“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 skillathons, spending time with her friends and making memories with her stock show family. She is not alone. For many stock show families, their nights and weekends consist of barn time, vacations spent at junior nationals or state fairs and many meals shared out of a crockpot or next to a trailer. It is a way of life, and it’s one most families wouldn’t trade.
At Sure Champ®, we create products that support the health and well-being of show livestock. We want to help you prep to win, both in the show ring and in life. That is why we created this introduction to showing livestock.
Lily is fortunate to have parents who grew up showing different livestock species–even her godparents are at livestock shows nearly every weekend. However, we know that not every family has those same opportunities. Even when you do, you might branch out to a new species or state. Trying new things can be scary, but at Sure Champ, we want your experiences with showing livestock to be positive, fun and rewarding.
So, while we won’t cover all the nitty-gritty of showing livestock, we’re going to offer you a guide to showing livestock to give you even more to think about. And we invite you to check out our Getting Started sited for more educational information.
Benefits of Showing Livestock
The benefits of showing livestock are endless. From teaching young livestock enthusiasts the art of setting goals and writing thank you notes to spending time together, developing relationships and learning new skills, there truly is no better way to raise a family.
Additional skills that you might not even think about that come from showing livestock include:
- How to firmly shake a hand
- Financial management & balancing a checkbook
- Practical livestock selection & care
At BioZyme®, makers of VitaFerm® & Sure Champ, our team members are alumni of youth livestock programs like 4-H and FFA, as well as junior breed livestock associations.
We caught up with one of them, Shane Schaake, Area Sales Manager in Kansas, who showed Simmental cattle with his family across the country.
Schaake shared how showing livestock benefitted him, both when he was younger and now in his career:
Building Connections
Young people build relationships at shows that can build into future college roommates, employers, coworkers and even spouses.
Learning Work Ethic & Responsibility
From caring for an animal to cleaning a pen or a stall or scooping out a trailer, showing livestock teaches young people amazing responsibility. And many times, youth who show livestock understand that not all work happens only between 9 to 5.
Caring for Animals Daily
“You’ve got to take care of those animals day-in and day-out, no matter if it is sunny, snowing or raining. They depend on you for everything,” Schaake said.
Developing People Skills
There are a lot of people that make up the work force at a livestock show, so you start to develop interpersonal skills at a young age. Endless opportunities exist for young people to develop interpersonal skills at a show: checking in animals and making new friends with fellow exhibitors. These “people skills” are something you can use for the rest of your life.
Developing Communication Skills
Just like creating those interpersonal skills through showing livestock, important communication skills are also developed in young people. Learning to talk to the people at line up and even in the show ring creates opportunities for young people to interact and talk with others. However, there are often public speaking and livestock judging contests that also allow young people to grow their communication skills.
Becoming a Humble Winner & a Humble Loser
“We always raised our own animals growing up, and we held our own at the county and state levels. When we got to a national show, we might get beat by a better one,” Schaake said. “It’s very hard to keep an animal looking fresh and dialed in at 12 o’clock for every national show and every major. So, set your goal, and work hard toward that goal to have them 12 o’clock for that show. You cannot show disappointment when you get beat, even if you are.”
Selecting the Right Livestock Project
Hopefully by now, you can see that the benefits of showing livestock truly are endless. Now comes the challenging and fun part – selecting the project that is right for you and your family.
Of course, in most of the country, there are four main livestock species that are shown: cattle, sheep, goats and swine. Other species that you might consider are poultry, rabbits, dairy cattle and goats and horses. However, for the purpose of this blog, we’ll focus on the four primary livestock species. Both market and breeding divisions are available in all of those species. Since this is an introductory blog, we will define what that means.
Market Animals
Market animals are evaluated on for their overall qualities that will make them ideal when it comes time to harvest them for meat consumption. Judges will evaluate them in the show ring, predicting their terminal traits based on their overall appearance.
Breeding Animals
Breeding animals are evaluated for their qualities that will make them an excellent breeding animal to return to the herd or flock. They are judged on their overall appearance, starting from the ground up. Do they move free and easy on a good foot and bone? They are evaluated on balance, structural correctness, breeding traits (underlines in sows; scrotal circumference in males) and other traits we’ve outlined below.
When selecting a project, consider the following criteria, as these are the traits the judges will evaluate in the show ring. While more emphasis is put on muscle and finish for market animals, all of these traits are significant:
Structural Correctness
Structural correctness should be the key selection criteria for every livestock exhibitor when choosing their project, regardless of species or market or breeding. A structurally correct animal has correct feet and legs, takes a long, even stride on a good foot and leg, and its body is aligned.
“An animal is like a house. If you don’t have a good foundation, it is all going to come toppling down on you,” Schaake said, referring to something he learned from his dad. He reemphasized the importance of good feet and legs in both market and breeding animals.
Muscle
Assessing the amount, quality and shape of muscle throughout the body. Depending on the species, particular attention is usually focused through the top where the loin and ribs are and through the hindquarters.
Fat Cover or Finish
Evaluating the level of fat or finish on the animal is crucial. Some finish can be evaluated visually. However, on the animals like cattle, sheep and goats, the judge will usually also handle the animal to help determine how much finish the animal has. In cattle, intramuscular fat (marbling) is desirable, however, too much finish on all species is not.
Frame Size
Frame refers to the animal’s structure, considering whether it is large, medium or small framed, and how well it matches the desired market.
Balance
Judges assess balance by looking at the proportion of muscle and fat throughout the body, ensuring a visually harmonious appearance. Furthermore, does the front flow into the body, and does the animal appear proportional in its pieces?
Breed Characteristics
Breed characteristics are very important in breeding shows where genetics will eventually be passed on or even in market shows where purebred animals are representing a breed. Characteristics are judged on how well the animal conforms to the breed standard, including features like head shape, hair coat and body color and markings.
Other Selection Criteria
Not only do you need to think about what type (breeding or market) and kind (beef, sheep, goat or pig) of animal you want to show, but you need to consider what you have space and resources for. Remember, all animals require some indoor space. Cattle need some type of outdoor turn out pens. You will need a place to wash and rinse your animals (wash rack).
Pigs are usually penned separately so they don’t fight, and their diets are managed separately. If you have limited space and small pens you might want to consider sheep or goats for your first projects. If you have a larger space and a sturdy area to tie in cattle, maybe cattle are more suited for you.
Be sure to plan a budget for things like a trailer for transportation, feed, bedding and fitting equipment, along with the initial purchase of your livestock. And remember, your animal needs a buddy. It is usually best to have at least two of whatever species you are feeding so your animals do not get lonely in the barn.
Find a Mentor
We’ve barely skimmed the surface of showing livestock. However, pay close attention to the next section. It is oh so important to find a mentor. If you are in your early years of showing livestock, or even in your early years of trying a new species, having someone you can call on for advice is so valuable.
Mentors come in all forms in the livestock industry. Your mentor might be your FFA advisor or your 4-H leader who is helping you with your project. Your mentor could be your mom or dad, or another family member who has years of experience. The breeder or seller of your animals is typically a great mentor. Their name is associated with the livestock you are showing, so they want them to look and perform to their fullest potential.
Once you have found a mentor, it is important to establish a relationship with that person where they know you want to put in the work to succeed. It is great to ask your mentor for advice on changing feed rations or worming protocols. Keep a notebook dedicated to your livestock projects and take notes so you don’t have to ask the same questions the same time each year.
Know the Rules
One thing is certain about showing livestock, rules will always exist, and they will never be the same for each show. Every show from your local jackpot to a junior national will have a defined set of rules. It is important to read them, know them and follow them.
Perhaps just as important as knowing the rules is knowing the deadlines that accompany the rules. Showing livestock has a plethora of deadlines from ownership deadlines to entry deadlines and check-in deadlines.
One way to keep the rules and deadlines organized is to have a binder or folder dedicated to showing livestock. This is the place to print off all rules, deadlines, keep current registration papers, health papers and YCQA certificates that need to go to shows. This folder or binder always goes to shows with you and your family, so you have all the information available.
You might also have a barn or livestock calendar to keep track of deadlines and any other important show information or documents.
Rely on Sure Champ
Once you find a mentor, get your livestock projects home and named (yes, this will likely happen for your first few years or longer) and get your barn set up, you will want to find a supplement that keeps your animals healthy and performing. That’s how Sure Champ can help.
Remember, Sure Champ is a line of livestock show supplements that proactively work to assist with the challenges created by the show environment. Sure Champ uses only the highest quality components and proprietary ingredients proven to generate high-yielding results.
The majority of Sure Champ products are powered by AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. Sure Champ products help keep your animal healthy and perform by enhancing the digestive system. We know that 70% of the immune response is found in the gut. Therefore, if your animal’s digestive system is healthy, the rest of it will also be healthy.
“Regardless of your project, our products shine because of the Amaferm that is in them. They keep the animals healthy, eating and feeling their best,” Schaake said.
Here is a list of our products to help you with your livestock projects.
Products for Cattle
Sure Champ Cattle
Sure Champ Cattle is a pelleted, daily supplement with protein, vitamins and minerals for show livestock designed to support performance. It contains Amaferm, stimulates consistent appetite, and ensures that cattle receive adequate vitamins and minerals.
Sure Champ Cattle Drench
Sure Champ Cattle Drench is a drench for cattle designed to support digestive health before, during and after challenges. Formerly known as Vita Charge Cattle Drench, it contains enzymes that generate a more rapid digestive response. It also contains Amaferm and MOS (mannan oligosaccharides), which help normalize gut microflora and support the immune system.
Products for all Species
Sure Champ® Extreme with ClariFly®
Sure Champ Extreme with ClariFly is a pelleted, daily supplement for show livestock with ClariFly. It is designed to support hoof health, hair coat, and performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees. Designed for all species, it contains Amaferm and MOS to help normalize gut microflora and support the immune system. It also contains HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils and garlic. With added ClariFly, Sure Champ Extreme supports animals when heat and insects are a challenge.
Sure Champ® Liquid Boost®
Sure Champ Liquid Boost is a liquid for all livestock designed to provide immediate support to the animal’s digestive and immune systems. Formerly known as Vita Charge Liquid Boost, it contains both Amaferm and MOS. It also includes flavoring to help drive the intake of feed or water.
Sure Champ® Appetite Plus Gel
Sure Champ Appetite Plus Gel is a gel for all livestock designed to provide immediate support to the animal’s digestive and immune systems. Formerly known as Vita Charge Gel, it contains both Amaferm and MOS and works fast to support appetite and hydration.
Sure Champ® Climate Control Gel
Sure Champ Climate Control Gel is a gel for all livestock designed to support digestive health and recovery when temperatures are above 70 degrees. Formerly known as Vita Charge Climate Control, this gel contains Amaferm and HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils, to support animals when heat is a challenge. It promotes appetite and water intake.
Sure Champ® Clench Gel
Sure Champ Clench Gel is a gel for all livestock designed to support normal digestive function during occasional diarrhea/scours. Formerly known as Vita Charge Clench Gel, it includes Amaferm and MOS, and it contains electrolytes to support rehydration.
Sure Champ® Joint Juice
Sure Champ Joint Juice is a liquid product for livestock designed to support joint health utilizing patented technology. Joint Juice contains MHB3®, a patented high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. It lubricates joints and supports mobility and soundness.
Make your Champions at Home
Showing livestock is a lifestyle, and it’s one that Lily, who is a Sure Champ user, takes seriously. She looks forward to selecting new show prospects. She also enjoys spending evenings in the barn, working hair and skin and seeing her show family on weekends. Lily knows Sure Champ helps optimize her animals’ genetics while keeping them eating, drinking and performing.
You can get your Sure Champ products as easily as ordering online today.
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