My Kids Big Distric Show This Weekend - Like To Have Some Advice/Tips

[Sambosu]

My kids get to show their calves this weekend, only have made it to one other show since late September.  My kids and I are all excited about the new calves we are going to be pulling around this year.  I would like some tips on how to make this new year of showing a little less stressful then last year.  One thing I know that causes me to get a little stressed is my competitiveness and not having any fitting skills.  Any tips you have on things I could do prior and the morning of the show to reduce the stress I would appreciate it.  My kids really enjoy showing and I want them to have more fun than last year.  Thanks.

<rock>

 

[OH Breeder]

A week before the show we sit down and make alist of things that we need to take and things we need to get. We assign everyone responsibilities. As much as I travel it helps me a bunch knowing exactly what I need to do. Plus it makes the kids a bit more responsible.

 

[herfluvr]

Do your homework. Literally.  Make a list.  Pack Early.  Hire fitters that will help teach you and don't be afraid to try.  As for the fun part.  Here is a link to something you need to read and share.  Puts a whole different perspective on what is important with our kids. Some kids don't ever get another show.

http://www.steerplanet.com/bb/the-big-show/please-read-and-share!-chris'-story/msg220793/   Please copy and paste the whole link to be able to read it


Also, each man to his job.  Means one of us washes, one of us uses the blower and now 2 of us fit while the other likes to BS with his buddies   Another point, understand where you stand.  If the judge puts you where you should be then so be it.  If it is a bad judge and he is clueless, show for the experience.  Don't be owner blind.  Really look to see where you stand.  If politics are rampant don't rant and rave.  It is in everything.  Deal or pack up and go home.  We found it best to have another older showman critique our childs showmanship abilities and help them.  Face it, coming from the parents it is heard a whole different way.   Most of all, if you really like your stock, the opinion of 1 judge on 1 day should not change the way you show or raise them.    

 

 

[shortii]

Do your homework. Literally.  Make a list.  Pack Early.  Hire fitters that will help teach you and do be afraid to try.  As for the fun part.  Here is a link to something you need to read and share.  Puts a whole different perspective on what is important with our kids. Some kids don't ever get another show.

http://www.steerplanet.com/bb/the-big-show/please-read-and-share!-chris'-story/msg220793/   Please copy and paste the whole link to be able to read it


Also, each man to his job.  Means one of us washes, one of us uses the blower and now 2 of us fit while the other likes to BS with his buddies   Another point, understand where you stand.  If the judge puts you where you should be then so be it.  If it is a bad judge and he is clueless, show for the experience.  Don't be owner blind.  Really look to see where you stand.  If politics are rampant don't rant and rave.  It is in everything.  Deal or pack up and go home.  We found it best to have another older showman critique our childs showmanship abilities and help them.  Face it, coming from the parents it is heard a whole different way.   Most of all, if you really like your stock, the opinion of 1 judge on 1 day should not change the way you show or raise them.    

I totally agree with what you posted. I am assuming when you said find a good fitter that is that are willing to teach, you meant to say and don't be afraid to try

 

 

[leanbeef]

Do your homework. Literally.  Make a list.  Pack Early.  Hire fitters that will help teach you and do be afraid to try.  As for the fun part.  Here is a link to something you need to read and share.  Puts a whole different perspective on what is important with our kids. Some kids don't ever get another show.

http://www.steerplanet.com/bb/the-big-show/please-read-and-share!-chris'-story/msg220793/   Please copy and paste the whole link to be able to read it


Also, each man to his job.  Means one of us washes, one of us uses the blower and now 2 of us fit while the other likes to BS with his buddies   Another point, understand where you stand.  If the judge puts you where you should be then so be it.  If it is a bad judge and he is clueless, show for the experience.  Don't be owner blind.  Really look to see where you stand.  If politics are rampant don't rant and rave.  It is in everything.  Deal or pack up and go home.  We found it best to have another older showman critique our childs showmanship abilities and help them.  Face it, coming from the parents it is heard a whole different way.   Most of all, if you really like your stock, the opinion of 1 judge on 1 day should not change the way you show or raise them.    

I totally agree with what you posted. I am assuming when you said find a good fitter that is that are willing to teach, you meant to say and don't be afraid to try

 

This is pretty good advice. I don't think it could be said much better.

 

[Sambosu]

I appreciate the advice.  The list is something I already use to get ready for the shows.  I like the idea of giving everyone a job.  Sometimes I take on too much myself because I want to make sure my 9 and 10 year old don't get hurt.  The calves are calm but I know they are animals/unpredictable.  I don't get involved in the politics part.  I prefer to mind my own business and just deal with it.  Thanks again.  It should be a fun weekend. 

 

[herfluvr]

I appreciate the advice.  The list is something I already use to get ready for the shows.  I like the idea of giving everyone a job.  Sometimes I take on too much myself because I want to make sure my 9 and 10 year old don't get hurt.  The calves are calm but I know they are animals/unpredictable.  I don't get involved in the politics part.  I prefer to mind my own business and just deal with it.  Thanks again.  It should be a fun weekend. 

The hardest thing for a parent is to walk away when you give the child the job.  That age is ready to start the process.  I wash.  Hubby and son use the blower and son and I fit.  We do not always play well together if we overlap our jobs.  Those kids sure can scratch the tail while fitting and still be able to watch and learn.  Oh and remember the feed those lil people.  Our rule is no sugar or pop in the morning.  makes for cranky kids.  A ham sandwich is good anytime of day.  PB and J work good too. 

I think it is so important to remember, our children learn what they live.  Be the person you want them to be when they have children.  Have a great show!

 

[simba]

I agree with everything stated above and I think it is really important to make sure the kids are doing a good chunk of the work (I'm not sure how old they are, but enough to make them know what it's all about). This is an article that I wrote this summer and then posted on here that you or your kids may enjoy. http://www.steerplanet.com/bb/index.php?topic=35058.0

 

[AAOK]

All good advice, but about the stress; Drop It!  Just be thrilled you have an activity the whole family enjoys, and gets to work together. There is no other sport where you get to coach your own and also be a member of the team. This is exactly why there is NO place for stress, but only FUN!  Concerning your Fitting skills; no difference from shooting free throws, or throwing the perfect curve ball. All it takes is Practice, Practice, Practice.

My best piece of advice is don't wait 'till you are think you are good enough to play at the National level. Now is the time to shoot for the stars.  The sooner you start, the sooner you will be in the purple. Nobody gets great unless pushed by their own desire to excell.

If you think it's fun now, just wait until you watch your kid win a National Show.  I know it can happen.

 

[bruiser]

I know this is a little late - I suggest taking your kids to one of Sullivan's Stock Show U clinics. They do a really nice job putting them together. Your kids will learn alot and so will you. I'm as competitive as anyone and I can stand back and watch my son fit our calves now.[ with a few pointers]  After a couple of clinics [ we've been to a Steirwalt clinic too] you can really see the confidence.

 

[Sambosu]

Larissa, what a great read.  I don't know how I missed it the first time you posted it.  I will print it out and have my kids read it as well.  Next week I am going to take a heifer out of the pasture that we raised and start halter breaking it.  My kids are really excited to show one of their own calves. 

AAOK, as always, good advice.  I probably ask too many questions on this site but I really am trying to make sure I am setting a good example by having fun and knowing what I am doing. If I am hard to get  along with at the shows, my kids and wife won't want to show anymore anyways .  I am really trying to set a good example and make sure the kids have a good time but understand we all have responsibilities at home and at the show.

Bruiser, I am definitely interested in the Stock U clinics.  I haven't seen any near where we live.  Once they have one around our area, I will load up the family and go.

I can't wait for quitting time so my family and I can get the road on the show! 

 

[leanbeef]

Why don't you talk to your 4-H agent or some other volunteers/interested folks and see what it would take to host a clinic in your area? My daughters went to a clinic last year and really got a LOT out of it. I'm sure there are several folks who would put something like that on and would be open to talking to you about doing one if you can get some interest drummed up.

 

[farmin female]

It is kinda late for this advice but all the top show people will tell you that the work is done at home well in advance of the show.  If you want to destress, remember this is supposed to be fun.  And, I agree with the poster that said go show at the national shows now.  Don't wait because the years pass way to quickly. 

Just keep your perspective.  some you win, some you lose and the rest shake out along the way.

 

[bruiser]

I'm sure any of the fitting clinics would be great. At the Stock Show U clinic we attended Chuck McCoulough was with our group. He is a great guy and a hell of a hand with a pair of clippers. But most people will agree with me, it's more than fitting and hair care. They also teach showmanship and  taking care of the animals at home. The thread above is correct, the real work is done at home. I believe the best money I've spent in years is the heated washrack and adding more lights to our barn. If you can get your kids to be comfortable and like doing the work then the rest is easy. One thing I've noticed after showing for over 20 years--- the kids you see actually doing the work themselves are ones you will never see in the "Police Beat" in the news paper.  You will see it when they graduate college and so on. It may sound corny to some but it makes me pretty damn proud to know them.

 

[Sambosu]

Just wanted to give an update on how this past weekends show went. Everyone seemed to have fun since their dad was laid back.  My kids did a great job prepping and showing their calves. The hair looked great due to the work being done at home.  They also helped their cousins prep their calves as well.  Both of my kids won their class (son was the only one due to showing a eye candy steer that is only 4 months old!)  The little steer was the surprise of the day because it beat a couple of calves that out weighed it by 200-300 lbs for reserve breed champion.  My daughter's young June heifer couldn't beet the 20+ month olds for Breed or Reserve Breed.  All and all a good day Saturday. 

 

[AAOK]

As the Kinks said, Don't you Fret!

 

[pjkjr4]

Sambosu- I just now saw this thread, and you are getting great advice....seems like pretty much all the people that post on here do this for the right reasons.

If I may interject some advice, it would be a little late for this spring, but every summer Jerry McPeak puts on "Be a Champ" show cattle and show lamb camps at Connors State College. My daughter will attend in June for her 5th year, and my son will be going for his 3rd. They take kids as young as the parents dare to send them, on up to seniors in high school. Your kids will be in groups of similar age and skill level, and the instructors are working on the kids' attitudes and ethics, as much as they are fitting and showmanship skills. On the last day, they have grooming and showmanship contests that the parents, ag teachers, extension agents, etc. can go watch. On that last day, every kid there has their chest stuck out, and a look of accomplishment and pride, as well as total exhaustion!! I completely recommend this experience for them, especially at their age. Go to www.beachamp.com and they will have all the info for you there.

 

[Sambosu]

My sister went to that camp probably 15 years ago.  I didn't know it still existed.  Thanks for the information.  I will definitely get my two kids signed up.

 

[mainecattlemother]

Hope you did good at your show just read the post.  We started out new just a few years ago after our dairy operation was destroyed in a tornado.  We had a great family in a neighboring county take us under there wing.  They also sold my kids their first show steer.  We have had a lot of struggles but we have become so much closer since showing beef cattle.  It is very much a family hobby.  Just a couple weeks ago I asked our mentoring family how to handle shows as we are very good with all the daily care and feel we have this down to a skill but at shows we really freak.  He gave me the advice to prep one leg a week during the show season.  That way when it comes to show day you know exactly how that calf should look.  He also suggested that we have someone watch the classes prior to our class just so we are aware of how quick the judge is working and what they are looking for.  I know it is not all about winning but we came from starting about about five years ago with a shop vac for a blower to this past summer being third in line to the Supreme Champion at MN State Fair but my best reward in this all is the relationships I have built with my children and husband.  Dont get discouraged.  It sounds like you and your children really enjoy showing!

 

[LDT]

If you think it will be a blast!!!  OR you think it will be a wreck....chances are you will be right!!!