How to Show a Steer

Steers are most often exhibited by adolescents through programs such as 4-H and county extension programs, with the most conformationally correct steer sold to the highest bidder. The exhibitor purchases the steer as a young calf, raising, training and conditioning him to be auctioned off at the end of the show season. Showing such a large, powerful animal may seem impossible, but the placid nature of most steers makes it an enjoyable adventure.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter and lead rope
  • High-protein cattle feed
  • Hay
  • Curry comb
  • Soft bristle brush
  • Clippers
  • Finishing spray
  • Tail comb
  • Scissors
  • Livestock shampoo
  • Blow dryer
  • Show halter
  • Show stick
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Instructions

    • 1

      Halter break the calf as soon as you get it home. Slip a rope halter over the calf's nose and buckle it behind the ears. Clip a lead rope to the halter and follow the calf around the pen, holding on to the end of the rope to acclimate the calf to your presence. As soon as the calf is comfortable with the halter, begin walking away and tug gently on the lead rope to encourage the calf to follow you. If it is reluctant to walk in your direction, entice him with a handful of cattle feed. Work with the calf for 15 minutes a day until he is following you willingly.

    • 2

      Feed the steer a diet rich in protein for optimal muscle development. Show steers are judged on their physical appearance and weight gain, and a winning steer should be heavy and well-muscled. Steers should be fed based on their weight, with growing steers eating approximately 3 percent of their body weight in feed each day. The diet should be approximately 4 parts clean hay to 1 part high-protein cattle feed. So, a 500-lb. steer would eat roughly 12 lbs. of hay and 3 lbs. of grain daily.

    • 3

      Groom the steer in preparation for the show ring. Brush off crusty mud and manure with a curry comb, following up with a soft brush on bony areas such as the face and legs. Trim long hairs around the face and upper shoulder with a pair of sharp clippers, and square off the long hair on the tail just above the hocks. Bathe the steer with livestock shampoo, blow drying the hair to leave it full and soft. Spray the coat with a layer of finishing spray to give the steer extra shine for the show ring.

    • 4

      Slip on a show halter, and lead the steer into the area when your class is called. Follow the directions given by the judge, and stand in the line up with the other competitors at one end of the ring. Your steer should stand square, with all four legs centered underneath him. If one is out of place, tap it gently with the show stick until it is square.

    • 5

      Walk your steer forward when called out of the line up by the judge, and walk him around the ring as the judge instructs. Most judges will ask you to walk the steer straight away so they can evaluate the hindquarters, then turn around and walk straight back to get a good look at the forelegs. Listen to the judge at all times, and ask questions if you're unsure of the directions. Move your steer to the end of the line after your pattern, and stand quietly in line until the results are announced.