There’s nothing quite like show day – it doesn’t matter if it is your very first time at the county fair or your 10th jackpot of the season. The hum of blowers, the anticipation of entering the show ring, and the quiet focus before stepping into the ring all lead to excitement mixed with nervous energy. Success doesn’t happen in the show ring. It is recognized there; […]
Category: Tips
How to Prevent Show Livestock from Going Off Feed
Off Feed Many people change their eating habits with the seasons. A steaming bowl of soup is satisfying on a cold winter day, but that doesn’t sound appetizing when the heat index reaches 90 degrees or hotter. Your show livestock are no different, but whereas we just change what we eat, they go off feed. […]
Managing Show Livestock Weight: Hitting Your Project’s Target Weight
Livestock Weight Every market show animal has an endpoint. That is true, no matter where you live, the time of year your county or state fair is, or what show you are ultimately feeding for. If you have an animal on feed for an early August fair, that’s your endpoint. Perhaps you are feeding a […]
Sure Champ’s Guide: Grooming Cattle for Show
A cattle show is much like your senior prom. You’ve waited months for the “big dance.” You’ve got the perfect date, and that date isn’t going to disappoint. In this case, your date is the calf you’ve had in the barn for months and getting it ready for show is not something to take lightly. […]
Setting Goals, Working Hard Are Integral Parts of Livestock Showing
For many, livestock showing is a way of life. For others, it is a hobby. For some, showing livestock is like a sport—a competition that they can’t get out of their blood. No matter why you decide to make livestock showing a part of your lifestyle, there is one thing you should consider. You will […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Showing Livestock
“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 […]