Go to a show where a real-world person is judging? For decades the breeders west of the Mississippi (even Iowa) have wanted some brisket on their cattle since a little brisket is necessary for hardiness. One well-known breeder even joked that those without a brisket get sick even if a cloud passed over them. I grew up around the show ring and still find there is usefulness and learning there, but often the big ribbon winners are not the best ones in the pasture. Think "cowy" in judging terms, if you intend to keep your heifer long term.
Not many of the great breeding cattle have a chiseled out look? We have 2 full sisters (both were showed and won some ribbons at local 4-H fair), one of which looks good enough to flush, but is more similar the rest of our herd. The 2nd sister is feminine, but is just a touch cleaner and has perfect lines. Guess which one is the "Performance Dam" for several years running. Guess which one had milk fever (I think, and the vet gave her treatment for both, and she responded) or grass tetany this fall, even though we had fed the high magnesium mineral since spring.
A judge really gets my attention when they talk about what works for them on the ranch or farm. Fancy terms without the experience to back them up, do not impress me. No, I am not opposed to university judges, but want them to be practical.
Yes, Bigfoot has some brisket, but brisket is very high priced, isn't it? We have owned 2 bulls with basically no brisket. Both worked out, but benefitted from
