Montana
Handlers put best steer forward in high-stakes competition at Northwest Montana Fair
The grassy lawn outside the Flathead Fairgrounds’ Trade Center occasionally turns into a steer spa.
Competitors gathered Wednesday morning hours before they were set to walk their calf before a judge to wash, blow-dry and apply adhesive to the animal’s hair, making them look their best. It’s called fitting the calf, Brady Boll said.
The process of raising and showing an animal is integral to the Northwest West Montana Fair, where hundreds of young people — often through 4-H or FFA — gather after months of hard work in hopes of winning a blue ribbon.
“It’s not just a big part of the fair though,” said 18-year-old Boll. “It’s a big part of my life.”
Boll, a graduate of Flathead High School, has been showing steers for the past eight years. This year, her steer, Stetson — with a filled-out belly and a black coat — won grand champion.
Showing an animal at the fair teaches a kid, early on, how to take constructive criticism and apply it to their lives, she said. Boll looks forward to taking those lessons and applying them to her work at a private trade school in the future.
“Any kid that goes through 4-H or FFA makes the world a better place,” she said.
Boll stood outside of the Trade Center early Wednesday morning, washing Stetson and preparing to show him in front of Sierra Meyers, the judge of the beef show, who is also judging other events this year.
There are two main aspects for judges to look for when it comes to steers, Meyers said. The first of those is showmanship, or a judgement based on the individual showing the animal themselves. Things like maintaining eye contact and intentionally setting the animal up well are good things.
The second is how marketable the steer is. Muscle equates to meat, Meyers said, so the more muscle the better.
One of the coolest aspects of the fair’s showmanship events is the advocation for agriculture, according to Kaitlyn Bennett, the beef and dairy superintendent of the fair. It is sentimental knowing that the kids today are the upcoming generation of agriculture, she said.
Ryder Clouse, a 15-year-old student at Flathead High School, was also preparing his steer outside of the Trade Center. This year is Clouse’s third year showing steers; he previously would bring pigs to show at the fair. Every year, however, he was drawn to bovines, and now gets opportunities to raise them.
“It’s been an adventure,” Clouse said.
Genetics also play a big role in the success of showing, said Carly Tranel with her steer Alan.
“My favorite thing about him is his conformation and his genetics,” Tranel, 17, said on Wednesday. Conformation is the desirable muscular and skeletal structure of an animal.
Tranel, who is part of Glacier Stars 4-H, started showing animals when she was 8 years old and has shown steers for six years, the inspiration coming from her family and their own history of raising animals on their land.
Last year, Tranel won the grand champion steer title.
While it is a lot of hard work, Tranel said, the competition aspect is a lot of fun. She hopes to bring a calf that she breeds herself to the fair next year.
“It’s great to watch them have success,” said Jannell Plummer of Glacier Stars 4-H. Born and raised in the valley, Plummer has three children of her own — all three are showing a steer this year.
Six classes entered the show ring. Competitors walked their calves around, making sure their chins were pointed up, adjusting their feet to stand square. The event is a series of walking, stopping and setting up.
Come Saturday, buyers come in and bid on the animals while the competitors bid them farewell. In 2023, the Flathead Livestock Market Sale Auction surpassed $1.2 million in sales.
“Stress is high, the animal is big, but sometimes, the payoff is amazing,” said Plummer.
Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.
Casey Kreider
Ione Plummer shows her steer during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Madison Brist shows her steer during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Beau Siderius speaks with judge Sierra Myers during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Jayla Wise speaks with judge Sierra Myers during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Brady Boll shows her steer during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Boll won grand champion in her division. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Rylee Glimm shows her steer during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Grace Holtmeyer shows her steer during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Brady Boll shows her steer during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Boll won grand champion in her division. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Carly Tranel shows her steer during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Madison Brist shows her steer during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Samuel Plummer shows his steer during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Alexis Johnson shows her steer during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Samuel Plummer shows his steer during senior beef cattle showmanship at the Northwest Montana Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 26, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 26 drawing
05-13-30-33-52, Mega Ball: 06
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from June 26 drawing
07-08-20-22, Bonus: 12
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Montana
EXCLUSIVE: 2 ‘Exceptionally Rare’ Ski-In, Ski-Out Montana Mansions Head to Auction in Big Sky—and Could Sell for a Serious Steal
A pair of stunning Montana ski homes are going under the hammer in the exclusive resort of Big Sky—where they could sell for well below their market value, having been offered up with no reserve.
Currently listed for a combined total of $13 million, the “exceptionally rare” dwellings are both located within the exclusive Spanish Peaks Mountain Club community—and come complete with full access to all of the incredible amenities that the private club has to offer, including “a Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole Championship Golf Course, a 10-hole Par 3 course, preferred access to Montage Big Sky, and a private clubhouse featuring dining, a bar, fitness center, pro shop, pool, and hot tub.”
Now, the properties will be sold off to the highest bidder when they are auctioned off with Trayor Lesnock, founder and president of Platinum Luxury Auctions, in cooperation with listing agents Greg Smith and Amelia Turbyfill of Engel & Völkers.
The larger of the two residences, which are both currently owned by Mark and Jennifer Kozubal, was placed on the market for $7.25 million in 2025, having been completed in 2023. It was more recently listed for the reduced price of $6.68 million.
Spanning more than 4,200 square feet, it features five bedrooms and five bathrooms, as well as a beautiful chef’s kitchen, ideal for hosting large groups. There are also “multiple living areas designed for entertaining and hosting family and friends,” according to the listing.
Combining classic Alpine style with “sleek, modern finishes,” the property offers both comfort and elegance, as well as incredible privacy, thanks to its plum location at the end of a quiet street.
Boasting incredible proximity to both the club’s golf courses and the Big Sky slopes, the property features an array of amenities designed to create a relaxing sanctuary where owners and their guests can retreat after a busy day of sporting activity.
“After a day on the ski slopes or a round of golf, relax in your private hot tub, cozy up by the fireplace, or cook a meal in the chef-inspired kitchen,” the description states.
The second property offers just under 3,000 square feet of living space, including four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms—as well as “direct ski-in, ski-out access with groomed connectivity to Big Sky Resort terrain,” according to its listing.
Much like the other residence, the second dwelling—which was brought to the market in January with an asking price of $6.25 million—has been designed specifically for those with a passion for outdoor living, providing the ideal setting in which to unwind after a long day of skiing or golfing.
“The residence includes open-concept living spaces designed for gathering after skiing, hiking, or riding, complemented by warm mountain finishes throughout,” the listing notes.
For those seeking to enjoy year-round life on the mountain, the property has been outfitted with a number of unique features that ensure a comfortable, luxurious experience no matter the weather, including “whole-home humidification and water purification systems.”
Beyond the impressive infrastructure, other alluring amenities include a “full-home audio and visual system,” as well as a dedicated eight-locker ski boot room that opens directly onto the nearest ski trail.
“Outdoor amenities include beautiful landscaping and a stone fireplace seating area positioned along the ski trail, with expansive views to the surrounding mountains,” the listing description continues.
However, perhaps the most tempting aspect of both properties is the fact that they could be sold for well below market value—presenting a truly rare opportunity for buyers to secure property in an area where luxury home sales are booming and price tags are regularly set in the seven-figure range.
“Opportunities like these are exceptionally rare in Big Sky,” seller Mark Kozubal explains. “These two Spanish Peaks Highlands homes offer true ski-in/ski-out access to a lightly used lift that connects directly into Big Sky Resort, creating an almost private ski experience with little to no wait.
“Combined with the privacy, beauty, and prestige of Spanish Peaks, these properties stand apart as truly unique mountain residences.”
Both properties are conveniently located within one of the most exclusive enclaves in Big Sky, offering proximity to both the area’s stunning ski resorts and the Yellowstone Club, which has long been one of the most star-studded neighborhoods in the area.
Among those celebrities who are rumored to have purchased properties at the Yellowstone club are NFL star Tom Brady, musician Justin Timberlake and his actress wife Jessica Biel, and Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates.
“Spanish Peaks is one of the premier private residential clubs in the West,” the club’s website notes. “Here, you can experience world-class skiing and golf, fine food and drink, spectacular natural beauty and so much more. This is mountain living at its best.”
Auctioneer Lesnock emphasizes that the opportunity to secure homes in such a luxury-leaning market for what could be a truly bargain price is not something that happens very often.
“Single-family homes within Spanish Peaks have solidly maintained an entry point of at least $5 million, so the ability for buyers to ‘name their price’ in these without reserve auctions represents a substantial purchase opportunity compared to this status quo,” he explains.
“In addition to the high caliber of each property, the community’s world-class golf, ski and wellness amenities are integral parts of the overall formula that continues to attract affluent, second-home buyers to Spanish Peaks from around the world.”
As for why the owners have chosen to pursue an auction, rather than waiting for the homes to sell in a more traditional manner, Lesnock says this process will help them to secure a sale in a timely manner, without having to hang around for months on end in the hopes that a buyer will come forward.
“Under the luxury auction process, we’re giving buyers not only that economic purchase opportunity, but also the guarantee of a seamless, non-contingent sale, free of the haggling and aggravations that can plague traditional, luxury property transactions,” he shares.
“The sellers also benefit in accord, knowing they have a date-certain sale and a clear path to their ‘Next Step.’”
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