PROCTORVILLE – The new year is barely here but FFA and 4-H members are already starting their steer projects for this summer’s county fair.

Monday, January 08, 2001

PROCTORVILLE – The new year is barely here but FFA and 4-H members are already starting their steer projects for this summer’s county fair.

Steer project participants from around the county came to the Lawrence County Fairgrounds Saturday to weigh in steers and have them identified.

"When these animals go to market, they’re older than a pig or a lamb," said Laura Murphy, 4-H extension agent. "That’s why we start on them now. Steer kids have the hardest project."

Ms. Murphy said that the weigh-in and identification project was beneficial to the 4-H and FFA members.

At fair time, the animals have to have the right weight and finish, which means that the animal will produce the kind of meat that a consumer would want to buy.

Ms. Murphy said that she had a program that will determine the weight and finish for an animal based on their weight and hip height now. So, they get a tip in advance about what their goal is, she said.

"Like any other business, the customer is always right," she added. "So, we want to teach the kids to produce something a customer would want to buy."

The steers are also tagged with an ear identification tag. This insures that the steer weighed now will be the same animal that is shown in July.

Martha Lambert of Kitts Hill said that the early weigh-in helps her in caring for her steer.

"Last year, I placed sixth and my brother was the reserve champion," Lambert said. "It was fun because we work together on our steers."

"I did well last year but it was my first year," said Hannah Mootz of Pedro. "This year, I hope to do better."