Unfavourable weather and growing conditions did not greatly affect the quality of entries in this year’s Tully Banana Exhibit, according to its seasoned judges.

Entry numbers were down slightly on previous years, however long-time judge Dennis Lindsay said the same could not be said for fruit quality.

“Very good, considering the weather conditions and the growing conditions this year. It’s been a terrible growing year. Numbers were down, but quality was still good,” Mr Lindsay said.

Fellow judge Greg Bradshaw agreed that despite tough growing conditions, quality in the exhibit remained high.

“A little bit down (on numbers) on last year, but the quality was fairly even, it was quite reasonably good actually, whereas the last couple of years we’ve had a fair variation in the fruit,” Mr Bradsaw said.

“I’m surprised actually. Since February of last year we’ve had a really disruptive weather pattern.”

Kennedy Valley banana grower Jeff Dickinson scooped the pool, winning Most Successful Exhibitor taking out seven categories including Champion Plant, Heaviest Bunch Ratoon (56.5kg), Champion Plant, Champion Hand and Heaviest Hand.

The Flegler Group had the next best showing, winning Champion Ratoon, Champion Plant Pair, Champion Bunch Tully District and Champion Pair of Hands.