Jeff and chambero, you guys are obviously well versed and experienced in Texas steer showing. I appreciate your thoughts and your common sense answers. Cambero, I totally agree that the classifiers should have some training, see some real good Angus cattle and not be the "numbers Angus" or "carcass Angus" guys as many of them never raised a really thick muscled, big boned calf. I mean, if you are a breeder using Objective or most of the Gardiner-type carcass bulls, you will probably never have the dimension, muscling, bone, etc. of a KB Max Out or any number of real stout Angus bulls available.
You are also correct in that there is no rule broken by attempting to get your steers classed in a particular breed. We have had Maine influenced calves class Angus in the past. We have some for sale that might class Angus next year, that have Maine influence. We know about playing the game.
But probably what burns my biscuits a little is knowing a steer is pure blood, and he is booted, while knowing others are not pure and they get in. I think if we had knowledgeable classifiers this would not happen as often. Angus can be VERY good. I also beleive that at some point, we will be able to correctly identify the purebloods. Just not sure how. Perhaps a DNA test at or before validation, then a test on the top 1 or 2 in each class to determine if it is the same steer? Would this take too much time? Would it serve as a deterent?
I am all for the different breeds and classes. More participation, more winning and happy kids and families.
Telos, a black calf may not have ANY Angus blood. And color is not the main criteria for "sorting" commercial cattle. Conformation, condition healthare more important to most order buyers I know. Not saying black is not the "in" color right now, but that alone will not get you top price @ the sale barn.
Cambero, I think I could do a litttle better job than most classifiers, as I raise good cattle and I would give more lee-way than some guys do. In other words,, I would let more steers in the show, unless I was very sure in my mind the calf was not an Angus. I beleive some guys are more prone to kick calves out than others.
Now, we all know that some well-known folks lead their kid's steer through as they are well known and there is definitely some added pressure on the classifiers. I saw this @ FT. Worth. It really does not bother me, as it is part of the game to be recognized. Again. my problem is not in what gets in as much as what gets eliminated.
I know there are not easy answers, and I think we have as good if not the best steer shows found in the country.
Thanks again for your comments.