by Tim Hammerich, AgGrad When I was a nine year old 4-H member my dad convinced me that I needed to learn how to judge livestock. He seemed convinced it was my only chance of playing a college “sport”. Turns out he was right, but what I got out of livestock judging was so much more than that. […]
Category: Featured
Dealing with Bloat in Show Cattle
Bloat in show cattle is one of the worst things to deal with. When cattle bloat it causes reductions in feed intake, slowed weight gain and in the worst-case situation, even death. When you are dealing with a chronic bloater, be sure to consult your veterinarian, the breeder that you bought your animal from and/or […]
How to Clip the Head, Ears and Underline of Your Show Pig
Proper nutrition, hair and skin care and exercise are important to getting your show pig prospect ready for the next show. But don’t forget about clipping your pig. Clipping your pig can change the pig’s appearance and accentuate its muscularity, leanness and balance. Once you clip the body of your show pig next you need […]
Livestock Nutrition 101: Sheep
Q&A with Nick Warntjes, Associated Feed and Supply 1. What makes up a ‘balanced’ feed ration? A balanced feed ration supplies the proper amounts and proportions of nutrients needed for a specific purpose or stage of an animal’s life. While a show lamb diet might have different specs than a lactating ewe ration, all diets […]
How the VFD Affects Livestock Exhibitors
VFD. Have you heard this term yet? VFD stands for the Veterinary Feed Directive and it is going to have a big impact on how you feed your show animals in 2017. Beginning January 1, 2017 the use of medically important antibiotics in feed or water will fall under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. In […]
10 Ideas for Using Your Livestock in Senior Photos
Fall means not only is show season firing up again, but you’ve entered your last year of high school. Your livestock have played an important part in shaping who you are. Be sure to snap a few pictures with them to celebrate senior year and the #stockshowlife. 1. Market shows over? Is the barn close […]