Beef with sheen, volume and shine

It takes a lot of work to make a steer look good for showing. It is something that has taken Brett Miller, of Encampment, Corson Kerbs, of Saratoga, and Sarah Herold, of Little Snake River, years to perfect.

This year the trio was named grand champion in the Kristi Barkhurst Memorial Beef Fitting Contest at state fair in Douglas last month.

Miller said the trio has been competing together for three years. For him, it was an honor to be chosen to be a part of the group.

“The Carbon County Fair does not have a beef fitting show,” Miller said. “If they did, I would compete in it.”

Miller said it would be good practice for those competing at state.

As state competitors, the three represent their county and they can use any steer as long as it is from Carbon County. This year, they used Little Snake River’s Lydia Skaalberg’s steer, because her steer had the best and most hair of any steer in the county.

Miller said competitors use adhesive spray, spray paint and some talent for the fitting contest. It also takes a lot of practice.

“Hair is a big deal in showmanship of show beef, whether steers, heifers or bulls,” Miller said.

The spray adhesive, which is used specifically for cattle, to make the legs look fuller. The also spray the legs with spray paint.

Miller said they use a spray laser sheen, which makes the hair pop with volume. Then they clip the long, straggly hairs and shape the legs. Miller said it helps to start with a structurally sound steer. He credited his former art teacher, Pam Kraft, with teaching him how to make a steer look good.

“You have to study your animal and see where you want to make the changes,” Miller said. “Anybody can do it, if they work hard and practice.”

Miller said he, Kerbs and Herold worked together for three years to get everything figured out and take advantage of each of their talents.

“Corson’s steers always look good,” Miller said. The group “clicked” at state fair and with their increased knowledge over the years, “we finally came out on top this year.”

Miller said this is the first time that Carbon County has won the fitting contest and since it was named after a Carbon County resident, it was particularly rewarding for the group.

Barkhurst died Jan. 23, 2006 in a horse riding accident. She was active in Carbon County 4-H and Saratoga Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Barney Cosner was the director of the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas when the Kristi Barkhurst Memorial was started, according to Byron Barkhurst, Kristi’s brother. Les and Tammy purchase hats and other items for awards each year and are given to the Junior, Intermediate and Senior teams, Byron said. The contest awards are funded by donations made in Kristi’s name to the Wyoming 4-H Foundation.

Miller is a senior in high school, Kerbs is a sophomore in college and Herold is a freshman in college.

Miller said he was appreciative of all the support he has received from his family and friends over the years.

 

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