Cancelled. Postponed. Rescheduled. Relocated. These words became part of our weekly vocabulary this spring and summer as the pandemic of COVID-19 altered the normal rhythm of our lives. What didn’t change? The hard work, perseverance and commitment that many families in barns across the country put in day after day in hopes that some shows would happen and […]
Category: Lifestyle
How to Prep to Win During a Pandemic
Getting your livestock show-ready can be challenging enough on a good year. Throw in the uncertainties of COVID-19, and the challenges and opportunities have seemed to multiply. Will the shows you targeted even happen? Will you be allowed to have help at the show? Fit or no fit? What about social distancing? Agriculture is a resilient field […]
How to Prepare Your Calves for Fall Sales
Midwest state fairs often signify the end of a show season for many young cattle exhibitors, but with every ending comes a new beginning. Soon, cattle operations will be offering this year’s calf crop through their fall sales to potential buyers who are already making plans for their next show season. It’s enjoyable to walk through runs of nicely groomed, […]
Show Up or Show Out
A feature on the competitive nature of livestock showing for the youth that participate. After spending a few weeks in the show and commercial livestock industry, my understanding of the industry has shifted drastically. The focus on enriching the youth is incredible. There’s a strong desire to foster independence, creativity and all-around capability in children starting early. I chatted with many youngsters over coloring pages and temporary tattoos at the BioZyme® Inc. booth. I […]
Ovine and Bovine and Porcine, Oh My!
A deep dive into my experience at livestock shows coming from a non-agriculture background. As a Midwesterner, agriculture is not far removed from my daily life. My dad is in the produce industry, and my family has ties to small farms in Missouri and Oklahoma. I can’t even run an errand without passing corn fields, grazing cattle or at the very least, […]
Considerations for Summer Hauling
Young livestock exhibitors spend countless hours, days and weeks getting their livestock “dialed in” for summer shows. This year, due to COVID-19, they’ve had a little extra time to work with their animals since numerous late spring shows have been cancelled. As some states begin to open up, while others remain closed, exhibitors are hauling […]