Interesting Article

http://issuu.com/nmstockman/docs/nms_nov_2013/99?e=1828006/5582825

November issue of NM Stockman - pages 87 & 98.  Have never met the author but I applaud him for speaking up and thank the magazine for printing the article......this subject has been swept under the rug for far too long.  We don't show steers, but have seen this "who's your daddy", & "who's your fitter" mentalities in the open shows too.  Have won a few & lost a few - have often shaken my head & said "that's a da*n good animal" when I've stood behind such an animal - but sure do resent getting beat by nothing more than a popular bloodline or good clip job.  It hasn't stopped me from continuing to show because I've walked for a lot of conscientious & honest judges but have also been subjected to some that have been blatantly biased & using the "buddy" system.  It's time to weed them out.

Yea I saw this article and the picture with it tells the story almost as well as the story does.  Not even close.

What a "shock"

All of us that do  have the "show cattle" disease, realize that this BS goes on all of the time and has forever. The ones that I feel the worst for are the PPL that are trying to teach their kids through the programs life lessons get jerked around pretty hard until they learn what really goes on behind the backdrops across the country. It's interesting actually watching this thread. Kind of like the elephant in the room. Not very many PPL wanting to even say anything. Coo does for writing the article Ty Bays. Thanks to Lovesredcows for bringing some attention to a few more PPL.

Send in the hells angels  (lol)

but seriously, there's ways to put a stop to that crap- 

A judges decision is essential a financial valuation of your animal.  A little birdy needs to be put in their head reminding them that playing politics isn't worth a life long hitch in their step.

Love this article. We all know about the politics that go on at shows. It's a breath of fresh air to have a judge that is for once judging the cattle and not the person on the halter or who's tailing it in. I agree with this last statement...how can you be fulfilled looking at a Grand Champion banner that you know was only won because someone dealt the cards in your favor? It's disheartening and is definitely the white elephant in this industry that needs to be addressed.

You'll find that the people who are complaining about this article and disagreeing with it are the ones that only win because they know the right people, and don't want to see that threatened.  (thumbsup)

Interesting comments from the few brave enough to tackle this subject.....I love this site but often feel like I'm the only one who sees what goes on behind the barn!

Hey Susan, was getting a bit concerned.  You have been quiet.

WOW! I did not see this in the Stockman.

I was actually at this show and followed the judges picks all day until that selection. I would not have even put that calf third in that class. I know that this stuff happens all the time, but I have NEVER seen it so blatant. Everyone was speechless.

I agree, kudos (however you spell it) to those bringing this to light and talking about it. I thought it was going to just be swept under the rug, and I know I was guilty of letting it happen too.

kidsandkows said:

WOW! I did not see this in the Stockman.

I was actually at this show and followed the judges picks all day until that selection. I would not have even put that calf third in that class. I know that this stuff happens all the time, but I have NEVER seen it so blatant. Everyone was speechless.

I agree, kudos (however you spell it) to those bringing this to light and talking about it. I thought it was going to just be swept under the rug, and I know I was guilty of letting it happen too.

Click to expand...

Now that I see it, you spelled Kudos correct. Spell ck missed it for me or maybe that nonsense that I spelled is some kind of word/words.