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Showmanship – Beef

Beef Cattle Showmanship

 (Part 1) by Randy Williams

This is the first of several articles to follow that will address many of the current issues and events relative to your involvement as a 4-H Program Volunteer or 4-H Member.

A good showman is a person that has a sense or knack for an effective presentation of an animal. Showmanship is the one area of exhibiting beef cattle over which you have the most control. In showmanship, you are judged on your abilities to control and present your steer or heifer to bring out its best characteristics. Advanced planning and hard work are the keys to becoming a good show-person. Showing beef cattle not only generates enthusiasm and competition in the show ring, but also teaches valuable lessons that can be used in day to day life. These lessons include responsibility, learning about work and determination to reach a goal, winning graciously and losing with dignity.

Success in beef cattle showmanship starts at home. The first step is . . .  Complete Article – Beef Showmanship Part-1
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!
Randy Williams
Lincoln/East Adams 4-H Program Coordinator

randy.williams@wsu.edu  509-725-4171


Beef Cattle Showmanship 

(Part 2) by Randy WilliamsSteer Showmanship - foot-placement

Rinsing Your Calf and Working Hair

One of the biggest differences that I have witnessed as a beef cattle judge is observing show cattle that have had their hair “worked” and those that have not. Working hair on a daily basis 2-3 months prior to the first show has an amazing impact on the appearance of your calf. These cattle have a fresher and healthier look to them. This is especially true with cattle that are just coming off a long cold winter where they are beginning to shed their hair. Washing once a week and rinsing daily will promote this natural shedding process and enhance the growth of new hair. The use of a show conditioner (Show Sheen* or Sullivan’s Revive*) can also be used to enable the hair to stay soft and to promote a healthier hide on your calf and reduce the appearance of dead flaky skin.

Using the Show Stick

First and foremost, it is extremely important to have a “quality” show stick and very much worth the investment (do now take short-cuts here). By this I mean a show stick that is made of the right material (usually aluminum) and the appropriate length. . . . Complete Article – Beef Showmanship – Part II


 Beef showmanship - Success-isn't-a-given

 

Beef Cattle Showmanship (Part III)

by Randy Williams,
Lincoln/East Adams 4-H Program Coordinator

Show Day Preparation
Show day is finally here! There are many things that you will need to consider, now that you have spent months in preparation. All your hard work in selecting, feeding, managing, and training will finally be realized…TODAY!
You should be able to find out the show day schedule a day or so before the actual “show day”. Check to see which class you are showing in so that you can proceed with your agenda accordingly. On show day make sure your calf’s stall is clean and that they are fed and have . . . Complete Article – Beef Cattle Showmanship – Part III