Two local beef brands claimed their titles as People’s Choice and Professional Judges’ Choice winners at the 2026 Darling Downs Beef Battle.

Drawing a record crowd, nine Western Downs beef producers competed for the coveted title of Darling Downs Best Beef.

Now in its ninth year, the event celebrates the Darling Downs grain-fed beef industry. This year Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) hosted the event at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport to showcase the export capability available in the region.

TSBE Chief Executive Officer, Jo Sheppard said the event was a great illustration of our region’s exceptional export potential which is supported by well-established infrastructure.

“This year, the Darling Downs Beef Battle united the entire supply chain, from producers to processors and created an opportunity to come together to spotlight and celebrate our region’s leading beef brands,” Ms Sheppard said.

“Our region is home to 65 per cent of Australia’s beef feedlot industry, generating $1.4 billion a year for our local economy.

“The night was a fabulous showcase of our region’s world-class beef!”

Two titles were served up on the night:

• People’s Choice Award – voted by the crowd

Winner is Mort & Co

• Professional Judges’ Choice Winner – selected by an exclusive panel of judges

Winner is Stockyard

Thank you to our participating producers: Bow Creek Food & Agribusiness, NH Foods, Mort & Co, Camm Agricultural Group, Stockyard, John Dee, Stanbroke, JBS and King River. 

Thank you to our Major Event Sponsor, Gallagher and to our valued sponsors across a diverse range of industries for their support.