Question for beginning showers?

[red]

We're getting a good variety of members lately to the board. I'm really glad to see a lot of new people of all age groups. (clapping)
I'd like to know if there are any topics that some of the beginning showers would like covered? Since we have an excellent group there is a lot we can do to help beginners along. What would help you the most; feeding, hair care, showing tips or health issues? Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Also maybe a question of the week? That way we could focus on one topic & see what we can come up with. Remember, this is all something we can do to help develop the future of the beef industry!

Red (welcome)

 

[knabe]

Hi Red

here's my short list.

why do judges not ask for more competition during showmanship like asking presenters to walk out of line up, change animals, or do crazy things like they used to, or something to entertain the crowd a little more, anduse it as a tool to allow the good showman how to perform?

do judges like to see the lead line rest on your hand, or just see who's arm tires the first?

feeding seems like a closely guarded secret.  any info on how to gauge an animals progress early to the middle before having to panic and put on pounds.  how will a steers soundness change as they get fat and what to look for there as oppossed to worring about it.  it seems to me, compared to 20 years ago,that there a lot of stiff pasterned cattle, market and breeder types.  since it looks like everyone cuts most of the hair off length wise, why is there such a focus on "breeding for hair".  what is adequate, and allows you to choose another bull for more soundness or thickness in different areas, or different length to finishing.  in show steers, does anyone breed with heterosis in mind, not only for type, but for maturity, particularly if you don't stick a cow the first time?

does anyone like to slightly tip the animals head towards the judge anymore, or just keep them looking forward and their ears forward?

what is the craziest story you have selling the animal to an end eater?

 

[ShortyJ13]

Ok, I have a question... 
I have a heifer and she's a bit tucked up in her flank. It gives her a steer-y look... & judges have mentioned it at some of the shows i have been too. I've been feeding beet pulp to help fill her out ... any other things I might be able to try?  ???

 

[red]

Knabe- wow! you put down quite a list- will have to work through it!
ShortyJ- how old is she? If she's at breeding age that helps a lot to get them bred & they seem to develop more of a bloom. Hay & beet pulp will help out alot. Is she high in the flank or just heavy?

Red

 

[genes]

Hi Red

here's my short list.

why do judges not ask for more competition during showmanship like asking presenters to walk out of line up, change animals, or do crazy things like they used to, or something to entertain the crowd a little more, anduse it as a tool to allow the good showman how to perform?

do judges like to see the lead line rest on your hand, or just see who's arm tires the first?

feeding seems like a closely guarded secret.  any info on how to gauge an animals progress early to the middle before having to panic and put on pounds.  how will a steers soundness change as they get fat and what to look for there as oppossed to worring about it.  it seems to me, compared to 20 years ago,that there a lot of stiff pasterned cattle, market and breeder types.  since it looks like everyone cuts most of the hair off length wise, why is there such a focus on "breeding for hair".  what is adequate, and allows you to choose another bull for more soundness or thickness in different areas, or different length to finishing.  in show steers, does anyone breed with heterosis in mind, not only for type, but for maturity, particularly if you don't stick a cow the first time?

does anyone like to slightly tip the animals head towards the judge anymore, or just keep them looking forward and their ears forward?

what is the craziest story you have selling the animal to an end eater?

Knabe, at some point in showing I've been asked to do all of those things you listed in showmanship.  Sometimes if they do less it is a matter of time constraints.  I guess some judged just don't feel they need that to make placings, but I know lots who really seem to have fun with it.  One at a tiny show even basically gave a personalized clinic...that time my arm got tired.

I don't know that I have crazy stories about end eaters exactly....I don't live anywhere near la-la-land as you do.  But one day I was at my aunts for supper and she asked me if I ate beef..which I found to be a very odd question because of course I do.  It was only later I made the connection that we sold her my second string steer.  I'll have to admit...I must have done something right 

 

[ShortyJ13]

Red - well, she was born July 18th... we are getting ready to breed her about.. July or so.