Iowa cattle farmer feels optimistic about the industry

by | Aug 18, 2016 | 5 Ag Stories, News

by Ben Nuelle World of Agriculture 8-19-16

From the butter cow to the world super bull As a Missouri native, I?m beginning to accept the fact that nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair.

Next we meet the farmer showcasing a 3,000 pound bull.

The World Super Bull Contest at the Iowa State Fair was started by the Iowa Cattlemen?s Association in 1983.

Mark Putney is the son of the owner. He says this year?s winner weighs a whopping 2,972 pounds.

?A lot of it?s just genetics. Last year he was weighing about 26 and half and we were feeding him just like any other animal on the farm. Dad said ?I?m going to put Desperado in the super bull because I think if I give him a little more corn he?d be right up there.??

Putney has a cow calf operation and says the cattle industry is under a lot of turmoil because of the markets.

?We?re all optimistic about the future but we need to open the door in other markets. As Iowa Cattlemen, we support the Trans Pacific Partnership to open up more global trade in that Pacific rim area and especially China, Malaysia, and India.?

The World Super Bull is located in the cattle barn on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.