Picking The Grand Champion

Happy Monday, 

        In this week's post, it's time to talk about selecting your first, or next, livestock project. Whether your are a beginner, or an experienced showman (or woman), selecting a new show animal is the first step. There are many factors that go into selecting livestock, and we work through them slowly, but surely! First, let's talk about the different species of livestock that can be shown.

Beef:  

This is the species I am most familiar with. As I previously stated, I have shown cattle for over 10 years now, and enjoy selecting both heifers (females) and steers (males) from our own herd, as well as sales. With beef (and most other animals), structure is KEY and separates the "good" from the "bad". Pictured below are a couple show-worthy calves. As you can see, both have a straight top-line, good depth and spring of rib, as well as attractive in their make-up.

Angus Heifer (Source: http://gambleangus.net)

Crossbred Show Steer (Source: http://thejeffersoncountyfair.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheep:

As far as sheep are concerned, there are two types that can be shown: breeding sheep, which include ewes (females) and market lambs (either male or female). Similar to cattle, sheep should also have a straight top-line, good depth of rib and length of body, and overall attractive. The biggest difference, however, is breeding sheep are shown with wool and market lambs are slick sheared.

Columbia Breeding Ewe (Source: http://thiesencolumbias.homestead.com)

Market weather(male) (Source: http://www.lashclublambs.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swine:  

Similar to cattle and sheep, you can show either gilts (females) or market swine (female or male). Breeding gilts should once again be structurally correct, with that being long bodied and feminine in their make-up. For market swine, muscle is the top characteristic to select for, along with structural correctness and width of body.

Hampshire Breeding Gilt (Source: http://www.nottshowpigs.com/winners)

Market Swine (Source: http://clubcalves.com/gardnerfarms/gardnerswinewinners)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goats:

Although goats aren't my forte, I would still like to include them in my livestock selection process because they are a great project for younger children. Compared to cattle and even sheep, they are smaller in size and relatively docile. Most commonly shown are either breeding or market goats, but dairy goats can be shown as well. When selecting goats, again structural correctness is important, as well as additional muscle in market goats. Pictured below are an example of each:

Boar Breeding Doe (Source: http://www.reddenbro.com/goats)

Market Goat (Source: http://teamsloanlivestock.com/Goats)

In addition. there are a variety of ways to purchase your show livestock. These include:

1. Production Sales
2. Online Sales
3. Private Treaty 

If you're interested in some of my favorite online sales sites, check out DVAuction

 

OR... Caldwell-Wiloughby Sales.




I would highly recommend viewing the animal in person before purchasing anything online. Although this isn't always possible, most sellers are willing to work with their customers and provide additional pictures and/or video. Also, buying online, as well as private treaty, can be less intimidating for first time buyers.

        I know we just scratched the surface when it comes to selected and purchasing livestock, but I hope I provided some useful information. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any additional questions!


Until next time...