat Grading criteria. Qualifying Grades: P and T (50% of score)
3. Eating Quality – a prime cut of the top 10 slaughtered animals are cooked by a high profile chef at the Hawke’s Bay A&P Show and judged by a panel of three from the hospitality sector, beef processing industry and a consumer representative. (25% of score)
Prizes
Most Points on Hoof
Most Points on Hook
Most Points on Eating Quality
The Guardian Trust Cup is awarded to the Overall Supreme Winner that achieves the highest points with the following prize money given:
1st $1000, 2nd $600, 3rd $400