What does it mean to show cattle?
Showing cattle can be best related to a
dog show. The cattle are shown with halters and walked around in a circle. They
are then set-up, which means that their feet are set a certain way using a show
stick, with their front feet square and their back feet staggered with the back
right foot more forward than the left (Phillips). The head is held rather high
and the belly scratched with the show stick. The cattle, steers in this market
example, are then judged by the quality of meat that has been produced and
mostly on their looks (Thomas). In breeding classes, the objective is to judge
on if the calf would be good at producing calves. Looks are also a factor but
for both instances, the structure of a claves bones and muscle are the key to
ones placing. Finally, there is showmanship with is where the quality of how
the showman shows the calf is judged (Thomas).
How does one come about showing cattle?
Most people start showing at the 4-H
level or at county fairs. Many youth only show one calf, a steer in most cases,
and then sell that steer at the county fair livestock auction (Phillips). But
others, like myself, show at a state, regional, and national level. This
involves a lot more preparation and work to be done.
What makes a good show calf?
Bone and muscle structure are the key
components to a good show calf. A deep bodied and muscular legged calf is good
quality (Phillips). Having a tame and well-marked calf can also help one to do
well. Also, working with a calves hair can really help in making a calf look
bigger and better than it might be (Thomas).
How does a show work?
There are market, breeding, and
showmanship classes (see first question). For market, the steers (castrated
bull) are divided into classes depending on their weights (Phillips). The
winners from each class are brought in for the final drive. Sometimes there are
semi-finals and then the final. For heifers, cow/calf pairs, and bulls, the
birthdate of the calf is how the classes are divided. As far as showing go,
showmen walk their calves in single file and set-up side by side in the front
of the ring (Thomas). They then walk around the ring in a single file line
ending up head to tail. The judge will place then first, second, third, etc. as
he/she thinks that they should be placed (Thomas).
What preparations are needed?
Working with the hair, taming the calf,
feeding them correctly, teaching them how to walk, washing, and blow-drying
them (Thomas).
How do sales work?
Cattle sales are done auction style.
One calf, a cow and a calf, or sometimes a pen of steers will be brought into a
sale ring. They auctioneer then will start the bid (Thomas). For selling cattle
as beef, the sale is a price per pound. But for selling calves for breeding or
showing use, the prices go by the dollar (typically in the $1,000 range).
Buyers have bidder numbers and will raise those if they want to bid on the
calf. Callers watch for them and point them out by a high pitch scream (Phillips).
Bidders will drop out at a price to high and eventually, there will be a winner
or the highest bidder.
What is a typical day like as a cattle
jock?
Tie-up, feed, wash, blow-dry, brush,
and put the calves in the cooler or under fans so that the hair will grow. This
is normally done both morning and night (Thomas). Other jobs include feeding
and processing (weighing, weaning calves, giving shots, ear tagging, worming,
and branding) the calves, and well as moving them to be in particular pastures (Phillips).
Making sure fences and waterers are working is also a daily task.
What does show day/week look like?
Wash the calves in the morning and
blow-dry them out, blowing and brushing the hair forward to try for the most
volume. Calves are then fed morning and night as well as watered regularly. The
calves are normally lying on bark or shavings with fans blowing on them (Thomas).
On show day, the same things are done, but roughly 10 classes before yours one
must fit the calf. This includes pulling the hair on the legs forward and up in
order to make the legs look more muscular and like the calf is carrying more
weight (Phillips). The tail head is also pulled up to make the calf look
squarer. Clipping and painting is done to try and correct flaws of the calf.
This technique is very difficult to prefect (Thomas).
What is the exact role of a cattle
jock?
To raise calves to sell or show. They
can help those who buy calves form them prepare at shows by washing, drying,
and fitting for them (Thomas).
How do you raise beef cattle?
Cattle must be born, weaned, processed,
possibly shown or sold, slaughtered, or used for breeding. Calves that are born
are weaned from their moms and used for showing, selling, breeding, or for
feeding out for slaughter (Thomas). When processed, shots, ear tags, tattoos,
brands, and worming medicine is given to calves, bulls, and cows. All animals
must be fed whether it is grass, hay, grain, creep feed, or any combination of
these (Phillips). They also must continue to check the cattle in case of any
medical issues. Cows will produce one calf a year and it will either be
naturally made or by artificial insemination or embryo transplant. Fences,
watering systems, and pastures must always be made, working, and available for
the farmer (Thomas).
Works Cited
Phillips,
C. J. C. Principles of Cattle Production. Wallingford, Oxon: CABI Pub.,
2001. Print.
Thomas,
Heather Smith. Storey's Guide to Raising Beef Cattle. Pownal, VT:
Storey, 1998. Print.
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