We try to be good parents by setting boundaries for our kids. We want to raise decent humans who are kind, make good choices and respect others. But let’s be real. During fair week, that all goes out the window.

“Is this a buffalo?” asked a young 20-ish fairgoer as he stood before the Grand Champion Market Steer in the Hall of Champions at the Illinois State Fair. He looked at me – dead serious – awaiting my response.

Dr. Brad White is building a multi-disciplinary team to research the issue. The team will sample over 2,400 cattle in Kansas and Texas as part of their work.

Through this project the researchers were able to quantify the degree to which breeds and sires differed across geographical locations and management practices.

A look beyond last week’s headline news surrounding the sell-off in both Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle futures.

Whenever animals comingle, the chances of pathogen transfer occurs, so exhibitors need to be diligent about biosecurity practices at shows and upon returning home.