BE COUNTY FAIR - "Carcass Contest is 'once in a blue moon' event"

Extension Agent Josh Dallin congratulates Garrett Smith, the 2021 Grand Champion Carcass winner. Smith also had the Grand Champion steer at this year's county fair. Photo property of BRVNEWS.com

BOX ELDER COUNTY - By Ellen Cook, Headliner Media Specialist, December 16, 2021

Months after the 2021 Box Elder County Fair came to an end, steer exhibitors are still seeing benefits from their projects. Thursday night at the fairgrounds the top 15 carcass winners were announced.

In what County Extension Agent Josh Dallin called an “historic night,” the fair’s Grand Champion steer, shown by Garrett Smith, also earned top points in the carcass contest.

"Only once in a blue moon with that happen," Dallin said of the double championship. "This is something that has never happened in the history of the Box Elder County Fair, that we can remember, something that only happens in a perfect world when the stars align. We couldn’t be prouder. That’s a really neat accomplishment.”

Over $1,500 was set aside as prize money for the winners, with all 15 taking home a slice. Smith was awarded $250 for his top placement.

Dallin said the carcass contest process, which includes an ultrasound on all the cattle, as well as premium money for the top beef exhibitors was due to the generosity of two sponsors.

“First is Slash M Ranch, the Munns paid for the fees to get all the steers’ ultrasounds,” Dallin told the group. “They didn’t want that to go to any of the kids to have to pay for. The other person is Jan Rhodes, our Fair Board president. Jan always makes sure there is premium money available for the carcass contest.”

Dallin briefly explained the mathematics and scientific equations behind determining how the carcasses are judged, including weight, marbling, fat measuring and ribeye area, but in the end, simply said, “To make it easier to understand, the best meat and the most meat is the winner.”

Londyn Gamble earned Reserve Champion and Garrett Smith Grand Champion in the 2021 Carcass Contest. This year 96 fair steers were entered. Photo property of BRVNEWS.com

All 96 fair steers, regardless of their placement in the show ring, were entered into the contest. Here are the top 15 winners:

1-Garrett Smith – Grand Champion

2-Londyn Gamble – Reserve Champion

3-Claire Daniels

4-Brody Munns

5-Addison Hirschi

6-Wayce Hawkes

7-Hailey Larsen

8-Kylee Adams

9-Stetson Morris

10-Jaxson Egli

11-Blaikley Pugsley

12-Aspen Austin

13-Jenna Kunzler

14-Tayzin Oliver-Pugsley

15-Ridger Farrell

Ten of the top 15 Carcass Contest winners were at the fairgrounds Thursday night to pick up their winnings. Photo property of BRVNEWS.com