Community & Business
30 June, 2025
Oakey Support Group joins Beef Challenge
A number of local Christians have joined forces to raise funds for local chaplaincy in a typically ‘Oakey’ way - by entering in a Beef Challenge at St. George.
Members of Oakey’s Chaplaincy Support Team (previously Oakey Local Chaplaincy Committee) and supporters have donated or purchased a steer to enter the event, which is officially known as the Moonie River Feedlot Challenge, and is being hosted at the Moonie River Feedlot at ‘Warrie’, St. George.
The local steers will be added to a pen which are fed for 100 days on the Moonie River site.
An award will be given to the steer who puts on the Most Weight over the 100 days, with an prize also given to the Best Dressed Steer at the end of the challenge.
A number of major sponsors have generously contributed through donating feed, and paying for the cost of transporting and slaughtering the cattle.
Janean Pastoral Company, owned by St. George couple Justin and Sharon Schultz of Balonne Chaplaincy Committee are the organisers and hosts of the competition.
Oakey’s connection to the event is through Justin’s father Ken, who is the minister of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
The Oakey Beef Challenge section of the competition includes eight steers donated from local people and businesses, and another four entries which have joined section to support the cause.
“Our steers went into the feedlot in the middle of May and have just had their mid-point weights recorded,” Pastor Schultz says.
A Gala Dinner will be held at St. George later this year when slaughter weights are confirmed and prizes allocated for the best steer.
