Livestock reality show

LEHI — When Bradley Herzog head butts his friend Gomer, he's living a little bit dangerously.

Since Gomer is a 1,275-pound Maine Anjou Angus steer, Herzog is somewhat overmatched when he head butts back.

But Herzog isn't too worried.

He and Gomer are pals.

Never mind that the 16-month-old Gomer will end up being sold at auction shortly after he wins a few more ribbons at local fairs.

"I push on his forehead and he pushes back," said Herzog. "He could really hurt me if he wanted, but he won't. He's stepped on me a few times, but that's not been on purpose."

Since Herzog bought Gomer at an auction in Idaho a year ago for $1,500, he's fed, watered, bathed and trained the big steer.

He brushes his glossy black coat, makes certain he gets his 25 pounds of grain, plenty of water and a half-bale of hay daily.

He works with Gomer religiously, teaching him to stand properly, walk well and pose for the judges he'll face at numerous fairs.

"The judges want a square calf, so you want their back to bow a little, their legs to be set just right. It's mostly their body, the thickness of their shape, the meat," said Herzog.

He's hoping to fetch at least his purchase price and maybe a little more for Gomer, but he's not focused on making a profit.

"I doubt I'll break even. You never do with cattle," Herzog said. "I do this because it's fun. It's work but it's fun."

Apparently it's fun for a number of youths across Utah County.

Fair managers are expecting 25 steers, 35 pigs and 100 lambs in the Junior Livestock Show this year at the Utah County Fair.

Herzog became involved in raising livestock at the urging of his agriculture teacher at Lehi High School, Nathan Bushman.

Amber Herzog, Bradley Herzog's big sister, also showed livestock at fairs.

"Usually, they've shown a sheep, a lamb and a pig," said Wendy Herzog, their mother.