Here are my takeaways from Denver:
1. I did not care for the reserve. Plain fronted, frail boned, short bodied, not that stout. I'm not the only guy who felt this way. Numerous big time steer guys expressed that same sentiment. I recall one saying: "There are 20 other steers in the barn I'd use over him."
2. The Jones steer that stood second to Bonhams in class was a GOOD dude. Cool look, sound, stout, and very attractive from the side. Personally, I would have used him to win the whole thing with Bonham reserve. I can't argue too much with Bonham winning cuz that steer was very good as well.
3. I don't like the three judge panel system. One: it takes WAY TOO LONG. Two: It annoys the hell out of me how often the judges would get on the microphone and start by saying, "We were unanimous in our decision..." Three: The system kills some of the thrill inherent to the show ring with one judge. Four: Reasons suffer greatly when a judge is forced to talk on behalf of how the system placed the steers and not his own placing. So, let's please go back to one judge. I admire the NWSS for trying something new, but I hope they recognize it as an inferior system and adapt accordingly.
4. There wasn't that killer good perfect steer out there. There was a lot of really good steers but you were able to pick some minor holes in all of them. Then again, you have to keep it in perspective. Steers like that 2012 Fort Worth champ don't come around that often.
5. I like Denver as a breed show. Hopefully it will help boost numbers in years to come. Denver will never rival Fort Worth in numbers but I think reaching the 400-450 head count is realistic if the sale stays strong. There's no reason for it not to be bigger because, after all, it is the toughest/most prestigious show there is that isn't in Texas. Maybe allowing steers that don't make sale to go home would get more Texans to come north???
Just my two cents here. Not trying to offend anyone.
