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
- 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:
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
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
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
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!
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