Top of the Table for MSA: Eaglehawk Angus Wins at Bindaree
We were proud to see our program recognised at the 2024 Bindaree Carcase Competition, where Eaglehawk Angus topped the field in the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) category with a standout score of 69.84.
That number might not mean much without context — the national average MSA Index is 58.36, and our result places us well inside the top 1% of all MSA-graded cattle in Australia. Just as pleasing, our team’s average score of 66.1 reflected a consistently high-performing group — not just a one-off.
The competition was part of a 100-day commercial feedlot trial at Myola Feedlot, Croppa Creek, hosted by Colin Say & Co and Bindaree Beef. It was run under a non-HGP protocol, giving a clearer view of natural genetic merit and finishing ability — one of the reasons the MSA category is so highly regarded. With 37 teams and 185 head representing a broad mix of breeds and programs, it was a serious commercial test.
Some of the steers just before loading onto the truck to head to the competition.
The MSA Index is Australia’s national benchmark for grading eating quality — incorporating marbling, fat cover, maturity, tenderness, carcase weight and more to predict how beef will perform on the plate. Scores range from 30 to 80, and anything over 65 is considered elite.
What makes this result so satisfying for us is how the cattle were bred and raised: no pampering, no special treatment. Just moderate, functional Angus steers from our commercial cow base, bred for maternal efficiency, longevity, and adaptability. They were raised on grass, finished under pressure, and delivered where it matters — in the paddock and on the hook.
We’ve always said that data matters, but it’s only part of the story. Tools like scanning are valuable, but don’t always capture things like maturity pattern, structure, or true finishing ability. That’s why we back up our program by entering competitions like this one — it gives us feedback from a real world system, and it keeps us honest.
We don’t chase fads or single trait highs. We breed cattle to last — and results like this tell us we’re on the right track.
A big thank you to the organisers, sponsors, and fellow entrants. These events drive the industry forward — and give us all a clearer picture of what works where it counts.
Eaglehawk MSA Score (Top Carcase): 69.84
Eaglehawk Team Average MSA Score: 66.1
National Average: 58.36
Eaglehawk Ranking: Top 1% of all cattle graded in Australia
Trial Conditions: 100-day, non-HGP feedlot program
MSA Score Based On: Marbling, tenderness, fat cover, carcase weight, maturity & eating quality