2011 National Junior Shorthorn Show

Attending a cow competition is a lot more fun - and eventful- than I would have ever imagined. While watching the Livestock Judging Contest, I was transported into another world, where everyone wore blue jeans and even the smallest child knew what made a cow a winner.

At 8:00 a.m., the National Junior Shorthorn Show of 2011 is in full swing. Booths selling pancakes, jewelry, posters, kids' activities and more surrounded a white fence and the main arena area. Participants of other classes and family members lined up around the inside of the white fence to get the best possible look. Heifers and their owners stood stoically, proudly showing off their cows to the audience and judges.

What might surprise you is that this isn't just a show involving heifers and steers, there are many other things to do at the national competition. Since its start date on June 27, there have been contests for art, promotional posters, photography, speech, quiz bowl and even a beef cook-off.

This national show even has its own version of a pageant, in which candidates fight for the title of being Lassie Queen.

This six-day competition draws in people from all over the country. 23 states are being represented this year -including Florida, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.

And what makes a cow a winner? Judges say the cow worth the most profit based on strength and muscles will reign supreme.

For more info: http://bit.ly/iIllH4

Posted by: Tanya Gabrish