2010 Kansas State Fair introduces 'Super Cow/Calf Pair' Show

Here's your chance commercial beef producers -- see if you have the "Super Cow/Calf Pair" of Kansas! The Kansas State Fair has re- introduced this cow/calf show for the 2010 Fair and invites you to participate on Monday, Sept. 13.

This event is open to commercial Kansas pairs in pasture condition (no fitting, no halter). The entry must consist of one cow and her natural steer or heifer calf. No bull or embryo transfer calves will be allowed.

Cows and calves will be judged on type, structure, muscling, natural fleshing, soundness of udder, eyes, feet and legs. After weighing on the fairgrounds, cow weight and adjusted 205-day weight will be given to evaluators. Age of cow and calf date of birth must be provided.

Each cow and calf will be ranked independently by two judges, using the total score of both judges to rank the pairs in each division.

Four breed divisions will be divided into steer and heifer classes. The breed divisions are Straight Bred English, Straight Bred Continental, Crossbred, and Brahma Cross. If entries are sufficient, classes will then be divided by age of dam.

Eighty percent of the $25 entry fee per pair will be paid back to each class and awards will be given to the top five overall pairs. Grand Champion will receive $600 and five straws of ABS semen, Reserve $400 and five straws, 3rd will receive $250, 4th $150, and 5th place$100.

Entries must be on the Fairgrounds by 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13, with the show starting at 2 p.m. Exhibits will also leave on the 13th. Admission tickets are only $1 on the 13th, or free if you have a Dillons card.

Sponsors of the event are ABS, Central City Scale, Reno County Farm Bureau, Sweet Pro Feeds, and Valley Vet LLC.

For more information, contact Norman Roth, Reno County producer, at (620) 664-4387.

Entries must be postmarked by Monday, Aug. 16, so don't wait! Entries can be made online at www.kansasstatefair.com or call the Extension office.

The Kansas State Fair begins the first Friday after Labor Day and runs through the following Sunday. The dates this year are Sept. 10-19.

Bourbon County will be represented by our 4-H members exhibiting beef, sheep and hogs the first weekend, while horses, rabbits, and dogs show the second weekend along with the Style Review. Horticulture, photography, cooking, woodworking, crafts and sewing can be viewed the entire fair.

Go have a "Wild Ride" at the 2010 Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson!

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.