Sorry, chiming in a bit late:
DNA Tests are very simple. And when you are testing one or two animals, it goes rather quickly. There are a number of labs. When I had an heifer I wanted tested for TH, PHA, etc. and for DNA for future parent verification in the case of E.T. it was done in a couple of weeks. If I were to turn in samples for 30 replacement heifers, the time frame for completion might have been different. So, if they which to check it can be done quite easily.
Another thing, when an animal (of any meat species) wins and qualifies for the sale at the State Fair of Texas, it is branded with a STF brand almost immediately. If winning steers from other shows were branded immediately with a unique brand (hot or freeze) it would be pretty clear of where the animal was shown and when.
I hate that this there is a question. It's not good for those who have spent the money and worked hard to get there. As someone said earlier, with social media and our quick judgements about what we read, hear and say can affect things in a negative way as well. We're all innocent until proven guilty. One could easily start something, make accusations and hurt someone and their reputation without proof. No one remembers someone being cleared or found to be within the regulations. They only remember the negative. We like to see others fall.
We keep breeding them, buying and selling them, feeding them, trying to get them to peak at the right time, working hard with their hair, their handling, hoping for that slap. Unfortunately, we are not all playing on a level playing field. This, you'll never change. A winner is one who does the best job they can with what they've got, can be proud of what they've done and maybe learned a little something along the way. And some purple and green would be nice.
