09/03/2026
In honor of Fair Week, we will be posting fun facts about each animal you will see at the fair. Today our highlight is:
🐄 Beef 🐄
5️⃣0️⃣➕ There are more than 50 breeds of beef cattle, with Angus being one of the most common breeds used in beef production in the United States.
🥗 Cows have what are commonly called “four stomachs.” Scientifically, they have one stomach divided into four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. Cattle are ruminants, meaning their digestive system is specially adapted to digest roughage such as grass and hay.
⚖️ Beef cattle can get VERY large. A market-ready steer may weigh around 1,200–1,400 pounds, while mature bulls can weigh 2,000 pounds or more—and some large bulls can approach 2,800 pounds!
Because our social media manager is a small animal judge (and makes our posts), here is a safety warning: ASK before touching cattle.
Cattle are large, powerful animals and can react quickly if they are frightened or stressed. If you want to pet a cow, this is what we suggest:
1️⃣ Ask an exhibitor if you can pet their cow. Exhibitors spend an entire year prepping their cattle for fair season; they would love to tell you all about their animal and show it off!
2️⃣ Always ASK before petting a cow, even if it is not in a stall. An exhibitor might have their animal removed from a stall in preparation for a show, to check for an injury, or to calm their animal if it is overstressed.
Special note: If an exhibitor is prepping their cattle for a show or in the middle of judging, DON'T try to pet their cattle.
Look out for more animal fun facts throughout the week and make sure to stop and say hi to Keith!
