TOP quality local bananas were on display at the Innisfail and Distric Show last week.
Multiple local growers took out awards with banana exhibit judges impressed with the quality of the banana hands, bunches, cartons and singles on display.
Among the winners were Celledoni Farming, who received first place in five classes and the title of most successful exhibit.
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council congratulated all the successful entrants, as well as the committee who gave up countless hours to organise the display.
Banana Exhibit chief steward, Rob Zahra, said he was pleased with the turnout, despite tough conditions.
“The two growers that did particularly well – Celledoni Farming and Reidy’s Bananas – they’re always great supporters of our exhibit and good luck to them both,” Mr Zahra said.
He noted the effort involved in getting the Banana Exhibit together each year.
“There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes and just a few of us to do it.
“But there’s a good group of people involved and we enjoy each other’s company – that’s why we keep coming back each year.”
RESULTS
Class 1: Champion Ratoon Bunch
- 1st: Innisfail Banana Farming Company
- 2nd: Celledoni Farming
Class 2: Champion Plant Bunch
- 1st: Celledoni Farming
- 2nd: Reidy’s Bananas
Class 3: Heaviest Ratoon Bunch
- 1st: Reidy’s Bananas
- 2nd: Reidy’s Bananas
Class 4: Heaviest Plant Bunch
- 1st: Nucifora’s Bananas
- 2nd: Reidy’s Bananas
Class 5: Best Two Ratoon Bunches
- 1st: Celledoni Farming
- 2nd: Innisfail Banana Farming Company
Class 6: Best Two Plant Bunches
- 1st: Celledoni Farming
- 2nd: Reidy’s Bananas
Class 7: Champion Carton of Hands, Ex Large
- 1st: Celledoni Farming
- 2nd: Hampson Bros Pty Ltd
- Encouragement Award: Mackay’s Bananas
Class 8: Champion Cluster Carton Extra Large 13kg in 6 per layer carton only
- 1st: Sellars Bananas
- 2nd: Kalbo Fresh
- Encouragement Award: M&A Catelan
Class 9: Champion Cluster Carton Large 13kg 6 per layer carton only
- 1st: Kalbo Fresh
- 2nd: Kalbo Fresh
- Encouragement Award: Mengotti Pty Ltd
Class 10: Champion International Cluster Carton 15kg carton only
- 1st: Sellars Bananas
- 2nd: Kalbo Fresh
- Encouragement Award: Mackay’s Bananas
Class 11: Best three (3) Clusters
- 1st: Di Carlo’s Bananas
- 2nd: Hampson Bros Pty Ltd
Class 12: Champion Hand
- 1st: Di Carlo Bananas
- 2nd: Celledoni Farming
Class 13: Heaviest Hand
- 1st: McCarthy Farming
- 2nd: Di Carlo’s Bananas
Class 14: Champion Pair of Hands
- 1st: Celledoni Farming
- 2nd: Di Carlo Bananas
Class 15: Heaviest Freak Banana (any variety)
- 1st: Hampson Bros Pty Ltd
- 2nd: M&M Bananas
Class 16: Heaviest Single Banana
- 1st: Hampson Bros Pty Ltd
- 2nd: Di Carlo’s Bananas
Class 17: Best Six Singles
- 1st: Hampson Bros Pty Ltd
- 2nd: Sellars Bananas
Class 19: Open Heaviest Ratoon Bunch
- 1st: Reidy’s Bananas
Class 21: Champion Lady Finger Bunch
- 1st: Woopen Creek Bananas
- 2nd: Woopen Creek Bananas
Class 22: Champion Lady Finger Carton Hand Pack
- 1st: J.A Dobson
- 2nd: Woopen Creek Bananas
Class 23: Organic Carton 13kg
- 1st: McCarthy Farming
Class 24: Most Successful Exhibition on Aggregate Points
- 1st: Celledoni Farming
Highly Commended Award
- Mengotti Pty Ltd
Most Outstanding Exhibit
- Sellars Bananas
- This story first appeared on the North Qld Register.
