Makayla Saunders with Grand Champion Prospect Steer, Homestead Magpull, at the Cattlemen’s Congress, Oklahoma USA. Picture by Sarah Smith
Showing cattle is a terrific way for a breed to gain notoriety and possible interest from those thinking of entering the industry or those already in the industry looking for a change.
With industry focus on the commercial viability of breeds ultimately meaning cattle sent for slaughter deliver a carcase that meets end market specifications, the led steer competition is hotly contested a local and Royals shows alike.
The MLA Feedback Magazine Winter 2025 contains an article on “what makes a champion steer?”
The article highlights that judges are looking for the “right balance of fat cover and muscularity to deliver a really high-yielding carcase that meets the specifications for the class” adding that producers breeding steers for the carcase competitions, will focus on producing heavier muscled animals with the ability to lay down the correct amount of fat but that ultimately it comes down to understanding the requirements of the market you’re targeting and breeding to meet those demands.
Worth a read if you are considering entering carcase competitions!
