Until We Meet Again

Readers,

Wow! Time sure does fly when you're having fun. It's hard the believe I published my first post nearly two months ago. In case you haven't been following along with my blog, here is a wrap-up of the topics I have discussed:

• Selecting your "Grand Champion" beef, sheep, pig or goat project
• Washing, clipping and presenting your animal 
• Show day preparations
• Showmanship tips
• Livestock sportsmanship 
• Marketing and Advertising
• Current animal agriculture issues

.... and much more!

Although I won't be updating my blog on a regular basis anymore, I would LOVE to direct you to a couple of my favorite livestock industry sources. First, one of my favorite (as mentioned in a previous post) is the  Ranch House Designs blog. Not only do they discuss current advertising and marketing trends in the livestock show industry, but they also share some personal insights and experiences.

Finally, another good resource to continue your journey in the livestock show world is The Showtimes Magazine. This publication includes local and national show results, industry news, livestock articles, and upcoming shows and events.  The Showtimes is published by livestock exhibitors for livestock exhibitors, and is available both in print and online as well.

So, I wish you the best and I will say it one last time...

Until we meet again.

Achieving Sustainability in the Livestock Industry

Happy Tuesday, 

As we continue our discussion about the livestock industry and practices within it, I thought it would be helpful to talk about livestock educational efforts. Initially, a couple questions come to mind: "What types of campaigns exist?" and"Where can I learn more about these efforts?"

As a child, I always dreaded the long, hot summer days that my dad spent cleaning out the cattle lots.  And I especially didn't enjoy riding along in the tractor that pulled the manure spreader. Why did he do this?  All it did was stink up the yard!  Little did I realize he was doing ourselves a favor.  Not only did the cattle lots stay clean, but the fields also got fertilized.  Although I didn't know what this meant as only a five-year-old, my dad was actually practicing sustainability.  

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines sustainability as:

"Able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed; involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources."  

Now-a-days, the word sustainability is commonly used within many different fields, especially when focusing on environmental efforts. In particular, this word is heard more and more in the livestock industry. But, how are livestock producers working towards more sustainable practices? One campaign in particular may have the answer to this question.

The Global Roundtable for Sutainable Beef (GRSB) is was developed to advance continuous improvement in sustainability of the global beef value chain through leadership, science and stakeholder engagement and collaboration. At the GRSB, they "envision a world in which all aspects of the beef value chain are environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable." Although this particular effort focuses solely on beef, I feel as though their vision and mission applies to any sector of the livestock industry. By providing resources, the GRSB is not only educating the public on livestock industry sustainability efforts, but they are also allowing for transparency of the effort.

Overall, sustainability efforts are "about doing things right, making things more efficient, improving public image, and reducing the cost of doing business." Whether it's choosing a new bull with better performance, improving pastureland, or replacing a piece of equipment with one that is more efficient, all of these practices have the ability to impact sustainability. 

A view of my family farm during during silage harvest.

As a future livestock advocate, it is important to clear up negative perceptions others may have about topics within the industry.  The concept of livestock sustainability isn't new on my family farm or most other operations either.  For those of us who've been in the business for generations, the concept of sustainability simply translates as running our business business in a responsible manner that allows us to pass the operation along to the next generation. Livestock producers want the best for future generations and to leave the land in a better condition than it was.  

If you have any further questions about livestock industry sustainability, I highly encourage you to visit the GRSB website or leave a comment. 

Until next time, folks!

Sources:

• http://www.grsbeef.org 
• http://www.americancattlemen.com/articles/beef-industry-sustainability
•  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable

Farmers Care About Animal Welfare

Welcome Back!
 
What is the first thing most college students do when they wake up in the morning or before they go to bed at night?  Check Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram of course. While browsing through these various social media sites, conflict concerning one topic or another may arise.  It’s inevitable, actually, one person’s opinion may offend another and so on so forth. With advancements in agriculture technology and practices, the field is constantly changing and growing.  One growing topic within the livestock industry, in particular, is the issue of Animal Welfare.

First off, what exactly is Animal Welfare and how can it be defined?  As defined by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, animal welfare is:

"How an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives. An animal is in a good state of welfare if it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able to express innate behavior, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress."

So naturally, it is assumed that all animals are responsibly treated and cared for in a comfortable environment and do not endure unnecessary suffering. One question that arises, however, is do all caretakers practice good Animal Welfare?  What if they were accused of not caring about their livestock anymore?  As previously mentioned, technology and practices within agriculture are constantly growing in order for farmers to increase both production and profits.  Do livestock prodcuers only care about making a lot of money and making it fast?

My personal response to all the questions mentioned above is no.  Being the third generation on my family farm, I have seen the ins and outs of agriculture from day one.  For instance, I have fond memories of helping Dad bottle feed calves and riding along on the Allis Chalmers to feed cows.  Even today I still enjoy halter breaking calves with my brother for the county fair and checking cows out in the pasture with Mom.  Although farming has most definitely changed since the early 90's, I can confidently say that the heart and soul that goes into it has not.  Farmers go above and beyond to ensure their livestock has all freedoms they are entitled to, such as: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, or disease; freedom to express normal behavior; and freedom from fear and distress.

In recent years, however, the number of livestock operations has fallen and production has shifted to larger and more specialized operations.  According to the USDA, changes in livestock production have important implications for economic efficiency, final product prices, water and air pollution, food safety, and rural development.  These changes in livestock production can be explained using basic economics.  When the demand for a certain product increases, in this case livestock, the production of the product must also increase.  In order for farmers to keep up with the demands of a fast-paced world, they must efficiently use their resources to keep up with production. However, along with supply and demand come the “good years” and the “bad years”.  Nothing is ever guaranteed in the world of agriculture.  Like my dad once told me, “Farmers don’t raise livestock for the money; they raise them because it’s their passion.”

I'll leave you with this food for thought, and (as always) if you have any questions or concerns feel free to comment!

Until we meet again. 

Sources:

• https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/AnimalWelfare/Pages/what-is-animal-welfare.aspx
• http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-practices-management/crop-livestock-practices/livestock-production-practices.aspx

A Blog about a Blog

Welcome back, 

It's time to dive right in to this week's blog topic, and I promise you won't be disappointed! Previously, we have discussed the essentials of showing livestock, but you may have some additional questions: How are show livestock sought out and sold? How do these animals become so valuable? Well, let me introduce you to the world of livestock marketing.

Even in the early 2000s, livestock producers and buyers alike realized the importance of livestock advertising and promotion. A Cattle Today article states that, "the success or failure of marketing efforts depend greatly on the ability to communicate with customers and potential clients." The article then goes on to discuss various advertising and marketing strategies that may motivate customers to purchase show livestock, and one company based out of Wharton, TX knows how to do just that.

Ranch House Designs (RHD) is a multi-service company offering website design, graphic design, print ad management, social media management, and educational opportunities. According to RHD founder Rachel Cutrer, "(livestock) marketing is a vast field, and our services cover a lot of territory." She adds, "Many businesses, ranches, and organizations are built on passion and tradition; it requires heart, soul, and a lot of hard work." Therefore, marketing strategies make the most of the risks taken trying to 'make it' in the livestock industry.

Besides offering a wide array of marketing services, Ranch House Designs provides livestock educational opportunities for both the experienced and beginner livestock showman. Books, design templates and events are just a few of their educational sources. However, my personal favorite is the Ranch House Designs blog, which can be found on their website. From show day 'prep tips' to life as a farm kid, they cover a variety of topics for any interested reader.

Recently, I read a blog post of their website entitled 10 Reasons Showing Livestock is "Worth It". I highly encourage you to read the entire post by clicking on the picture below. It relates to many livestock show topics I have discussed in previous blog posts.

                                    

I hope you enjoyed today's post and checking out Ranch House Designs. And who knows, maybe you even learned a thing or two!

Until we meet again

Sources: 

• http://www.cattletoday.com/archive/2002/October/CT234.shtml
• http://ranchhousedesigns.com/10-reasons-showing-livestock-is-worth-it/

It's Showtime

Welcome back, 

It's time to continue our journey of the livestock show industry. So far I have covered the "prep steps" to get your next livestock project started, including animal selection, washing, clipping and showmanship. However, if this is your first rodeo, you may still have MANY questions. Don't worry, I am here to show you what a typical weekend at a livestock show may entail. In previous blog posts, I have utilized both photo and video resources to help visualize these "prep steps" and aid in the learning process. I hope these resources have been effective (I know they helped me tremendously). 

Now, it's time to paint the big picture. To help do so, The Show Times Magazine has compiled a library of YouTube videos from various livestock events around the nation. One video in particular does a good job of demonstrating the different components of a youth livestock show. From clipping and fitting demonstrations, to show day preparations, and even a trade show, the AK-SAR-BEN Livestock Show has it all.

View the AK-SAR-BEN Livestock Show video below:

As the video and it's contents showed, AK-SAR-BEN is currently the largest 4-H Stock Show in the United States. This regional show is open to 4-H members from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. In addition, it is "renowned for providing a level playing field across all species" of livestock.

Besides elevating youth livestock show experiences, the NDSU Center for 4-H Youth Development suggests that AK-SAR-BEN is "not just a livestock show". The show includes:

• Livestock Quiz Bowl
• Livestock Judging Contest
• Showmanship Contest
• Calf Fitting Challenge 
• Robotics Contest
• Scholarship Opportunities

For those interested in showing livestock, AK-SAR-BEN is a national level competition, and it is quite an honor when youth do well at the show. So, it's time to get to work and start establishing and achieving your livestock show project goals! As always, feel free to contact contact me with any additional questions you may have.

Until next time.

Sources:

• http://www.aksarbenrodeo.com/p/getconnected/237
• https://www.ndsu.edu/4h/restricted/detail/16760/

Showmanship Tips & Tricks

Welcome Back, 

        It's been a while since we last met, but don't worry... I have been busy planning my next livestock showing topic. *Drum roll please* this week I will be discussing livestock showmanship tips and tricks. Now that you have selected your animal and prepared it by clipping and washing, it's show time!

         According to the "Guide For Livestock Showmanship Contest", the judging of livestock showmanship is based not only preparation of animals for show, but also their training and appearance and behavior of the showmen. In addition, showmen should present both themselves and their animal in a calm manner. There are two main parts to livestock showmanship I would like to discuss: Handling and Presentation and Questions. First, let's discuss the primary objective of showmanship, which is presenting your animal in the ring.

Handling and Presentation

Although each person has their own showmanship style, there are some basic guidelines that should be followed when handling and presenting their livestock. First and foremost, all species should be clean, groomed, and clipped. In addition, the handler (that's you!) should be clean, groomed and poised. Remember to comb your hair, tuck in your shirt and ...most importantly... smile.

However, there are some differences in how to handle and present certain livestock. From here on out, let's break it down and discuss these differences for each species.

Beef:

•  Led using a halter with a chain
• Showmen carry a show stick (used for scratching) and a comb, placed in their back pocket
• The back, right foot of heifers is always pulled forward. Front feet are set even
• Steers are set up square
• Always stay in front... Don't let the animal lead you!

Swine:

• Directed using a whip, pipe or cane
• Showmen carry a soft brush in their back pocket 
• Keep the animal between you and the judge
• Hogs should always be "on the move"
• Remember to keep their head up!

Sheep & Goats:

• Led by placing hands around the head/neck
• A collar can be used for goats 
• Feet should always be set up square
• Never use your feet to move their feet  
• Taller exhibitors can kneel once the animal is set up

 [Images source: Bailey Hawbaker, Chasing Purple Images]

 

Questions

In addition to how well animals are handled while in the ring, the judge may ask contestants questions about their particular species. Questions may range from the breed or age of the animal, to current industry challenges (for more experienced showmen, of course). The University of Minnesota Extension Service has comprised a list of general livestock questions that may be asked during a show. Here are some sample questions provided by this resource:

• Beef:

Q: At what age should a beef heifer be bred? 

A: 15-18 months
Q: What is a beef animal that naturally lacks horns called? 

A: Polled
Q: Rump roast comes from what beef wholesale cut? 

A: Round

• Swine:

Q: What is a male pig that has been castrated before breeding age called? 

A: A barrow
Q: Name two common diseases in pigs. 

A: Scours, Brucelleosis, T.G.E. (and many more)
Q: At what age should a market hog reach 230 pounds? 

A: 4.5 to 6 months

• Sheep:

Q: What should you wash your sheep with? 

A: Mild soap. Wool breed are not washed
Q: When is it best to shear an ewe? 

A: Right before lambing
Q: Name two lamb carcass quality grades. 

A: Prime, choice, good, utility, cull

• Goats:

Q: How long is a doe's (female) gestation period? 

A: 5 months, or 145-155 days
Q: What is an intact, male goat called? 

A: Buck
Q: What is the milk producing gland of a doe called? 

A: Udder

Remember, part of being a good showman is knowing as much as possible about your animal. Therefore, brushing up on livestock showmanship questions before entering the ring is always encouraged, regardless of experience. If you are a beginner, don't worry, feel free to ask older showmen or mentors about what types of questions may be asked. In addition, there are many great resources available on the web.

        Finally, let's put all pieces of the puzzle together! In order to see what a livestock showman should look like in action, the NDSU Center for  4-H Youth Development provides some useful showmanship videos. I highly encourage all beginner and even advanced showmen to check these videos out. Also, be sure to check out the sources I mentioned throughout this post. A good livestock showman can never have too many "tools" in their toolbox!

Until next time!

Sources:

• http://www.thejudgingconnection.com/pdfs/Guide_to_Livestock_Showmanship.pdf
• http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/events/project-bowl/docs/PB-GeneralLivestockSampleQuestions.pdf

 

Livestock Prep 101

Hey All, 

        Last time we met you learned more about selecting an animal, whether it be beef, sheep, swine, or goats, but now what? Yes, it is necessary to care for your animal by providing feed and water, but what about caring for its appearance. Even though your animal may have good structure, length and depth of body, and adequate muscling, there are a couple ways to enhance these attributes. First and foremost, there is cleanliness, which (in my opinion) is the most important.

(Source: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net)

Washing:

To start your livestock project, having a clean animal is important and can really go a long ways when it comes to other appearance aspects. Regardless of the species, your animal should be washed on show day and be kept clean during the days leading up to the show. Also, in order to keep your animal clean, a combination of washing and maintaining it's hair coat should be done.


Here are a few additional tips & tricks for keeping your animal clean:

• Beef, swine, and goats should be washed 3-4 times a week
• Wool breeds of sheep, such as Columbia, are NEVER WASHED
• It is OKAY to wash shorn market sheep 
• Hair or wool should be brushed, combed, or carded daily
• Add or change pen bedding every day
• If you have a white animal, try using purple tinted shampoo to help combat dark stains
• Lotion or oil should be applied to swine after washing.

Clipping: 
After your animal has been washed a couple times, it is time to start clipping them, or in the case of sheep shearing. I will warn you, this process takes time and is by no means easy, but a good clip or shear job will help the animal's appearance tremendously! If you are an inexperienced in this particular area, I would recommend watching a hands-on demonstration first. In addition, having the guidance of someone more experienced the first time you work with clippers will also help.

If you are anything like myself, I find "How To" videos helpful when learning about a new subject. Therefore, I found a few YouTube videos that may help get your project started. I encourage you to take a look at them before you start clipping or shearing.

 

 

I understand these videos cover the very basics when it comes to clipping or shearing, but you have to start somewhere! Here are a few additional tips & tricks when it comes to working on your show livestock:

• Stay calm! Most livestock can sense your frustration, so take a deep breath and relax. 
• For beef, have someone scratch your heifer or steer with a show stick. It will help them relax and stand still.
• Having treats or toys for swine will help them stand still, too!

• Remember, shearing breeding ewes and market lambs are different. Check with an experienced shearer for more tips.
• Finally, have fun!
• Clipping and shearing for the first time can be intimidating. However, diving on in is the best way to learn.

         For additional "getting started" clipping and shearing videos, check out The Purina Network or  ADM Animal Nutrition on YouTube. I hope this post provided you with some useful tips & guidelines to start washing and clipping your livestock project. You'll be ready for show day in no time!

Until next time, folks.