Johnson Wins Market Beef Honors

County Fair

Being the grand champion for market steer isn’t anything new for Froid FFA member Lilly Johnson. After winning the honor in 2023, Johnson came away with the title again at last week’s Roosevelt County Fair.

There were differences, however, between the two champion steers.

“I probably like my steer for 2023 a little better,” Johnson, who is entering her senior year in high school, said. “But obviously, it was good enough.”

The steers also featured unique personalities, Johnson explained.

“This one is kind of a turd,” she said. “He’s pretty opinionated and stubborn.”

The winning steer, Louey, was born during March 2024. The black angus had a starting weight of 755 pounds and an ending weight of 1,452 pounds. Total gain was 697 pounds for a daily gain of 3.3 pounds. Louey’s pen mates were Huey and Dewey.

Johnson feels reasons for the grand champion award was his overall composition including good balance on the sides. “He stood out from the rest,” she said.

Johnson was grateful with the achievement. “Especially in market, they were some pretty steers this year,” she added. “Today, he behaved, which was good.”

This is Johnson’s fifth year involved in FFA. An indoor project for her was a flower arrangement.

“I do like the flowers. It goes well with my FFA event too,” Johnson said. “It helps me to learn.”