Bigger is better: USU steer show moves to new location

The 25th annual Aggie Classic and True Blue Jackpot, organized by the Utah State Animal Science Club, is moving from Logan to the Box Elder County fairgrounds in Tremonton. The steer show, which usually takes place at the school’s South Farm, is changing locations because there is no longer enough room.

“There are several research projects taking place at South Farm, which have taken up a lot of space,” said Lauren Sutton, the club treasurer. “We just don’t have the room to house all of the extra steers coming in.”

Both Sutton and Jessie McClellan, the club secretary, agreed the main reason for moving was because of the increase in competitors.

“The show has grown so much and we just need more space,” McClellan said. “The fairgrounds have an arena double the size of the pavilion at South Farm, which will be nice.”

McClellan also said the fairgrounds are “geared more towards the show scene rather than research projects.”

Reganne Lloyd, a participant in the jackpot, agreed.

“The facilities at the fairground are just set up for a more show-type environment,” Lloyd said. “There is much more room to get your steer ready and set up all of your equipment.”

Lauren Casdorph, who has been showing at the jackpot since she was a child, said while she approves of the change, she will miss being at South Farm.

“It has always been fun to have it at South Farm because it’s a home base for everyone,” Casdorph said. “The same people come back every year and it’s just like a reunion. It might be a little weird to have it at a different location.”

Mandy Long, a board member for the Rocky Mountain Jackpot Show Series, said the change in location won’t have an effect on the number of people who participate.

“The Aggie Classic and True Blue Jackpot is one of the biggest steer and heifer jackpots in the Rocky Mountain region,” Long said. “The show is so well-known – and has such a good reputation – people will go no matter where the show is located.”