Show Tips
Below you will find several tips to help you have a very good experience in the show ring. Keep in mind that showing a great steer or heifer is not easy and requires a lot of hard work and effort, but the rewards are definitely worth it!
Tips to Finding the Steer or Heifer
Tips to preparing your steer or heifer (feeding,
handling, etc.)
Tips for in the Show Ring
Tips to finding the right steer or heifer
If you don't produce your own cattle, finding the right calf can be a difficult process. However, if you know what to look for, you will have success.
 |
Purchase your steer or heifer from a reputable breeder. A good breeder will be able to help you select a calf that is perfect for you. If you're having a hard time finding a good breeder in your area, contact your local extension office. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Pay attention to the calf's temperament. Look for a calmer calf because not only will they be easier to work with and handle in the ring, but also milder tempered calves condition better than "hyper" calves. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Below are some images and suggestions in helping you select a good calf. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
Leg Position - You want your calf's legs to be as straight as possible and not carried under him or her. Below are some examples of what to look for and what not to look for in legs: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Look for: Thickness through the rear quarter, muscling in the forearm, natural width of leg placement, clean front, flat shouldered, wide chested, deep ribbed, thick top and a muscular loin. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Observe the steer or heifer standing and walking. You want a steer or heifer to be sound on their feet and legs and not carry their legs under them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tips to preparing your calf (feeding, handling, etc.)
Once you find the right steer or heifer for you, it's now time to raise him or her right! Here are some tips on how to prepare your calf for the show.
|
Feed your calf 2-3 times a day, between the hours of 5am - 8am and 4pm - 7pm. This will get your calf on a good feeding schedule. |
|
Make sure your calf stays cool! Not only does this promote hair growth, but also prevents your calf from over-heating which can be potentially fatal. Keep fans and misters (provides a steady mist of moisture) on your calf or if you really want to get into it, you can keep your calf in an air-conditioned barn and/or cooler. |
|
Make sure you work with your calf on a regular basis and develop a good exercise routine. This will help to develop your calf's stamina for those long classes. Begin putting a halter on him or her and leading him/her around. This will not only give the calf exercise, but also allows the calf to get used to being led and used to you. Try to get your calf to remain setup for at least 10 minutes. This will prepare him or her for the show ring. |
|
Weigh your calf regularly. This will let you know how much your calf is gaining per day and also help you meet your target weight. |
|
Trim your calf's hooves. This will help keep him or her tracking properly. |
Tips for in the Show Ring
If you have properly selected, fed and conditioned your calf, the show ring should be a breeze. Here's some tips to help get you in the Winner's Circle!
|
Always look at and face the judge. This is especially important in showmanship classes. You wouldn't want the judge to look at you and your calf and you're off waving at Mom in the stands. |
|
Know as much about your calf as possible. The judge could come over and speak to you about your animal and you definitely wouldn't want to NOT be able to answer one of his or her questions. |
|
Never stand between your calf and the judge even when walking. If the judge is looking at the front of your animal, you will want to stand to the side so that the judge has a clear view of your animal's front, and the same goes for the other areas of the animal. Always try to give the judge the best view of your calf. |
|
Make sure when the judge is looking at you and your steer or heifer, that your animal is properly setup. This means having your calf as square as possible with their head up and not down sniffing the ground. |
|
Dress nicely! Wear a long sleeve shirt and NICE pants. Wear boots because not only does this look more appealing, but if the calf were to step on your foot, their hoof would slide off of boots easier than they would a pair of tennis shoes - OUCH! Also, don't wear a cap. |
|
Make sure your calf is spotless and shiny from head to toe to tail! Bring a comb in the ring with you so that when the judge isn't looking, you can groom your calf if needed. |
|
Use your show stick to set your calf's legs and to also control your calf. However, NEVER hit your calf with the show stick, especially on the nose. You might think you're punishing the calf, but it actually makes the calf more nervous and could even result in you losing the class because of that and because judges don't like to see that either. When you're not using your show stick, hold it in your left hand pointed straight down. |
|
Always try to keep your calf's head up and out. This will make your calf more eye appealing. |
|
If you are not selected as champion when the judge first makes his selection (ESPECIALLY in showmanship classes) do not become frustrated or give up! The judge could change his mind or he might be curious as to how to react to not being placed 1st. This is a commonly used technique... so keep that smile on your face even if you're last! |
We hope the above tips can help you to Show success! If you have any tips or if you had success using our tips, please click here to tell us about it. We'd love to hear from you!