The Fremont County Cattleman’s Association is proud to champion our local youth producers through exciting cattle competitions at the Fremont County Fair! Here, the next generation of ranchers gain valuable hands-on experience while showcasing their dedication and talent.
Building the Herd, One Heifer at a Time
Inspired by Johnson County’s Supreme Heifer program, the Fremont County Cattleman’s Association created a two-phase competition in 1991. The Commercial Cow Contest was put on the first year by Bill Eckley, John Griffin, and Association President Ron Lucas.
Here’s how it works:
- Phase 1: Yearling heifers are officially tagged in February and must be bred and halter-broken by the time they reach the fair. A panel of three Fremont County Cattleman’s Association members and the official fair beef judge evaluate each heifer based on cow efficiency, visual appraisal, and production records. A completed record book is also required.
- Phase 2: The following year, these heifers return to the fair with a calf at their side, once again bred and ready for judging by the same panel.
This program emphasizes crucial skills like selecting breeding stock, managing herd health, and maintaining accurate records – all essential for building a strong foundation herd.
This program provides exhibitors a small taste of real-life herd management including the success and frustration that comes with the work. In 2023, the Fremont County Cattleman’s team tagged in 27 head in early February 2023. Those heifers came to
fair in August and three of them were not bred, which eliminated them from competing.
The Phase 2 cows that came to the fair in 2023, which started the contest in 2022 with 18 eligible and tagged heifers, four were open, and only 6 were eligible for the contest. This year in February, the Cattleman tagged in 27 Phase 1 heifers.
Fremont County Born and Raised
This program tackles the challenge of showcasing locally raised market beef. Several years ago, the Fremont County Cattleman’s Association began to see a down turn in market beef that originated in Fremont County. To encourage local beef, the association developed this contest. Steers must be weighed in at the fair, have a Fremont County brand, and come with detailed records. Awards are given for top weight gain, best record book, and overall placement.
The Born and Raised contest has exceeded all expectations that the cattleman had for the program. In 2023, there were 35 steers that had record books turned in to be in the contest.
The Legacy Continues
These programs are a testament to the Fremont County Cattleman Association’s commitment to fostering the next generation of ranchers. Many past participants have returned as judges and mentors, ensuring the program’s longevity.
A special thank you to Joe Crofts for his dedication to the Fremont County Fair, these programs, the Fremont County Cattleman’s Association and his unwavering belief in Fremont County’s future beef producers. For over 20 years, Joe has worked with future generations of beef producers by doing everything he can to set them up for success.
See the Future in Action!
Head down to the Fremont County Fair and witness the culmination of these young producers’ hard work! Cheer them on as they showcase their skills and celebrate their passion for the cattle industry. You’ll be impressed by their dedication and get a glimpse of Fremont County’s bright agricultural future.
The Youth Beef Cattle Show begins on Friday, August 2, at 8 a.m. at the Show Pavillion. The day begins with showmanship (4-H Sr., Int., Jr., & FFA) followed by Youth Breeding Beef Show, followed by the Fremont County Cattleman’s Commercial Cow Contest Phase 1 & Phase 2, followed by the Youth Market Beef Show and all other beef cattle classes.
The Fremont County Cattleman’s Association represents the interests of cattlemen within Fremont County and at the state level. The 2024 Fremont County Cattlman’s officer team includes President Clay Espinosa, Vice President Dwayne Oldham and Secretary/Treasure Angela Weber. Interested members are encouraged to reach out to any officer or member, more information can be found on the group’s facebook page here. Membership is always open and current members are kindly reminded to pay their annual dues to continue to fund these important programs in Fremont County.
Sponsored ad paid for by the Fremont County Cattleman’s Association