Square Meater bull with 144sq cm EMA turns head in Ekka judging ring

The 2025 Royal Queensland Show saw two standout Square Meaters amongst 10 exhibits claim top honours.

For Mt Cotton breeders Lach and Lou Howland of Golden Pastoral Company, it was their first grand champion bull title at the Ekka.

Golden Squares Tom Waits scanned an impressive eye muscle area of 144 square centimetres and weighed 864 kilograms, turning heads from the moment he entered the ring.

Mr Howland had said it took them 18 months to shop around for the grand champion's sire and cut 36 calves before they were happy to keep the champion that stood before the crowd.

"I just kept cutting until I was happy," he said.

"We've got two drops by him on the ground now, and he's hands down the best calf we've ever bred."

Square Meaters' ability to finish early and deliver exceptional eating quality was central to Mr Howland's program.

"They'll marble by 16 months... that produces a 200-300g steak, three centimetres thick, tender and juicy," he said.

In the female section, Eric Ross of Rosellinos Square Meaters and Aldridge State High School, Maryborough, took home another tri-coloured ribbon with entry Rosellinos Violet.

Mr Ross said he was first exposed to the breed at Ekka in 2002 and had been breeding and exhibiting them since.

Though now running a reduced herd, Mr Ross was committed to breeding quality cattle.

"We've only got a dozen head of animals left, but it's wonderful to see them still doing so well," he said.

Judge Ben Passmore from Benjarra Limousin stud, Ellangowan, described the overall standard as "outstanding".

"I was gobsmacked by the carcase traits these cattle have," he said.

Mr Passmore singled out the champion bull as a standout.

"I think this bull turned a lot of heads today... he's just a beef bull, and a bull that everyone in the breed should be considering.

Full results

Breed: Square Meaters

Judge: Ben Passmore, Benjarra Limousins, Ellangowan

No. of exhibits: 10 head

Junior champion female: Rosellinos Violet, Aldridge State High School, Maryborough

Reserve junior champion female: Sunset Park Bonnie, Sunset Park Square Meaters, Crows Nest

Junior champion bull: 1125 Chelna Va Va Voom, Cannon Family, Marberg

Reserve junior champion bull: Golden Squares Vigilante, Golden Pastoral Company, Mt Cotton

Senior champion female: Sunset Park Rubys Valley Girl, Sunset Park Square Meaters, Crows Nest

Reserve senior champion female: noneSenior champion bull: Golden Squares Tom Waits, Golden Pastoral Company, Mt Cotton

Reserve senior champion bull: Highbury Ultron, Golden Pastoral Company, Mt Cotton

Grand champion female: Rosellinos Violet, Aldridge State High School, Maryborough

Grand champion bull: Golden Squares Tom Waits, Golden Pastoral Company, Mt Cotton