What's the going rate for slick shearing?

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SlickTxMaine

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A friend has offered to slick shear my son's steer for our upcoming show.  He does an excellent job and is very detail oriented.  We will of course pay him, he will most likely refuse, but we will pay him and don't want to offend him.  So, that said, what is a fair price to charge or pay for a slick shearing job?  Thanks!
 

chambero

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I would offer at least a $100.  I've never hired anyone to slick, but that's about right if the calf is gentle.
 

Dusty

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chambero said:
I would offer at least a $100.  I've never hired anyone to slick, but that's about right if the calf is gentle.

Wow that sounds kinda stout to me.  The going rate for haired cattled up here is from 50 to $100 depending on the amount of time and level of skill you want in a clipper.
 

drl

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So how do you slick one out right? I live up north and will take having a hairy one anytime over having to slick one out. O0
 

DLD

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SlickTxMaine said:
DLD said:
Slicking one right isn't as easy as it sounds.
So, DLD, what would you expect to pay, or be paid for this??

I really don't know. I live in OK, and haven't actually ever done it myself.  I have seen some of my friends in TX do it a few times though, and I know it takes some time and effort to get them down to 1/4" everywhere and keep it all smooth. My guess would be at least $75 to $100 to get someone who'll do a good job and keep 'em willing to come back next time you need 'em.  I'm sure it's just like clipping haired ones, there are people out there who'll do it for less and some who'll expect more. But I will say that most of the "pro's" in OK and TX will expect at least $150 to clip a fat steer for a haired show.
 

TottenClubCalves

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I would rather clip haired ones then slick one , to me I enjoy  really shaping a calve and being able to accentuate its positives and trying to "hide" its faults. Its really an art imo. Slick shearing a calf takes time, you really have to go slow and make sure everything is smooth. I normally charge $100 a head plus expenses (gas, food, etc) thats for haired cattle. I would say if the guy coming to do your calf is a good friend then $100 bucks and offer him a couple beers afterwards would be good.
 

JSchroeder

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You know, while I don't agree with it, I can at least understand somebody hiring a pro to clip haired cattle.  You guys seriously hire jocks to slick shear your cattle?  Who the heck's steer is it any way?

When I said a twelve pack, that's what a group of people I know bring when they all bring their kids to help each other slick.  The parents might help clean up a few trouble spots or crevices but the kids are the ones doing 90% of it.
 

SlickTxMaine

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We planned on doing it ourselves....meaning my son and my husband, but this guy volunteered.  No, we would not normally hire someone to slick shear. 
 

JSchroeder

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SlickTxMaine, I realize you were offered the help, my question should have been pointed more at those who actually bring people in to slick.  Sorry for the confusion.
 

chambero

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Slicking calves is the best way to get kids started with a pair of clippers.  I cut my 10 year old loose on his the day after our county show.  I helped him smooth him and get the hard to get places before we left for San Antonio.  There's not any great trick to it other than using sharp blades and having the calf clean.

But it is a pain in the rear to do and takes at least as long as a normal clip job does.  If you have an ornery one, it can get real interesting trying to get every little hair up under their flank.  Thus my recommendation for if you feel you need someone to do it and you need to pay them, don't insult them by offerring a small amount of money.  Because they will spend 2-3 hours doing it if they are really trying to get it all.
 

ROMAX

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chambero said:
Slicking calves is the best way to get kids started with a pair of clippers.  I cut my 10 year old loose on his the day after our county show.  I helped him smooth him and get the hard to get places before we left for San Antonio.  There's not any great trick to it other than using sharp blades and having the calf clean.

But it is a pain in the rear to do and takes at least as long as a normal clip job does.  If you have an ornery one, it can get real interesting trying to get every little hair up under their flank.  Thus my recommendation for if you feel you need someone to do it and you need to pay them, don't insult them by offerring a small amount of money.  Because they will spend 2-3 hours doing it if they are really trying to get it all.
I do 4/hour of dairy cows in a tie stall,and they don't stop moving
 
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