Grooming a cow in a pair class

Showing a pair next month and while the calf still has nice hair despite the heat the cow is definitely  in her working clothes. Shes got good cover and I like her BCS shes just really slicked out. Should I just clean up any rough spots and leave her at that? We have started just brushing her hair and letting her air dry as the blower seems to just leave ugly lines no matter how hard we try.

I'd say if she has underline hair and leg hair slick her top half, leaving hair if she has it in key places i.e crest, neck, shoulder, tail head etc. then blend.

Good answer Mainevent.  That's all I do when I show pair in the summer.  Basically I slick shear the cow, leaving a little hair to smooth her crest, underline, and tail head.  Any other hair at this time of year just looks scruffy/dull.  As for blowing, brushing is just as good this time of year.  If you don't already have one, the Sullivans Smart Sensation comb works nicely on slick hair to work in product and get the hair going in the right direction.

Thank you guys I feel a lot better about what to do with her now!

Any tips on slick shearing? I have never done it on cattle, lots of sheep back in the day.

When slicking go down with your clippers gives a smooth look while leaving some hair use coarse blades or mediums. Stop at the waterline as in the belly and legs. Be sure to not leave any lines as well

Shear them as early as possible.  I try for late may, early june for July shows.  That way the clipper lines smooth and disappear.  If you can wash and use flatheads, that works best but I often clip em dirty with shears (blending blades, not blocking).  I blow the hair forward and clip straight down.  It'll leave ~1/4" of hair that way.  If you go against the grain they'll have nothing left at all.

we are only about 4 weeks out. If I get her done now will that be enough time?

Should be plenty of time. Just be sure to work the hair left behind and it will look fine.

Yup.  A few washes and you'll be good to go.  You may need to touch up a few spots and do some blending after a wash or two.

Thank you all so much