He has yet to hit his prime, but SSF Corks, 5J White Squall is already racking up awards and generating buzz in the cattle industry.
The 1,700-pound bull, owned by a Harford County farmer, seems to have a shot at a national title starting today at a contest in Kentucky. Local experts say the bovine with the snow white coat can compete against the country's best.
"He walked into the barn, and I was totally amazed," said Andy Cashman, assistant manager of the Maryland State Fair. "If you are into judging, he is one for the records with all the right points. He is definitely the Mercedes-Benz of cattle."
Bred by Corks Cattle Co. in Missouri and born in March 2007, the Charolais bull has made his home for nearly a year at Shadow Springs Farm in Havre de Grace. At the state fair, he brought Harford County its first livestock state champion.
And at the Keystone International Livestock Show last month in Harrisburg, Pa., Squall, as his owners call him, took supreme champion of the show.
Some say he might boost Maryland's reputation in the national livestock market.
"Right out of the box, we know this bull will be truly competitive and a real boon for the Maryland livestock industry," said Scott Barao, chief executive officer of the Maryland Cattlemen's Association.
Owners Bob and Judy Tibbs shipped their prize bull to Louisville last week. There, he will test his mettle at the North American Livestock Show.
"That's where the gloves come off," Barao said. "At that elite level, you are talking about small differences between the best bulls."
Bob Tibbs said that he received calls from show-goers wanting to buy an interest in Squall before the bull even entered the ring in Louisville. A win there qualifies Squall for a trip to Fort Worth, Texas, in January for what Tibbs calls the Miss America of livestock shows.
"Maryland is not looked at as a major player when it comes to livestock," said Martin Hamilton, executive director of the state Fair Board.
"But something wonderful might happen with this bull. He is well-structured and may have high success even out West."
Judges look at size, shape and structural correctness, particularly of legs, feet and muscle, as well as how well the bull represents its breed, Barao said.
"This is a very well-balanced bull with remarkable breed characteristics," he said.
