The gated area outside the Trade Center at the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo was hopping Wednesday with FFA and 4-H competitors rinsing, brushing and trimming all the steers. 

The decorated stalls inside were mostly empty as steers outside were getting a final blowout and blast of shine spray before showtime in the beef cattle division. 

On one side of the grassy area, FFA competitor Nicholas Taylor was taking two metal fluffing combs and drawing them together near the base of the tail of his black Angus, Otis. Meeting in the middle, he raised up the combs, leaving a defined razor-edge line of hair.  

“It helps the steer look more filled out and ready for the show,” Taylor said, who was competing in senior novice showmanship.  

Taylor then patted the switch, which has been molded into a stiff teardrop style using a tail adhesive. And reminiscent of a surgeon in an operating room, he’d ask for a different tool as he continued to work, reaching out as friends and family handed him the requested items pulled from a showbox filled with supplies.  

"I’m looking forward to just, honestly, having fun in the ring with this guy. I’m just excited overall for how he might perform in showmanship, along with his market classes,' Taylor said. “He's just like a big puppy dog."  

His mother, Mandy, said the livestock projects teach the youths patience, empathy and camaraderie among their peers.  

By 10 a.m., it’s showtime for the first class in senior showmanship. The competitors lined up with their steers as a melodic rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” played over the loudspeaker, accompanied by the robust baritone moos of cows in pens stationed by the bleachers.  

This is the moment the FFA and 4-H members have waited for to show off the months of hard work raising and working with their steers.   

With the warm temperatures, many of the steers in all four classes are temperamental. However, judge Karly Hanson was sure to let the young competitors know they were doing a great job of handling the steers and calves.  

As the four classes made it through the showring, Hanson stopped to ask each competitor questions about their project and the cattle industry.   

With the final callbacks in the ring,  Hanson took time to carefully observe the competitors as they handled their steer around the ring. Competitors would tap hooves to get steers into a proper stance, scratch the brisket with show sticks and make small loops when needed to help calm the large bovines — all while trying not to break eye contact with the judge.  

Walking up to the announcer’s booth, Hanson returned to face the final competitors, holding a box containing the grand champion belt buckle. Holding up a microphone, she commented on the artistry of the group’s showmanship and the intensity they showed in the ring. 

She then announced Ione Plummer as grand champion. Plummer’s face lit up and she smiled broadly as the judge handed her the award. The audience applauded. 

“You want to talk about a young lady that is extremely knowledgeable in this cattle industry. This young lady right here,” Hanson said, elaborating on Plummer’s responses to her questions.  

Hanson also said Plummer did a fantastic job showing her red Angus, Reggie.  

“And more than that, she’s very professional. Very slow and very poised,” Hanson said.  

Next, the judge announced Taylor Ekern’s name as the grand reserve champion. The intense gaze Ekern had been holding during the competition broke into a smile.   

“She walked with purpose in this ring. Very confident. Really nice job displaying her steer at all times," Hanson said. “Maybe [she] wasn’t as knowledgeable on some of the questions in comparison to some of  the other kids here, but her intensity and her just level of really making sure I am where I am and being mindful of where I am at all times in the ring, I really appreciate.”  

It’s a momentous win for both. For Plummer, it was her first grand champion win in beef cattle showmanship. For Ekern, it was her first time showing livestock of any kind.  

As Plummer guided her steer out of the ring, she was met with hugs and congratulations. She has shown cattle for roughly seven years. Plummer thought it was the questions the judge asked to assess her knowledge that gave her the competitive edge.  

“I’ve always done a pretty good job showing. I think what really helped me a lot was this judge asked a lot of questions, and that gave me a chance to really show what I know about my project. And it’s just kind of the years of knowledge that just helped me," Plummer said.  

“I’m just super excited about it," Plummer said. “I’m just so excited."  

Ekern said she’s worked with horses through rodeo and riding, but steer is a “whole different game.”   

“I’d say they’re definitely more difficult than horse just because, you know, the heat makes them a lot more stubborn. Especially on a day like today, he’s not happy," Ekern said, but noted that’s where the training and handling skills come in.   

To win grand reserve her first year was a great experience.  

“It’s incredible, you know, just because I’ve put hundreds, if not thousands, of hours into this project since I got him on September 21 last year. I’m just thankful for this opportunity,” Ekern said.  

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].