“Showing livestock is more than a hobby. It’s a way of life.” This wooden sign with turquoise lettering hangs on the bedroom of one young exhibitor among her favorite banners, plaques, ribbons and a photograph of her prize goat, Poptart. For 9-year-old Lily, there is nothing better than showing her pigs and goats, participating in […]
Category: Lifestyle
A Guide to Heat Stress in Pigs
There’s nothing as “happy as a pig in mud.” Do you know why those pigs in the mud are so happy? It’s because they are cooling down! However, it’s fairly unlikely that you will find too many show pigs in mud. And that can be a serious issue. Heat stress is a big deal. In […]
Prevent Cold Stress in Cattle
Most would agree that show calves live a fairly lavish life. They get a balanced meal twice a day, daily skin and hair treatments, exercise and are tied in under fans or in a cooler room most of the time. However, as the temperatures drop and show schedules change, so does some of the daily […]
Sure Champ’s Guide to Show Calves
Show Calves Fall in the Midwest—it’s more than turning leaves and football. For those looking for their next set of show calves, it’s shopping at its finest. From Labor Day forward, there are pasture sales, online sales and private treaty sales daily. If you can’t find a show calf that meets your criteria, you probably […]
Showing Goats is a Fun, Competitive Youth Project
Heart pounding. Adrenaline rushing. The uncertainty of what a new judge will look for when you lead your show goat into the ring. You go through the motions; set the feet and your wether braces perfectly. The judge is placing the class from the bottom. You are still on the hunt. You made the top […]
Livestock Feed Rations are Integral to Making Champions at Home
Livestock Feed Rations Ask anyone who shows livestock what the hardest part is to get one ready, and the answers will likely vary. Some might say breaking an animal to lead or drive. Others might say working hair and skin. Yet other livestock exhibitors will tell you that having one dialed in on show day […]