Fort Worth Stock Show breed determination[do they still classify?]

I have been following on Lautners and Sullivans[ The Pulse] websites of the pictures and winners and from the steer show and they are all similar in type and all sired by leading club calf sires and color seems to be the main factor in breed determination.They actually look too good for the things that are breed characteristics.Kinda like certified Angus Beef.It seems I have read where they have classifiers and the steers are sifted and even if they are purebreds some don't make it.I am sure one of our Texas posters will know what determines a breed steer .Thanks!

If you are showing in one of the breed classes, you have to go through the sift. They call for your breed and you have to take the steer to be checked. There are 3 or 4 people looking at the steers for breed specific traits. If you do not classify you are totally out of the show. They will not tell you why you did not classify.

Yep. It's all based on visual classification. Papers don't mean anything. The shorthorn class at ft worth this year looked like a contest for MAB sons.

Any idea on how many calves dont end up classifying?

Not sure. I heard 30 or so Angus. I think that's the toughest breed to get into. Not sure on the others though.

I have really never understood how the classification deal works.  The Shorthorn and Angus absolutely did not seem to appear to have the typical breed characteristics that I would call typical.

The real kicker is to then turn around immediately after the show and post pictures that say sired by BIM, Monopoly, and MAB!  Nothing like kicking the classification committee right square in the mouth!  If you are going to lie, at least stick to your story!

My question is, can't they blood test the breed champions after the show?  Maybe there is no blood test that will prove breed?

Too much junk in the angus breed,  lot of bulls "type" but pedigree is not so very clean.

Being a classifier would be a tough one.When I was an IJBBA adviser and helped with Iowa Winter Beef Expo over 20+years ago the subject of classifying was discussed and decided to let the state breed associations handle it.It is amazing after 15+ years the effect Heatwave has made in the show ring.The look,size,thickness and hair were evident even in the eared breeds at FortWorth.The pictures looked too good but that is part of show in show steers.

The classifiers know the cattle aren't purebreds and could care less what they are.  They are tasked with allowing in cattle that fit a predetermined pattern more like a dog show. You fit your in you don't fit your out. That's it.