The gated area outside the Trade Center at the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo was hopping Wednesday with FFA and 4-H competitors rinsing, brushing and trimming all the steers.

The decorated stalls inside were mostly empty as steers outside were getting a final blowout and blast of shine spray before showtime in the beef cattle division.

On one side of the grassy area, FFA competitor Nicholas Taylor was taking two metal fluffing combs and drawing them together near the base of the tail of his black Angus, Otis. Meeting in the middle, he raised up the combs, leaving a defined razor-edge line of hair.

“It helps the steer look more filled out and ready for the show,” Taylor said, who was competing in senior novice showmanship.

Taylor then patted the switch, which has been molded into a s

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