Stacy Potts, Dade City

There is a lot of hard work involved in preparing steers for the Pasco County Fair. The steer I am raising is a Black Angus cross whose name is Corndog. Every day I stay after school to work with him. I do different thing with him everyday so that he doesn’t get tired of working on the same old thing. Some days I work him in his show halter, some I practice setting up his feet. Because Corndog is a good steer that enjoys working, I also give him play days. What I mean by play is Corndog gets turned out into a pasture with his other companions, and they play soccer together.


Corndog is the Sr. chapter steer for the Dade City FFA, so he is kept at Pasco High School. Some of the other students who keep their steers at school participate in playing soccer.


It all started on one of the days I worked Corndog. Myself and two other friends were walking our steers in the pasture to exercise them when we came across a big rubber ball. Attempting to “desensitize” our steers from foreign objects, we began kicking the ball back and forth in between our steers. This was when the steers decided to chase and head-butt the ball.


Ever since then, playing soccer has become a favorite pasttime at the barn. Not only does it provide entertainment for us and our steers, but it also makes the steers exercise on thier own.


Corndog and his friends will be at the fair for three days. On Tuesday, February 19th, my friends and I will be showing our steers in the youth Showmanship compitition. On Wednesday, February 20th, the beef steer show will be held. The show judges the steers on thier quality and finish. The last day is on Thursday, February 21st, when the sale will take place. Sadly, the soccer-playing Corndog will be sold, but the proceedes will go to the Dade City FFA, so it is for a good cause.

Feel free to come to the fair and meet Corndog. I will be able to answer any questions you may have about this talented steer. I cannot wait until fair and I hope to see you there!