New Showman

Hi-

I have a prospect calf, that my grandma's heifer calved. he was born may 21st, no fancy sires or anything. My fair is in September, will he be the right size for next year's fair? I have never shown before, so I have no clue waht to look for. I can probably get a picture of him if you want. Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks

We show fat the end of October and try to get April-May calves, so I believe that he could work for you if pushed. What breed is he? What would you say he weighs? Is he smaller framed or larger framed?  Pictures would be helpful to see how  he is made. If you decide to show him, I would get him on creep feed asap if possible(If you aren't already doing so).
I'm sure others might have more knowledge to share with you, but that's what works for us.
Thanks,
Sarah

I have no clue on either of those questions. I will try to get pictures when I get the chance. I show pigs, so I couldn't tell you what frame size or anything. Not sure about the weight either. What do you suggest for the creep feed? I feed my pigs HONOR. I am not sure of other feed brands. Thanks. Any more suggestions?

Anyone else? I am new to this, so I really need some advice. Thanks!

Your local co-op or feed mill can make suggestions for creep feed and a grower ration. I would suggest weaning him at 4 months and get him on the feed. If you can creep ahead of weaning, that will only help. Good luck.

Ok. You all probably think I am an idiot, but I don't know yet if he is even show quality. How do I creep feed him? There is like 5 cows and 3 calves and a bull in the pasture. Thanks!

God bless you for trying a new adventure.  We used to milk cows and were taken out by a tornado 5 years ago.  My children showed dairy when they were very young and now they are showing beef.  This is I believe there fourth year.  We started out showing out of our own herd but this year my kids wanted to get something a little better so they purchased what is called club calves.  We did have quite a bit of money involved butit really keeps them out of trouble.  What color is the heifer?  That may give me a better idea as to what breed.  Honor is a very good feed.  We feed a ration of our own feed mized with Purina Show Chow which I believe is very similar to the Purina Products.  We have looked into both but our local dealer is a supplier of Purina products.  Do you have a big county fair?  Our fair is very small so it was a great place for my children to learn and not be embarrassed.  Do you have any breeders in your area that you feel comfortable talking to and getting advice.  This would be a good source.  One big thing you will learn with showing cattle is that hair is a big part of the show world. You may have heard of people raising their cattle in a cooler to get more hair.  Many people who read this may disagree but I don't feel you need to do this.  The last month my children have given cold water rinses twice a day for 15-20 at a time and they have cattle with a lot of hair.  Yes, they have been working with the hair all year but their cattle are not raised in a cooler but are under fans a good portion of the day.  I feel with good muscle tone, a good feeding program and some hair you will do well and if you do not do well, it is a great learning experience to improve on in the future.  My children didn't start off with realy good animals but every year they are learing more. We also received a lot of help from the family we bought our calves from and they are even helping us with breeding for our own show animals.  If you would like more pointers just respond and I could maybe even get you in touch with my daughter.  She does a really great job! <cowboy>

The steer is all black. I will not have him in a cooler, but may have a fan or two on him. My grandma wants me to show him, but I need to do it on a very small budget. It may work out it might not, who knows. BUT, I for sure am not going to give up my pigs, so if you think I will do that you're crazy haha. Thanks guys!

Good for you!!  I think that steer will work fine for you as a first time project.  Like the others say, show us some pictures so we have a better idea as to size, frame, weight, etc. 

My kids show pigs too and I doubt we'll ever convince my daughter to give her pigs up.  We feed the pigs Sunglo while our heifers are fed a custom mix based around an Honor feed - Purina Gran 4Tfyer. 

It will probably be a few days before I can get pictures. He is still on pasture, and is skiddish, but once we get him in the round pen, and get a halter on him, I will try to get a couple good ones. Thanks!

You can start him creeping on HSC fitters edge, or if you can get it mixed try the HSC grand 4Tfyer, I would contact Dr. steve meyer at HSC for the custom creep mix. Good luck with him!