We are gearing up for The Cattle Contest Vol III and it is exciting but you know what? Its also a ton of work…and at the end of the day we love it!
We’ve had people ask us why we started such a thing, what we would get out of it? It’s true that it gives us and the other breeders in the contest an opportunity to showcase our cattle but that was not the driving reason behind the idea.
When Frank and I were judging at SRJC we went to the V8 Ranch workout in Texas. It was so well done, it stuck with us. Not only were the cattle amazing, but they had a real Texas BBQ! I know there are many sayings about how great Texas is, but the food there is pretty spectacular. That being said, I can’t possibly go any further without pointing out the fact that as a California girl, brisket can’t even begin to warm up Tri-tip. Did you know that in Texas, they grind Tri-tip into hamburger and really don’t know about artichokes???? Sorry, got a bit side tracked there…Since Frank and I love good food and great cattle, the workout left an impression on us and we wanted to do something like that.
Three years ago, Frank said “We should host a workout at our house once we’ve sold all of the steers in the Fall.” Those of you who know me well know that I must have immediately said, “Yes, that sounds like a ton of fun and something we should definitely add to the already crazy fall schedule.” In truth, I was skeptical because I knew all that would go into preparing that many cattle in a way that we’d want them to look. However, Frank started brainstorming and in that process the idea of a really good meal of ribs or Tri-tip paired with helping to prepare the West Coast teams for success started to form. At that point, I was actually all-in! We regularly had teams that wanted to come workout and it seemed like fun to have everyone come at once.
We discussed the idea with Clay Carlson, Chico State’s judging coach. In true Clay fashion, he started thinking of the bigger picture…like do you really want 100 kids, potentially covered in mud, using your bathroom? Great call Clay! We kicked the idea around and Clay suggested that we host an actual contest at Chico State. He suggested we could use the pavilion, the outside pens and the classrooms for reasons. This could be an event with at least 6 halter classes of really good cattle and cool practical awards. It would be unlike any contest on the West Coast. No offense to the people in charge of the awards when I was judging, but you can really only use so many engraved silver trays when you are in college. Fun fact for all of you who braved the treacherous mountain to attend out wedding: The trays that the appetizers were served on were won at judging contests! We hate that we keep losing so many of the West Coast kids to schools in other parts of the country and thought we’d create an event to help really prepare our kids for the cattle they’d see at all of the major contests. The Cattle Contest was born.
It takes a pile of cattle to make up 12 classes, half of which are halter classes. Since its inception, we’ve depended on our friends to contribute their cattle to the contest as well. Big Jim with HAVE Angus has left his house super early and driven several hours each time to bring us the great cattle they raise. Lambert Ranches has graciously allowed us to pick from all of their good bulls every year as well. Not only is Clay Carlson keeping all of us in line, but he is bringing cattle as well. His job is like herding cats! There are so many people who give to this event including Gladman Show Cattle, Dillabo Livestock, Strickler Livestock, Morrell Ranches and Wes and Alyssa Schager.
We’ve also been strategic to bring you some of the most qualified officials you’ll find anywhere. Do you know one of my favorite qualities that all of these folks share? A passion for the success of young people. We’ve had officials like the legendary Dr John Edwards and guys who were nationally competitive in college. We’ve had the pleasure of listening to critiques from National show judges like Matt Leo, Nick Fitzsimmons and Nick Mauck. We’ve also had amazing evaluators who are out there doing it everyday have donated their time like John Dickinson, Hadley Pitts, Gwen Powers, Haydn Clement, Travis Heffner, Jordan Baumgartner, Dave Dillabo, Sarah Mendonza, Ty Kliewer and Brandon Machado. Frank and Clay look forward to listening to the debates of the official committee each year. The contestants have had the opportunity to listen to all of these great evaluators critique the classes. We’ve enjoyed learning from them as well!
At the end of the contest, the excitement of handing out buckles and awards as well as seeing the coaches reviewing the classes with those who may not have placed it right is so rewarding. Though I have to admit I didn’t feel all that great about my “learning opportunity” after busting a class when I was judging…This project is a learning for everyone involved.
