There are those that say the show ring does not come close to commercial reality and performance. That is an argument that will rage, however, no one can deny fully fed and groomed cattle are a sight to see.

And what an opportunity the show ring presents for young people to have an introduction to cattle, their welfare and selection on conformation. The prestigious Borthwick trophy for three purebred led steers on the hoof and on the hook is passionately fought out between breed enthusiasts.

This year, however, an ever-present anomaly came into play. The team of three steers is judged for a maximum total of 100 points on the hoof and out of 300 points on the hook. The grand champion Limousin team scored 95 points on the hoof and 254 points on the hook. The Australian Shorthorn team came in fifth position behind the Angus, Murray Grey and Hereford teams even though they scored an impressive 250 carcase points.

What let them down was a score of 65 on the hoof. Five more points and they could have been reserve champions. The rules are the rules but under present circumstances where so many cattle are sold weighed and graded on the hooks are the Borthwick results sending incorrect messages?

The Limousins visually scored 90 per cent and the Australian Shorthorns at 60 per cent were nearly deemed to be unsaleable.

Maybe it is time to separate the Borthwick into two distinct sections - on the hoof and on the hook.