Ekka in Brisbane Showcases Local Produce and Rooftop Cattle Village

The Royal Queensland Show, known as the Ekka, opened its gates in Brisbane, drawing attention to the state's farming communities. Market reports highlighted abundant supplies of strawberries from the Sunshine Coast, rockmelons from Bowen, Hass avocados from North Queensland, green oak lettuce from Lowood, and broccoli from the Lockyer Valley, underscoring the role of Queensland growers in feeding the nation.

Behind the scenes, dozens of cattle farmers set up a temporary rooftop village atop the Brisbane Showgrounds car park. The Cannon family from Marburg, including parents Karla and Anthony and their daughter Ella, live in tents and mobile units while preparing their Chelna Square Meaters stud cattle for competition. The makeshift town includes washing bays for the animals and offers a glimpse of how rural producers bring their livestock into the city each year for the show.