How to Spot the Champion Steer at the State Fair

State fairs are a time for snow cones, rides and choosing the steer that produces the best steaks and other meat products. Visit the animal barns at your state fair and spot the steer that is worth tens of thousands of dollars to its breeder.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Inspect the steer for overall health. Look at the condition of its hide, mouth, tongue and eyes. Notice any visible signs of illness or a lackluster appearance.
2. Look for the steer that weighs between 1,100 and 1,300 lbs. He must be well-proportioned, balanced and well-muscled. A Grand Champion steer carries a high percentage of muscle and a low percentage of fat.
3. Assess if a steer is well-muscled in meat producing areas. Strong muscling should occur in the back, loin, forearm and hindquarters of a champion steer. Check for fat along the side, shoulders and neck of the animals you assess. You should find some fat, but most of the steer's size must be muscle.
4. Watch for animals that have naturally wide-set legs. The steer should move with grace and agility.
5. See if a steer is thin around the middle. A thick middle is often an indicator of excess fat.
6. Choose the steer that looks like it has the best cuts of meat. Market steers become Grand Champions by meeting the demands of the meat animal industry.