Olivia Fiebig – LRHS News
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – Many LRHS FFA members are raising steers to compete at the upcoming Manatee County Fair.
January 21 is the official weigh-in day for the competing steers. In order for a steer to be eligible to compete, it is required to have maintained a minimum weight of 300 lbs since August, and must have back fat of at least 2.5 inches.
Steers will also be judged on their showmanship skills and will be marketed directly to potential buyers. Unsold steers will be auctioned off.
LRHS Agriscience teacher Susan Grainger explained the competition gives students a chance to apply classroom skills in the real world.
“These students have 150 days to produce the best quality steer that they can produce with the skills they learn in the classroom that reflect management practices of the beef industry,” she said.