Holstein Foundation, Inc. 1

Showring ReadyShowring ReadyA Beginner’s Guide to Showing Dairy Cattle

2 SHowrIng ready

IntroductionWorking with dairy cattle and preparing them for a show can be an extremely rewarding and fun experience that teaches young people many valuable lessons and skills that can be applied to all areas of their life. Responsibility, patience, self-confidence, teamwork, sportsmanship, problem-solving and organizational skills are just a few things that youth will gain throughout their project work. This workbook is designed to serve as a guide for youth, parents and dairy project leaders who are interested in learning the basic skills associated with caring for and exhibiting dairy cattle at fairs and other shows.

Holstein Foundation, Inc. 3

Table of Contents

4 Selecting Your Project Animal

5 Caring for Your Show Animal • KeepingRecords • Housing • Nutrition • AnimalHealth

8 Preparing for the Show • Equipment • BeginningHalterTraining • Washing • FittingYourAnimal • CompletingShowEntries

19 At the Show • ArrivingattheShow&Herdsmanship • WhattoExpectattheShow • Showmanship • HolsteinFoundationRecommendedShowmanshipGuidelines

• FinalPreparationsonShowDay

29 After the Show

30 Resources and Activities • GrowthStandardRecommendationsforHolsteinHeifers • DairyProjectHealth&ManagementRecordWorksheet • DairyProjectBudgetWorksheet • ExampleShowSign

4 Showring ready

Selecting Your Project Animal

Whether you live on a dairy farm with many animals to pick from or you are planning to go out and purchase or lease your first project animal, there are a few things to take into consideration.

There are several different dairy breeds in the United States, with Holsteins being the most common. Some people have a preference when it comes to breeds, and you may be limited in breed selection depending on what you have available on your farm, or what is available from area farms or sales.

Consider what age of animal you would like to show. It is best to pick an animal that will be appropriately sized, not too big, or too small, for the person who will be showing it. Next, look at the birthdates of the animals you have to choose from. Your ideal heifer should be well grown and competitively sized in her class, so look at animals who would be some of the older ones in their class (see page 18 for a list of class breakdowns by age).

If you have more than one calf to choose from, the one that is your favorite or the friendliest may not necessarily be a show winner. If the calf is registered, evaluate its pedigree, especially if you are purchasing the animal and plan to raise it and eventually milk her as a cow. The most important consideration when selecting the calf should be her overall physical correctness. An ideal calf is free of major faults; well grown for her age, long-bodied, deep ribbed and feminine, with a desirable set of feet and legs.

Learn more about what to look for in conformation with the Holstein Foundation’s free dairy Judging workbook (available at www.holsteinfoundation.org).

Source: PDCA Dairy Cow Unified Scorecard, 2009.

Holstein image - ©2012 Holstein Association USA, Inc.

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Caring for Your Show Animal

Keeping Records

Preparingthenecessarypaperworkisoneofthemostimportantstepsinmakingsureyouwillbereadyfortheshowseason.First,findoutifyouranimalisregisteredwithitsbreedassociation.Itmayneedtoberegisteredortransferredintotheexhibitor’snamebyaspecificdate,dependingonwhichshowsyouareplanningtoenter.Ifsheisnotregisteredbutiseligibletobe,obtainaregistryapplicationfromthebreederorbreedassociationandcompleteitassoonaspossibletoensureyouhaveitbackintimefortheshow.Ifyoudon’towntheanimal,youwilllikelyneedtocompletealeaseapplicationthroughabreedassociation,4-HorFFA.Ruleswillvaryfromshowtoshow,sochecktherulesforeachshowyouplantoenterassoonaspossibletoensurethatyouwillmeetallrequirementsanddeadlines.Ifyouarepurchasingorleasingaregisteredcalf,itisagoodideatobecomeamemberofthebreed’sJuniorAssociation,asitisusuallyarequirementforenteringbreed-specificyouthshows,andcanofferawealthofopportunities,activities,andthechancetomeetpeoplewhoareinterestedinsimilarthingsasyou.AlistofbreedassociationwebsitescanbefoundontheHolsteinFoundationwebsiteundertheLinkssection.

Youwillwanttokeepaccuratehealthrecordsonyouranimal,suchaswhentheygetdehornedandreceivevaccinations(seepage32).Itisalsoagoodideatorecordyourcalf’sperformancetoensureitismeetingbenchmarksforhealthandgrowth.Monitoryourcalfregularly,andtrytorecordhergrowthmonthly.Seetheheifergrowthrecommendationsonpage31toseehowyourheifercomparestothosebenchmarks.

Anotherhelpfulexercisewithyourdairyprojectwillbetocreateabudgetandkeeptrackofyourexpenses.Considerwhatyouwillspendonpurchasinganyneededequipment,veterinarycare,feed,bedding,transportation,andshowentryfeesforyourproject(seepage33).

Housing

Therearemanyhousingoptionsforraisingcalvesandheifers.Ifyouareonafarmthatalreadyhasyoungstockhousing,itisidealtoseparateyourshowanimal(s)fromtherestoftheherdwhenyouarepreparingthemfortheshow.Thisishelpfulinmanyways,includingmakingthemmoreconvenienttoworkwith,beingabletomonitortheirhealthandconditionmoreclosely,keepingthemcleanerandbeingabletofeedthemarationspecificallytailoredfortheirneeds.

Yourheifer’spenshouldbesanitary,dry,well-ventilated,protectedfromdrafts,withanareathatprovidesshadeandprotectionfromweather.Ensuretheareaisfreefromdebris,sharpobjects,oranythingelsethatcouldinjureyouranimal.Theidealtemperatureforraisingcalvesis68degreesFahrenheit.Cattlearemostcomfortableatarangebetween30and75degreesFahrenheit.Iftheanimalisinanoutdoorpenorbarnthattendstogetverywarminthesummer,itwouldbeagoodideatosetupafantohelptheanimalstaycoolinhottertemperatures.

Theareashouldbelargeenoughthattheanimalwillnotbecrowded,hasroomtomoveabout,iseasilyaccessibletoyou,andconvenientlylocatedtoareaswhereyouwashandpracticeleadingyourheifer.Thepenshouldalsohavedesignatedareasforfeedandwater.

Finally,ifyouhavemultipleanimalsyouareworkingwith,itisacceptabletokeepthemallinonepen,aslongasthereisnottoomuchsizedifferencebetweentheanimals.Forexample,youwouldnotwantayoungcalftohavetoshareapenwithamoreaggressiveyearling.Thiswouldcreateunfavorablecompetitivenessforfeed,andtheyoungercalfmaybebulliedandnotgetallofthefeeditrequires.

SEE ALSO:page 31Heifer Growth Recommendations

page 32Health & Management Record Worksheet

page 33Budget Worksheet

6 SHowrIng ready

Nutrition

Youranimalwillbedependentonyouforfeed,qualitywaterandgeneralcare.Ifananimal’snutrientneedsarenotmet,itwillnotgrowatanacceptablerate.Consultwithadairynutritionist,experienceddairyfarmer,orshowmantodevelopadietthatwillallowyouranimaltoreachitsmaximumgrowthpotentialwhilemaintainingahealthyweightandbodycondition.

Feedingtimesshouldbeconsistentfromdaytoday.Feedgoodqualityhaytoaidinrumendevelopment.Inshowanimals,feedinghayhelpstheanimalsdeveloptheirdepthofbodyandspringofrib.Ensureyouarefeedingappropriatelevelsofgrainand/orsilagetohelppreventweightgainfromexcessiveamountsofenergyinthediet.Asitgetsclosertothetimeofashow,youshouldtransitiontofeedingtheanimalasimilardiettowhatitwillreceiveattheshow.Thisisimportantsotheanimaldoesnotgooff-feedandpreventsstomachproblemsfromasuddenchangeindiet.

Allfeedshouldbeplacedinawaythatitwillbeeasyfortheanimaltoeat,andisunlikelytogetdirty.Animalswillnot,andshouldnot,consumedirtyfeed.Ifyouhavemultipleanimalsinonepen,ensureenoughspaceatthefeedbunksoallanimalshaveanequalopportunitytoeat.

Itisextremelyimportantthatyouranimalhasconstantaccesstofresh,cleanwater.Heiferswilldrinkseveralgallonsofwatereachday,evenmoreinthehotsummermonths.Ideally,haveawaterbowlortubsetupthatautomaticallyrefillswhentheanimaldrinksfromit.Ifyoucannotsetupanautomaticwaterer,checktheanimalmultipletimesadaytoensureitisnotoutofwater.Inspectthewatertubatleastonceadaytoensureitisfreeofdirt,algae,manureorotherdebris,andcleanasnecessary.

Whetheryouranimalsarehousedindividuallyorinagroup,monitoryouranimals’bodyconditionregularly.Theheifers’rationmayneedtobeadjustedperiodically,dependingonhowtheyaredeveloping.Heifersthatcarrytoomuchexcessfatwillnotonlybeunappealingintheshowring,butitcouldalsoleadtootherdevelopmentalproblemsastheymature.Exerciseisanimportantpartofmakingsureyouranimalsmaintainahealthybodycondition.

Animal Health

Severalthingsareimportanttokeepingyouranimalhealthythroughouttheyear.Athoroughvaccinationprogramalongwithawatchfuleye,freshwater,cleanbedding,healthyairandgoodfeedareallkeyingredientstoraisingqualityanimals.Throughoutyourdairyproject,youshoulddevelopagoodrelationshipwithalocalveterinarianwhocanhelpadviseyouonthebestpracticesforkeepingyouranimalhealthyandmeetingallhealthrequirementsyoumightneedtoexhibitatashow.

Dehorningisanencouragedmanagementpracticeinthedairyindustry,forthesafetyoftheanimal,otheranimals,andpeople.Hopefullyyourprojectanimalwillalreadybedehornedwhenyouobtainit,butifitisnot,itshouldbetakencareofimmediately.Ideally,calvesshouldbedehornedassoonasapersoncanfeelwherethehornbudsare.Theyoungeracalfisdehorned,thelessstressfulitisonananimal.Anotherthingthatshouldbedonearoundthetimeofdehorningischeckingforextrateatsonyourheifer.Extrateatsshouldberemovedassoonasanexperiencedpersonisabletodistinguishthemfromnormalteats.Ifyouranimalneedstobedehornedorhasextrateats,consultwithaveterinarianorotherexperiencedindividual,astheseproceduresshouldonlybeperformedbyknowledgeableprofessionals.

Vaccinationisanimportantinvestmentinpreventativecarethatcangoalongwaytokeepingyouranimalandherdhealthy.Yourveterinariancanhelpyoucreateavaccinationprogramcustomizedtotheneedsofyourfarm.Purchasedanimalsshouldbevaccinatedpriortoarrivalonyourfarmandcloselyobservedaftertheyenterthegeneralpopulation.Whenvaccinatinganimals,trytodoitinthemorningwhenheatstressislowest.Medicalproceduresusuallycausesomestresstoananimal,sotrynottogroupthemwithotherstressfulevents,suchasweaning,asthatcouldcauselongerrecoverytime.

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Hoofcarehasalargeimpactonyouranimal’sgeneralhealth,aswellashowshewalksandwilllookintheshowring.Managementandhousingfactorshaveamajoreffectonhoofgrowthandwear.Animalskeptprimarilyonsoftsurfacessuchasgrassorabeddedpackwillnothavemuchopportunitytoweartheirhoovesdown,andtheirtoesmaygrowtoolong.Hooftrimmingshouldbedoneatleastonemonthbeforetheshow.Consultwithyourveterinarianoranexperienceddairyfarmerforadvice,ashooftrimmingshouldonlybedonebysomeonewithexperience.

Commonexternalparasitesincattleincludelice,ticks,mites,fliesandmosquitoes.Fliescanbeasignificantstressonyoungcalves,andbreedinmoistwarmclimates.Beddingandaccumulatedmanuremakeagoodplaceforfliestobreed,sokeepacleanenvironmentforyouranimalbydisposingofmanureandwasterightaway.Therearemanymethodsofflycontrol,includingpour-on,sprays,andrubsordusters,andusingsomecombinationofthesemethodsmayprovemosteffective.Youranimalwillbemorecomfortable,andtheircoatwillbehealthierandeasiertoworkwith.

Monitoryouranimalforsignsofcommonbovineailments,suchasringworm,wartsandpinkeye,asallofthesewillmakeyouranimalineligibleforashowbecausetheyareinfectious.Ringworm isacommonfungus,usuallyfoundinheifers,thatbeginsasaroundscalyspotwithhairloss;itiscommonlyfirstseenontheface,andcanspreadrapidlyacrossthebody.Beverycautiouswhenhandlinganimalswithringworm,asiteasilyspreadstoothercattle(ifyouhaveoneheiferinapenwithringworm,chancesaretheotherswilldevelopittoo)andcanspreadtohumans.Wartsarecausedbyavirus,andappearassingleormultipleroughnodulesontheskinthatarewhite/greyincolor.Pinkeyedescribesrednessandinflammationoftheliningoftheeyelidandeyeball.Pinkeyeishighlycontagious,andcommonlyspreadbyflies.Consultyourveterinarianfortreatmentofringworm,pinkeyeandtheremovalofwartsassoonasyounoticesignsofthemonyouranimal.

Finally,getintothehabitofpracticinggoodbiosecurityprotocolsonthefarmandduringtransport.Everyoneshouldtakestepstopreventthespreadofdiseasefromoneanimaltothenext.Frequentlywashingyourhandsandproperlysanitizingequipment,clothingandshoesafterworkingwithyouranimals,especiallybeforeandaftergoingtoanotherfarm,arejustafewthingsyoucando.

8 SHowrIng ready

Preparing for the Show

Equipment

Inordertoproperlycareforandgroomyouranimal,youwillneedtherightshowgear.Thefollowinglistincludesrecommendeditemstobringtoashow.Allofthesesuppliesshouldbeavailableatyourlocalfarmsupplystore,orpopularshowsupplywebsites.Showsuppliesareaninvestment,butwithpropercare,theyshouldlastseveralyears.

STORAgE

Showboxorotherlargecontainer

BRuSHES

Stiff-bristledbrushesSoft-bristledbrushCurrycombTailbrushorcomb

WASHINg EquIPmENT

ScrubBrushHoseSpraynozzleSoap(suchasOrvus)BucketClothtocleanearsToplinebrushforthetail

CLIPPINg EquIPmENT

LargeclippersSmallclipperswithfineblades2setsofbladesBladelubricant(suchasWD-40)BlowdryerExtensioncords(3-prong)ToplinebrushHairadhesive(suchasClearMagic)

TACK

NylonhalterLeathershowhalterTwo-waytiesNeckchains

FEEd SuPPLIES

GrainHayBeetpulpWaterbucketFeedtubFeedscoop

PAPERS

Healthpapers(fromyourvet)RegistrationpapersProductionrecords

CLOTHES

ShowclothesHardtoedshoesClothestowearwhilewashingRubberbootsShowharness

BEddINg SuPPLIES

StrawShavingsBroomPitchforkShovelWheelbarrowStrawboard(usedtocreateasquareedgeonyourbeddingpack)

TOOLS

DucttapeHammerNailsPliersScissorsStaplegunWireZipties

ExHIBIT

FansDisplaydecorationsChairsExtensioncords(3-prong)

OTHER SHOWBOx SuPPLIES

FlysprayExtrarags/babywipes/papertowelsRubbingalcohol

gENERAL mEdICAL SuPPLIES

Thermometer**If you think your animal is becoming

sick at a show, contact the official show

veterinarian or another professional for

assistance.

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Nowthatyou’vemadeallthepreparationstosetyourselfupforsuccess,it’stimetostartworkingwithyouranimal.Youshouldbeginworkingwithyouranimalasearlyaspossibleorassoonasthecalfisoldenough,butatleasttwotothreemonthspriortoyourshow.Themoreyouworkwithyouranimal,thebettertheexperiencewillbeforeveryoneinvolved.Dairycattlearecreaturesofhabitandtheywillrespondbesttocalmandconsistentpractices.Whenworkingwithyouranimal,alwaystakecaretobecalmandgentle,andtrynottomakeanysuddenmovementsorloudnoisesthatwouldstartleyourheifer.

Beforedoinganythingwithyouranimal,ensureyouhaveproperattireandfootweartominimizeyourriskofinjury.Flipflops,sandals,clogsandbarefeetarestrictlyunacceptablewhenworkingwithcattle.Hardtoeandsoleshoesareamust.

Animportantfirststepisgettingyourheiferaccustomedtonormalgroomingroutines,suchasbeingled,handledandwashed.Spendtimewithyouranimaltogetherusedtopeople;talktoyourheifertofamiliarizehertoyourvoice,andhandleherwithgentlemovementstokeephercalm.Groomingherdailywillhelpimproveherappearance,keepingthehairandskinhealthier.Themoretimeyouspendwithyourcalf,thesooneryouwilldeveloparelationshipandtrust.Allgoodshowmenhaveanatural,quiet,gentlewaywithcattle.

Beginning Halter Training

Thoughnotalwayspossible,thebesttimetohaltertrainananimaliswhenitisyoungandcanbeeasilyhandled.Especiallythefirstseveraltimesyouarecatchingyourheifer,haveatleastonepersonassistingyou.Whencatchingyouranimaltoputahalteronit,againremembertoworkcalmlyandquietly.Youdonotwanttheanimaltofeellikesheisbeingchased;itshouldbeapleasantexperiencethatshewillgrowtoenjoy.

Alwaysuseanylonhalterfortraining.Toapplythehalter,holdtheleadropeinonehand,andmakesurethechinstrapprovidesenoughslacksothereisplentyofroomfortheanimal’snosetofitthrough.Theadjustablesideofthehalteralwaysgoesontheleftsideofthecalf’shead.Donotdragtheendofthehalterasitmaybecometangledinthecalf’slegsand/orgetdirty.Grasptheheadstallinyourotherhandandslipitoverthecalf’sheadandears.Arrangethechinstrapandguideupitschin,tighteningtheleadropetofit.Thenosepieceshouldbeevenlypositionedbetweenthetopofthenostrilsandtheeyes.Nylonhalterstypicallycomeintwosizes(calfandheifer/cow),sotrytouseonethatismadefortheageoftheanimalyouareworkingwith.

Startoffbytyingyourheiferwithahalterforuptoanhourthefirstfewdays.Herheadshouldbetiedatacomfortableheight(nottoohigh;theheifershouldbeabletostandcomfortablywithouthavingtostretchherneck),withnomorethanfiveinchesofslackintherope.Iftheleadropehastoomuchslackinit,theheifermaybeabletogettangledupandinjurethemselves.Tieyouranimalinasafe,quietplace,onsecurefootingthatshewillnotsliponifshemovesaround.Neverleaveananimaltiedupunattended,andneverleavethemtiedforanextendedperiodoftimeindirectsunlight.Alwaystieyouranimalusingaquick-releaseslipknot,soyoucanuntieherquicklyandeasilyifanemergencyweretoarise.Youmaywanttopracticethisonaropeseveraltimesuntilyougetthehangofitbeforeattemptingtotieyouranimalup.Seethenextpagetolearnhowtotieaslipknot.

Usethistimewhileyourheiferistieduptobeginformingabondwithher.Workcalmlyandquietly,talktoyouranimalandkeepahandonheratalltimessosheknowswhereyouareanddoesn’t

becomestartled.Takecarenottogetkicked,andneverputyourselfinapositionwhereyouwouldbetrappedagainstawallorotherhardobjectifyouranimalweretoswingaround.Youcanbrushyourheifer,andifsheiscalmenough,workyourwayuptoherheadandspendsometimepettingherneckandshoulderarea.Thiswillgetheraccustomedtoyoubeingbyherheadandwillmakethetransitiontoleadinghereasier.

Thisheiferiswearingacorrectlyappliednylonhalter.

10 SHowrIng ready

1. Wrap the end of the lead rope around a secure rail.

2. Wrap the loose end of the lead rope back over the part of the rope between the rail and the rest of the halter, forming a circle.

3. Reach your fingers through the circle, and grasp a section of lead rope.

4. Pull that section of lead rope back through the circle, forming a loop and pulling until the knot is tight.

5. To secure the knot, slip the loose end of the lead rope through the loop (but don’t pull it tight).

6. To release the knot, remove the loose end of the lead rope from the loop and pull. The knot should come undone quickly and easily.

How to Tie a quick Release Slip Knot

1.

6.

2.

3. & 4.

5.© 2011 Holstein Foundation, Inc.

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dEvELOPINg A PARTNERSHIP

Onceyourheiferisusedtothehalterandstandsquietlywhentiedup,it’stimetobegintraininghertoleadproperly.Again,itwillbehelpfultohavesomeonetoassistyou.Heifersoftenwalkbetteriftheyhavesomeonetofollowthemwhentheyarefirstlearning.Alwaysleadyouranimalfromherleftside.Ifyouattempttopullastubborncalfrightawayitmayplantitslegsandpullbackontheleadrope.Ifthishappens,letthetensionofftherope.Whentheanimaltakesastepforward,releaseitsheadtension.Pullonlytostartitwalkingagainafteritstops.Rememberthatyouareworkingwithayounganimal,anddon’ttrytodotoomuchthefirstfewtimes.Practiceleadingonadry,levelsurfacethatdoesn’thavemanyrocksorotherdebrisyouoryourheifercouldstepon.

Whenleadingyourheifer,NEVERwraptheleadropearoundyourhand,arm,waist,oranyotherbodypart;iftheheifermovedawayfromyouquicklywhenyouwereboundlikethis,youcouldbeseriouslyinjured.Ifyouranimalstartstopullandtriestogetaway,trytokeepaholdofher,butofcourse,don’tputyourselfinapositiontobeinjured.Thisisonemorereasonwhyitishelpfultohaveanolderpersonassistingyouwhenyouaregettingstarted.Itisimportantforyouranimaltodevelopgoodhabits,andifitlearnsitcangetawayfromyou,itwilltrytodoitagain,whichcanquicklybecomeaproblem.

Whenyoufirststartyourtraining,don’tworrytoomuchabouttheheifer’sheadcarriage.Itismoreimportanttojustgetherwalkingforwardcomfortably.Rememberthatthisisalearningexperienceforbothofyou,bepatient,anddonotgetupsetifyouranimalisnotcooperativeatfirst.Agentletugasyouwalkshouldsignalthecalftofollow.Onceyourheiferhassuccessfullytakenafewsteps,stopandpethergentlyontheneck,thentrytotakeafewmoresteps.Thissystemofsmallprogressandreward,andbeinggentlewillquicklyteachtheheiferwhatyouwanthertodo.Begingettingyourheiferaccustomedtosettingherlegsupthewayyouwillwanthertointheshowring.Thereismoredetailonthislater,butthebasicsarethatthefrontfeetshouldbesetsquarelybeneathhershoulders,andthehindlegclosesttothejudge(typicallytheinsideofacircle,walkingclockwise)shouldbesetfurtherbackthantheother.Asshebeginstowalkmorefreely,workongettinghertotakesmalluniformsteps.

Neverhityouranimalunderanycircumstance.Usuallyataponthenoseoratugonthehalterisenoughtoletherknowthatyouareisincontrol.Ifyouneedtoslowyourheiferdown,putyourlefthandinfrontofhermuzzleoruseyourrighthandtoapplypressuretoherpointofshoulder.Ifyourheiferremainspushy,haveanolderpersontryleadingherforalittlewhile,sotheylearntorespectthepersonleadingthem.

Onceyouranimalisconsistentlyleadingcomfortablyonthehalter,workonstrengtheningyourpartnershipandshowinghertoherbestadvantage.Holdherheadatanappropriatelevelsoshelooksherbest.Practicingleadingshouldbecomepartofyourdailyroutine,workingwithyourcalffor20minuteseachday.Practiceleadingindifferentareassoshelearnstotrustyouandbecomesaccustomedtostrangesoundssuchasbirds,fallingbranchesandotherstrangenoises.Also,havesomeoneelseleadherasyouwatch,soyoucanlearnhowshelookswhenwalkingandstandingincertainpositions.

INTROduCINg THE SHOW HALTER ANd FINE TuNINg YOuR SKILLS

Onceyouandyourcalfarecomfortableandshecanbeledwithouttugging,introducehertotheleathershowhalter.Selectahaltercolorthatbestcomplimentsyourcalf’sbreed;blackiscommonlyusedforHolsteins,whilesomecoloredbreedsmaylookbetterwithabrownleatherhalter.Halterscomeinseveralsizes,fromSmallforyoungcalves,toExtraLargeforolder,largercows,soyouwillwanttobesureyoufindthesizethatisbestforyouranimal.Thehalter’snosebandshouldbeevenlypositionedtofitacrossthebridgeofthenose,midwaybetweentheanimal’seyesandthetopofthenostrils.Ahalterthatistoobigtakesawayfromananimal’sappearanceandisdangerousasitcaneasilybepulledoff.

12 SHowrIng ready

Whenleading,thehaltershouldbeheldfirmlyintheexhibitor’slefthand,withthehandinsidethehalterwrappedaroundtheringwithafirmgriponthechain;neverleadananimalwithyourfingersinsidethehalter’sring.Theleadstrapshouldbeloopedlooselyintherighthand.Whenintheshowringyouwillalmostalwaysbewalkinginaclockwisedirection,sothisishowyoushouldpracticeathome.Practicehavingsomeoneapproachandtouchyourcalfinthesamewayajudgewouldinthering.

Whenshowing,alwaysstayonyouranimal’sleftside.Faceatanangle,inapositionfarenoughawaytoseethestanceofherfeetandtopline.Again,toposeaheifer,thefrontfeetshouldbesquarelyplacedwiththerearlegclosesttothejudgeback.Foracowinmilk,thehindlegnearestthejudgeshouldbeslightlyaheadoftheotherleg.Ifpossible,positionherfrontfeetonaslightinclineratherthangoingdownhill.Youwillwanttorepositionyouranimal’shindfeetasthejudgemoves

fromonesideoftheanimaltotheother,sopracticetakingyourheiferonestepaheadorback,soyouwilleasilybeabletomakethetransition.Neveruseyourfeettopositionyourheifer’srearlegs,anddon’tallowyouranimaltostandtoostretchedout.Ifyouneedtouseyourfeettosquareupyouranimal’sfrontfeet,doitcalmlyanddiscreetly.Whilepracticingathome,gettingyourheiferaccustomedtosettingupherfeetwillmakethingsmucheasieronshowday.

Notehowtheexhibitorisgraspingtheringandchainwithoutplacinghisfingersthroughthering.

Onceyouranimalisconsistentlywalkingfreelywithyouatthehalter,getherinthehabitofalwayswalkingwithherheadup,notjustintheshowring,withyourhandinthehalter(walkingforward).Thiswillensurethatyoualwayshavegoodcontrolofyouranimal,reinforcesyourtrainingthatherheadshouldbeupintheshowring,andwillalsokeepyourheiferlookingherbestatalltimes.Youneverknowwhomaybewatchingyouwhileyou’rewalkingyouranimal,eitherathomeorattheshow.Itisapositivereflectiononyouasashowmantohaveacalmanimalthatalwayslooksnice,whethersheisintheshowringorjustwalkingtothewashrack.

Yourultimategoalistogetyourheifertorespondquicklytohaltercommandsandwalkgracefully.Ausefulmovetoteachyouranimalishowtobackup.Tobackherup,applypressuretothepointofshoulderwithyourfingertipsonyourrighthand,andapplybackwardpressureonthehalter.Thisisnotanaturalmovefordairycattle,soitwilltakesomepractice.Usethisskilltoadjustthepositionofyourheifer’sfeet;donocircleyouranimalwhenyouneedtoswitchposes.

Asafinalnote,nevertieyouranimalupwhentheyhaveashowhalteron;eitherholdthemyourself,orhavesomeoneassistandholdtheanimalforyouifyouneedtodosomefinishingtouchesafteryouhavealreadyputtheshowhalteron.

Correctrearlegpositionforaheifer. Correctrearlegpositionforacow.

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Washing

Anylonhaltershouldalwaysbeusedwhenwashingyourcalf.Tiehersecurelyinyourwashingareausingaslipknot.Again,makesureyoudonothavetoomuchslackintherope(lessthanfiveinches),asanimalstiedtoolongwillmovearoundmore,makingthemdifficulttowash.Forsafetysake,ensuretheareayouarewashinginhasgoodfootingtoreducethechanceofyourheifer(oryou)slippingwhenthesurfacebecomeswetandsoapy.Wearclothesandshoesthatyoudon’tmindgettingwet;somepeoplethathaveseveralanimalstowashwilleveninvestinarainsuittohelpthemstaydry.

Usingahosewithanozzle,slowlybeginwettingtheanimalcompletely.Startatthehoovesandworkyourwayuptothelegs,back,shouldersandneck.Remember,cattlepreferanice,steadyspray.Asalways,workcalmlyandgentlyanddon’tdoanythingthatwouldsurpriseorstartleyouranimal.Gentlywettheheadwithaweakerspray,andavoidtheeyesandears(gettingwaterinaheifer’searwillcauseittodroop).Repeatthisprocessontheotherside.Don’tforgettowetandwashthetail;somepeoplesavethisstepforlastasanimalsliketoswingtheirwettails.

Fillyourwashbucketwithsoapandwater.Usingsoapspeciallyformulatedforcattle(suchasOrvus)worksbest.Dipastiff-bristledbrushinthebucketandbeginscrubbing,usingfirmcircularmotions,startingatthetopofthebodyandworkingdownwards.Useaclean,wetclothtowasharoundyourheifer’seyes,noseandears.Becautiousaroundthelegsassomeanimalsmaytrytokick.Scrubbothsidesofyouranimalandunderthebelly,workingthewaterandsoapintoalather.Payspecialattentiontothetopline,workingtowashoutallofthedirtandsweat,asthatwillmakeiteasierwhenyouareworkingwiththehairlater.Workyourwaydowntoscrubthehooves(carefully,toavoidgettingkicked),removingasmuchdriedmanurefromthemaspossiblebyscrubbingwithastiffbristledbrush.Becareful,becausesomeanimalsaresensitivewiththeirfeet,especiallyaroundthehoofhairline.

Thoroughlyrinsethesoapoutfromtheheadandworkyourwaydowneverypart,includingthebelly,tailandhooves.Ifyoudon’tgetallthesoapwashedout,itwillcreatedandruffanddryskinthatishardtogetridof.Again,takeextracaretoensureallsoapiswashedoutoftheanimal’stopline.Ifyourheifer’stailistangledafterwashing,youcanusesomeregularhairconditionertohelpdetangleit.Someshowmenalsoliketouseconditionerontheiranimals’toplinestohelpthehairstayintopcondition.Likewithsoap,ifyouuseconditioner,besuretothoroughlyrinseitout.

Oncerinsed,brushherswiftlytoremovetheremainingwater,usingeitheracleanstiff-bristledbrush,oryourwashbrushafterithasbeenthoroughlyrinsed.Aftergettingthetanglesout,holdtheswitchupsidedownandcombitwithatoplinebrushtogiveitafullerappearance.Remembertobrushthebellyasthatareatendstocollectwater.Yourheifershouldnotbedrippingwaterwhenyoutakeherbacktoherpenafterwashing.Thetoplinehairshouldbebrusheddownflatwiththegrainofthehairasthiswillmakeiteasiertostandupwhenitcomestimetofitherfortheshow.

Youshouldwashyouranimalwithsoaponceortwiceperweek,butitisagoodideatoatleastrinsethemoffdailywithwater,especiallyduringthewarmermonths,asthiswillhelpcoolthemdown,keepthemcleanandgetthemusedtobeinghandledregularly.Washingwithsoaptoofrequentlymaydryouttheskinandhair.

Fitting Your Animal

Animportantpartofexhibitingdairycattleisbeingabletoclipandpreparethemsotheylooktheirbestintheshowring.Clippingisoneofthemostimportantthingsyoucandotoyouranimal,asitimprovesitsstyleandoverallappearance.Notwopeopleclipexactlythesame,andnotallanimalsarealike.Worktodevelopyourownsystemandstyle;onceyouhavemasteredtheartofclipping,itwillbeextremelysatisfyingknowingthatyoupreparedyouranimalonyourown.Someshowswillevenincludeaclippingcompetitionforyouth.

Whenyoufirststartout,askforanadvisor’sassistance,havingthemcoachyouthroughtheprocess.Ifyouhaveaccesstomultipleanimals,practiceclippinganimalsthatarenotonesyouplantoshow,soyoucanexperimentwithyourtechniqueanditisOKifyoumakemistakes.Practicemakesperfect!Ifyouhavetheopportunity,watchanexperiencedshowmancliptheiranimals,payingattentiontohowtheyhandletheclippersandworkwiththehairindifferentpartsofthebody.

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Takingpropercareofyourequipmentisimportant,anddoingsowillensureitwilllastalongtime.Hereareafewbasicpiecesofequipmentyoushouldhaveinyourshowbox,andwhateachisusedfor:

•Largeclippers:Alargesetofclippersiswhatyouwillusetoclipmostofthebody,withtheexceptionoftheearsandtail.

•Smallclippers:Asmallsetofclipperstypicallyhavefinerbladesandwillclipthehairshorter.Theseclippersaretobeusedontheears,tailandtofinetunethetopline.

•Twosetsofblades:It’shelpfultohavemultiplesetsofbladesincasethesetyouareusingbecomesdullorbreaks.Moreadvancedfitterswillhavemultiplebladesthatwillclipthehairdifferentlengthsdependingonwhattheendgoalis.Readmoreaboutthisonpage17.

•Bladelubricant:Itisimportantforyoutosprayalubricant,suchasWD-40,onyourclipperbladesfrequentlytohelpthemstaycoolandsharplonger.

•Blowdryer:Theblowerwillbeusedtohelptheanimal’shairstandupwhenyouareworkingonthetopline.

•Extensioncords:Youwillwanttohaveatleastonegoodlengthextensioncord(3-prong,nothousehold)incaseyouhavetoclipinanareathatisnotclosetoanelectricaloutlet.

•Toplinebrush:Youwillwanttoonlyusethisbrushwhenworkingonthetopline,toensureitstaysclean.Thisstiff-tinedbrushwillhelptraintheanimal’shairtostandupwhenyouareworkingonthetopline.

•Hairadhesive:Astrongadhesive,suchasClearMagic,whichisformulatedspecificallyforuseincattle,willhelpthehairstayinplaceoncethetoplineisclippedandblownuponshowday.Thisproductisverystrongandshouldbeusedsparinglyuntilshowday;getadvicefromanexperiencedshowmanwhenlearningtoapplyhairadhesivetothetopline.

Beforetheshowseasonbegins,ideallyassoonasitbeginstostaywarminthespring,youshouldfullyclipyouranimal,removingherlongwintercoat.Thiswillallowthehairtogrowbackevenlywithaclean,healthyappearance.

Amonthorsobeforeyourfirstshow,beginworkingwiththeanimal’stoplinehair,trainingittostandup.Beginbywashingyourcalfwell.Whensheiscompletelycleananddry,youcanbeginblowinguptheanimal’stoplineandremovinganyremainingdampness.

Twodaysbeforetheshowyoushouldclipyouranimalforthefinaltime,gettinghertoplineclippedthewayyouwillwantittolook,soonshowdayallyouhavetodoisblowitupandsetitwithhairadhesive.

WORKINg WITH TOPLINE HAIR

Toblowuphertoplinehair,takeyourblower,andholditataslightangleagainstthetopline.Youshouldbeworkingupthehaironthesides,ratherthanbrushingstraightdownthetopofthespine.Becarefultomakesuretheblowerisprimarilyblowingagainstthehair,ratherthanthespine,oryouriskburningyourheifer’sskin.Placeyourtoplinebrushinfrontoftheblower,andpushthemtogetherdowntheback,encouragingthehairtostandonend.Thecleanerthehairis,theeasieritwilltrain.Youwillhavetodothisovertheareaseveraltimespersessiontotrainittostandupeasily.Again,donotletthehotairhityouranimal’sskinforanextendedperiodoftime,orleaveitinoneplaceonthehairfortoolong,oryou

Thearrowsonthisdiagramshowthedirectionyoushouldclipthehairtogoagainstthegrainofthehair.Thedarkgreyareaalongthebackisconsideredthe“topline.”Thelightgreyareasontheearsandtailshowwhereshorterbladesmallclippersshouldbeused.

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riskscorchingthehairand/orburningyouranimal’sskin.

Whilearegularblowdryercanwork,ifyouhavemultipleanimalsorplantoshowatmanyshows,itwouldbewisetoinvestinablowerdesignedforuseonlivestock.Manytimestheycomewithaspecialattachmentthathelpsdirecttheflowofairbetter.

THE BASICS OF BOdY CLIPPINg

Hereareafewhelpfultipsforgettingstartedclipping:

•Alwaysclipinawell-litareasoyoucanclearlyseewhatyouaredoing.

•Alwaysclipagainstthegrainofthehair.

•Clipslowly,takinglong,steadystrokes.

•Beginononesideoftheanimalandfinishitcompletelybeforemovingtotheother.

•Neverleaveyouranimalhalf-clipped;ifyouaregoingtostartclipping,besureyouwillhaveenoughtimetodothejobcompletely.

•Alwayskeepyourfreehandonyouranimaltohelpsteadyit,especiallywhenworkingaroundthelegs.Likeanyothertimeyouworkwithyouranimal,youdonotwanttostartleit.

Someanimalsdonotliketobeclipped,sobepatientastheyadjusttothenoiseandthefeelingoftheclipperblades.Forthepurposesofthisworkbook,wearegoingtorecommendworkingfrombacktofront,ascattleareusuallylesssensitivewhenworkingwiththeirbackend,anditwillgivethemmoretimetoadjusttobeingclippedbeforeyougetclosetotheirhead.Beforeyoustartclipping,blowuphertoplinehair,soyoucanbeingtoseehowitwilllookandstartblendingasyougo.

Beginnershowmenshouldhavetwosetsofclippers–onelargesetoflivestockclipperstobeusedonmostofthebody,andasetofsmallerclipperswithshorterblades(recommended:size30/0.5mmblade)tobeusedonthetailandears.Formoreguidanceonspecificclipperbladesizes,seethesection“TakingYourFittingtotheNextLevel”onpage17.

TAIL/RumP

Thetailshouldbeclippedthreetofourinchesabovethetopoftheswitchuptotherump.Ifyouhavethem,clipthetailwithyoursmallclippers,astheshorterhairwillhelpgivealeaner,moredairyappearance.Stopclippingupthebackofthetailwiththesmallclippersatthepointwherethehairbeginstoformaridge;youwillblendthatlateraspartofthetopline.Cliptherumpwithyourlargeclippers,leavingenoughhairbythetoplinesoitcanbeblendedinandyoucancorrectanyfaults.Clipoffanylonghairsonthevulvawithsmallclippers.

LEgS

Legscanbeoneofthemostdifficultareastoclip,becauseanimalstendtomove,andtherearemanydifferentcurvesandcrevicestogetaroundthehock.Becarefulwhenyouclipthelegs,asyouranimalmaykick,andkeeponehandonthecalf’sbodytomakeitfeelmorecomfortable.Whenclippingthefrontandrearlegs,allthehairshouldberemoveduptothebelly,includingtheinsideofthelegs.Takeyourtimeandexperimentwithdifferentwaysofanglingtheclipperstohelpyougetallthehair,especiallydownbythehoofline.Ifyouhaveapairofsmallclipperswithbladesthatclipthesamelengthasyourlargeclippers,theycanbyeasiertomaneuveronthelowerpartoftheleg.

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BOdY

Holdtheclippersparallelagainstthebodyofyouranimal,astheclipperbladesaresharpandyoudon’twanttocutyourheiferoryourself.Remembertoworkinlong,steadystrokesclippingagainstthegrainofthehair;don’tuseshort,choppystrokes.Cliptheentirebody,leavingtwotothreeinchesofhairneartheback,includingtheloin,chineandrump.Thishaireventuallywillbeblendedtoformthetopline.

Cliphairofffromthebelly,makingsureyouclipallthewayupthroughthebrisket.Someexhibitorsprefertoleavelongerhaironaheifer’sbelly.Ifyouhavetheopportunitytoworkwithanexperiencedshowman,youcanhavethemshowyouhowtoproperlyblendthebellyhairifyoudecidetoleaveiton.Ifyouareexhibitingamilkingcow,thebellyandudderwillneedtobeclippedtodisplaythemilkveins.Youwillwanttousesmallclippersontheuddertoremoveasmuchhairaspossible,aswellasalongthemilkvein.Askforassistancefromanexperiencedshowmanifyouareunsurewhattodowhenclippingamilkingcowforthefirsttime.

HEAd & NECK

Mostanimalswillnotlikehavingtheirheadsclipped,especiallyifitistheirfirsttime.Startbyclippingthebrisketandthroat,workingcalmly.Alwayshaveanadultassistyouwhenclippingtheheadtohelpyoucontroltheanimal.Cliptheheadandneckwithregularlargeclippers,andusesmallclippersontheinsidesandedgesoftheear.Donotuselargeclippersontheears.

Whenclippingtheneck,startinsidethepointofshoulder.Gostraightupfromthepointofshouldertothetopoftheshoulderblade.Keepingyourclippersatthesameangle,gostraightup;donotroundoffthetopofthewithers,asthatispartofthetopline.

Workingcalmlyandquietly,clipthehead,stillclippingagainstthegrainofthehair.Itissometimeshelpfulifyouhaveaccesstoheadlocks,asthehaltercanbemovedforeasieraccess.Youwilllikelyhavetoholdtheclippersinseveraldirectionstogetallofthehair,ascowsoftenhavealotofswirlsontheirforeheads.Cliptheentirehead,trimmingbehindthepollandclippingoffthewhiskers.Beextracautiouswhenworkingaroundyourheifer’seyes,andtakecarenottoaccidentallytrimoffhereyelashes.Youwillneedtoloosenupthehaltertogetthehairthatwashiddenbytherope.

TOPLINE

Clippingaheifer’stoplineisakeystepinpreparingforashow.Thepurposeofclippingthetoplineaspecificwayistoenhancetheanimal’sappearance,makingherlookstraightandsharpdownhertop.Ittakesagreatdealofpracticeandexperimentationtomasterthis,anditisbestifyoucanpracticefirstonanimalsthatyoudonotplantoshow.Itwouldalsobehelpfultofindsomeonewithexperienceclippingcattletohelpguideyouthroughtheprocessthefirsttime.

Makesureyourcalfisstandingonlevelgroundwithitsheadatthesamelevelitwillbewhenyouareshowingit.Itissometimeseasiestifyoucanhaveanassistantholdtheanimal,ratherthantyingitup.Startbyblowingtheheifer’stoplinehairupsoitisstandingup,asyouhadtrainedit.

Oncethehairisstandingup,beginbytrimmingstraightacrosssoshelookslevelfromherrumptoherwithers.Keeptwohandsontheclippersforstability.Youcanfinetunethelevelnesswhenyouaredoneblendingwithapairofscissors,ifneeded.

Next,beginwhittlingawayatthehairtogiveheranicelyblended,wedge-shapedtopline.Holdtheclipperswithonefingerheldbeneaththebladesasaguideandforbalance.Blendthestandinghairintothebodyoftheheiferusingaverylighttouch.Clipthehairalongbothsides(crops,shouldersandback)ofthetoplinecreatingawedgeshape.Takealittleoffatatimeasyoucanalwaysgobackandtakemoreoff.Remembertotrimonbothsidesofthetailhead.

Whenyouarefinished,thetoplineshouldlooksmooth,natural,andwell-blended.Ifitstilllooksroughandobviouswherethelongerhairsare,youshouldkeepworking.Youmayneedtostopatsomepointwhileyouareclippingandre-blowupthetoplinehairtoensureitisstandingstraightup.Whenyouarefinishedbrushyouranimalofftoseeifyoumissedanyspots.Ifyouhavesomeonehelpingyou,havethemleadthecalfasifyouwereatashowsoyoucanstandbackandmakesurehertoplinelookslevelandwellblended.Gettingthetoplineright,especiallywhenyouarefirstlearning,cantaketime,sobepatientanddon’trush.

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Washyourheiferagainafteryouarefinishedclippingtoremoveanydirtthatwasingrainedinherhide,loosehair,andtowashoutanyadhesiveproductsyouusedonthetopline.

TAKINg YOuR FITTINg TO THE NExT LEvEL

Asyouhoneyourskillsinclippingshowanimalsandbuildyourinventoryoffittingsupplies,youmaystarttolookforwaysthatyoucantakeyourskillstothenextlevel.Onethingthatmanyexperienceddairyfittersdoisusedifferentsize/lengthbladestoachieveamorerefinedlookfortheiranimal.Belowaresomeguidelinesfromexperiencedshowpeopleondifferentbladesyoucanworkwithandhowtousethem.

Asyoucanseefromthepicturesbelow,mostclipperbladescomeclearlylabeledwiththeirstandardlengths.Whenindoubt,consultwithasalespersonatyourshowsupplystoretobesureyouarepurchasingthecorrectbladeyouarelookingfor.Asmanyofthesebladeswillcutthehairveryshort,youshouldexperimentfirstonanimalsthatyouarenotplanningonshowing,untilyougetthefeelforhowthebladeswork,and/oraskforguidancefromanexperiencedfitterorshowperson.

•For the Body:Andisbrandsize31bottombladewithasize23topblade,orsomethingcomparableofadifferentbrand

•For the Head and Legs: Size10bladesonasmallclipper(cutshairto1.5mm)

•For the Ears:Size30bladeonasmallclipper(cutshairto0.5mm)

• For the Tail:Size30 bladeontheblackpartofthetailandsize40or50onthewhitepart.The40and50bladeswillcutthehairextremelyshort,andshouldneverbeusedonblackhairbecauseitwillmaketheskinappeargreyandbetoohardtoblend.Size40and50bladesshouldalsoneverbeusedforfittinganywhereonananimal’sbodyexceptthetail,andudderoncows.

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Completing Show Entries

Beforeheadingtoashow,thereisanotherimportantstepyouneedtocomplete–fillingoutandsendinginanentryform!Rulescanvarygreatlyfromshowtoshowandwithinthedairybreeds.Obtainacopyoftherulesfromeachshowyouareplanningtoenterandreviewthemthoroughly.Reviewthehealthrequirementsandcheckwithyourveterinarianforanyhealthtestsorpaperworkthatmayneedtobecompleted.

Forashow,allentriesaredividedintoclassesbyage.Showmanshipclassesaregroupedaccordingtotheexhibitor’sage(usuallyasofJanuary1,butchecktheshowrules).Conformationclassesaregrouped,bybreed,accordingtotheageofanimal.

Thefollowingisalistoftypicalclassesyouwillfindatmostdairyshows,listedyoungesttooldest.Alwaysverifytheofficialclassesyourshowisofferingintheshowrules.

1. Spring Heifer Calf–(alsoreferredtoasJuniorCalf)bornonorafterMarch1intheyearoftheshowandover4monthsofage

2. Winter Heifer Calf–(alsoreferredtoasIntermediateCalf)bornDecember1–February29intheyearoftheshow

3. Fall Heifer Calf–(alsoreferredtoasSeniorCalf)bornSeptember1–November30oftheyearpriortotheshow4. Summer Yearling Heifer–bornJune1–August31oftheyearpriortotheshow5. Spring Yearling Heifer–(alsoreferredtoasJuniorYearling)bornMarch1–May31oftheyearpriortothe

show6. Winter Yearling Heifer–(alsoreferredtoasIntermediateYearling)bornDecember1–February287. Fall Yearling Heifer–(alsoreferredtoasSeniorYearling)bornSeptember1–November308. Junior Champion, Reserve Junior Champion & Honorable Mention Junior Champion–(selectedfromfirstand

secondplaceanimalsfromSpringHeiferCalf–FallYearlingHeiferclasses)9. Junior Best Three–Consistsofthreefemalesallbredbytheexhibitorandshowninheiferclasses.Breedermust

ownatleastoneoftheanimals.Theownerofthedamatthetimeofbreedingisconsideredthebreederoftheanimal.

10. Milking Yearling Heifer–bornonorafterSeptember1(musthavefreshened)11. Junior Two-Year-Old Cow–bornMarch1–August31(musthavefreshened)12. Senior Two-Year-Old Cow–bornSeptember1–February28(musthavefreshened)13. Junior Three-Year-Old Cow–bornMarch1–August3114. Senior Three-Year-Old Cow–bornSeptember1–February2815. Intermediate Champion, Reserve Intermediate Champion & Honorable Mention Intermediate Champion–

(selectedfromfirstandsecondplaceanimalsfromMilkingYearling–SeniorThreeYear-OldCowclasses)16. Four-Year Old Cow–bornSeptember1–August3117. Five-Year-Old Cow–bornSeptember1–August3118. Six-Year-Old Cow & Older–bornbeforeSeptember119. 150,000 lb. Cow–Anyagemilkingcowproducingover150,000poundsofmilklifetime.Toparticipateinthis

class,youwillhavetobringalonganofficialmilktestingsheetverifyingherproduction.20. Three & Four-Year-Old Dry Cow–bornSeptember1–August3121. Five-Year-Old & Older Dry Cow–bornbeforeSeptember1,makingheroverfiveyearsoldattheshow22. Senior Champion, Reserve Senior Champion & Honorable Mention Senior Champion–(selectedfromfirstand

secondplaceanimalsfromFour-Year-OldCow–DryCow)23. Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion & Honorable Mention Grand Champion–(selectedfromwinnersof

theJuniorChampions,IntermediateChampionsandSeniorChampions)24. Senior Best Three–Consistsofthreemilkingfemalesallbredbytheexhibitorshowninclasses10-14and16-21.

Breedermustownatleastoneoftheanimals.Theownerofthedamatthetimeofbreedingisconsideredthebreederoftheanimal.

25. Group Classes–Manyshowshavegroupclassesdependingontheshowtheycouldinclude:ProduceofDam,Dam&Daughter,Exhibitor’sHerdandStateHerd.Checkshowrulestoverifywhichclasseswillbeoffered.

26. Champion Bred & Owned–Chosenfromthehighestrankinganimalbredandownedbytheexhibitor.27. Premier Breeder –Thishonoriscalculatedusingapointsystem.Eachclasshasaspecificpointvalueforeach

placing.ThebreederwinningthemostpointsisdesignatedPremierBreeder.Tobeconsideredthebreederofananimalyoumustownthedamatthetimeofbreeding.

28. Premier Exhibitor–Thishonoriscalculatedusingapointsystem.Eachclasshasaspecificpointvalueforeachplacing.TheexhibitorwinningthemostpointsisdesignatedPremierExhibitor.Tobeconsideredtheexhibitorofananimalyoumustcurrentlyownit.

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At the Show

Arriving at the Show & Herdsmanship

Beforeleavingfortheshow,makeachecklistofitemsyouneedtobringtotheshowandstartgatheringyoursupplies.Planaheadanddon’twaituntilthelastminutetodothis.Theshowboxchecklistonpage8wouldbeahelpfulplacetostart.Geteverythingtogetherinoneplaceandmakesureallyourequipmentisclean.

Givesomethoughttoyourexhibitpriortotheevent.Prepareasimpledisplayandsignsforalloftheanimalsthatwillbetiedinyourshowstring.Youwillhaveplentyofchancestotalktofairgoersaspeopleoftenliketostopandaskquestionsaboutyourcattleoragricultureduringthefair.Makeagoodfirstimpressionbyhavinganeatandcleandisplay.

Whenyouarriveattheshow,youwillbeassignedaplacetostallyouranimal.Youmaywanttoarrivebeforethecattletrailerdoestogiveyourselftimetosetupthedisplayandprepareyourcattlebed.Herdsmanshipisthecombinationofpreparingyourexhibitandcaringforyourcattlethroughouttheshow.Italsoincludesthewayyouinteractwithotherexhibitors,showofficials,andthegeneralpublic.Thepurposeistomakeyourcattlelooktheirbestatalltimes,outsideoftheshowring.Cattlethatappearcleanandcomfortablearethemarkofgoodherdsmanship.Thefollowingisanexampleofaherdsmanshipscorecard.

dairy Herdsmanship Scorecard for Cattle Shows

PREPARATION OF ExHIBIT 40

a. Adequatebeddingproperlypacked,front 10 higherthanrear,strawcleanandbright. b. Animalsattractivelyarrangedandcorrectly 10 spaced(neithertooclosenortoofarapart). c. Decorationsneatandattractive;well- 10 planned,notgaudyoroverdone. d. Appropriatesignsforeachanimal,displaying 5 completeinformation. e. Appropriatecolorscheme,background,tack 5 boxes;originality.

APPEARANCE ANd ATTITudE OF ExHIBITORS 15

a. Knowledgeable,courteous,friendly;ableto 10 answerquestionsabouttheexhibitandthecattle. b. Clothesandpersonneatanddressappropriate 5

CARE OF THE ExHIBIT 45

a. Cattleclean,well-groomed,neatandattractive 15 b. Aislescleanandneat,adequatewidthforvisitors. 10 c. Beddingcleananddry;showsevidenceof 10 frequentreworking,rearedgeneatandsquare. d. Feedandequipmentstoredneatlyoutofsightif 10 possible;equipmentclean.

See page 36 for an example show sign.

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HOW TO PREPARE A CATTLE BEd

Havingyourcattlebeddedproperlyisaveryimportantpartofhavingyourexhibitinorderatashow.Youwillneedashoveland/orrake,apitchfork,cleanstraw,shavings,andawheelbarrow.Itisimportanttoestablishafirmfootingforthecattlebed.Themorefirmlythebeddingispackedthebetteritwillbe.Useplentyofstrawandshavingswhenyoupreparethefirstbeddingasdoingaqualityjobthefirsttimewillsaveyoutimeandmoneyinthelongrun.Bright,cleanstrawwillalsoaddtotheappearanceofyourexhibit.

1. Ifondirtflooring,leveltheexistinggroundwithashovelandrake,andspraytheentireareawithflyspray.

2. Shakeoutthestrawcompletely,makingsuretherearenoclumpsorhardspotsinthebedding.Shakethestrawintosmallpiecesbyhand,andthenworkthebeddingwithafork,positioningitintheareayourcattlewillbetied.Makethefrontalittlehigherthantherearasthisdisplayscattleattheirbestwhentheyarestandinguphill.

3. Addinshavingsandpackthebeddingfirmlywithapitchfork.

4. Putdownasecondlayerofstrawandshavings,packingthemtogetherwithapitchfork.Whenyouarefinished,thepackshouldbeabout12inchesinheight.

5. Ifyouhaveaccesstoastrawboard(aflatpieceofboardattachedtoalonghandlethatisusedtocreateasquareedgeontheoutsideofyourpack),havesomeoneholditanduseapitchforktopackthestraw,creatingasquare,leveledge.

Maintainingyourpackthroughouttheshowtakeseffort,butitpaysoffasyourcattlewillbemorecomfortableandyourexhibitwilllookmuchbetter.Eachmorningattheshow,youshouldremovedirtyandwetbeddingandreplaceitwithfreshstrawandshavings,alongwithgettingridofanyuneatenhay.Whenyouranimalsstandupthroughouttheday,smoothandre-workthebeddingunderneaththemtokeepthecattlecomfortableandcreateamoreattractiveexhibit.Pickupanymanureordirtybeddingassoonaspossible,removingaslittlebeddingasyoucan.Ifyouhaveanextrapanorsmallbucketitmaybehelpfultokeepitbehindtheanimalsanduseittocatchanyfreshmanureorurine.Thatisaneasywaytokeepyourpackveryclean.Trytomaintainasquare,tidyedgetoyourpack,andsweepanyloosestrawfromyouraisletokeepyourareaneat.

Itisimportanttohaveproperspacingbetweencattlewhentheyaretiedinthepack.Iftiedtooclosetogether,theywillbecomeirritableandthereisahigherriskofthembecomingtangledorsteppingonandinjuringoneanother.Iftheyaretiedtoofarapart,however,theywillstandorliecrosswaysintheexhibitandmakeitdifficulttokeepthebeddingcleananddry.Tieallanimalssecurelywithaslipknotsotheycannotgetloose.Ifyouchoosetousenecktiesinsteadofahalterinthepack,two-waytieswitharound18to24inchesofropeworkbest.Putyoursmallestcalvesononeendofyourexhibitandworkuptothelargestanimalsattheoppositeend.Takespecialcaretoseethatyoungcalvesaretiedwheredraftswillnotaffecttheirhealth.Ifitisgoingtobehotinthecattlebarns,havinglargefansblowingontheanimalswillhelpkeepthemcoolandcomfortable.

Anattractivefarmexhibitatashow.

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ExAmPLE FAIR CHORE SCHEduLE

6:00 a.m. Arrive at fair, clean out pack 6:30 a.m. Wash heifer and water her on the way back to the pack7:00 a.m. Feed heifer and get her settled in12:30 p.m. Water heifer and take for exercise walk6:30 p.m. Water heifer and give evening feed8:00 p.m. Practice leading in the showring8:15 p.m. Water heifer and settle in for the night

gETTINg INTO A ROuTINE AT THE SHOW

Oncethecattlearriveontheshowgrounds,takethemtothewashracktoberinsedofforwashed.Itisimportanttogetcattlesettledintotheirnewenvironmentassoonaspossible.Mostcowswilltendtoliedownaftertheyhavebeenwashed.Allowthemplentyoftimetorestandgetcomfortableintheirnewenvironment.

Plantodochores(washing,cleaningthepack,feedingandwatering)atatimewhenfairgoersareleastlikelytobepresent.Morningchoresshouldbecompletedandtheexhibitreadyforvisitorsby8:00a.m.Afternoonchoresshouldbedoneinawaythatavoidsaisleblockageandcausesminimummess.Trytohaveallafternoonchoresdonebeforetheeveningfaircrowdarrives.Itisimportantforyouandthecattletoestablisharoutineattheshowandhaveasetscheduleoffeedingandwateringtimesthatareconsistentfromday-to-day.Yourcattleshouldhavehayinfrontofthematalltimes;agoodruleofthumbistogiveyourheiferasmallamountofhayeverytimeshestandsup.Feedinghersmallamountsconsistentlythroughthedayencourageshertoeatmorethanjustputtingalargeslabofhayinfrontofherinthemorning.Mostexhibitorsfeedheiferstheirgrainmixturetwiceaday(cowsaresometimesfedthreetofourtimesinaday).Havingadequatewaterisextremelyimportanttokeepingyouranimalhealthyandeatingattheshow.Cattleshouldbewateredatleastthreetofourtimesaday,especiallyifitiswarminthebarn.

Iftimeallowsandtheringisnotbeingused,findsometimetotakeyouranimaloutforsomeexerciseandlethergetusedtotheshowring.Thiswillhelpyouandyourcalfbecomefamiliarwiththesurroundingsandmakeyoulessnervousonshowday.

Littledetailscanmakeabigdifferenceintheappearanceofyourexhibit.Keeptheaislesbehindyourcattlecleanandneatatalltimes.Feedandequipmentshouldbestoredoutofsight.Ifyouhavetokeepyourhayattheexhibit,stackitneatly.Keepallequipmentintackboxeswhenitisnotbeingused.Someoneshouldbepresentattheexhibitatalltimes,ideallypeoplewhocanhelpkeepthecattlecleanandanswerdairyandagriculture-relatedquestionsfromvisitors.

What to Expect at the Show

Knowingwhereyouaresupposedtobeandwhencandoalottohelpyoustayorganizedandrelaxedatashow.Whileeachshowisdifferent,therearemanycommonalitiesthatarehelpfultounderstand.Thefollowingisarun-downofthevariousthingsyoumightencounteratmostshowsyouattend.

Whenyourcattlearriveyouwillneedtocheckthemin.Knowwhereyourhealthandregistrationpapersare,andhavethemavailableduringcheck-in.Therewilllikelybeanexhibitorsmeetingforyoutoattend.Youwillneedtogetyourexhibitornumbercardsfortheshow,whichareoftenhandedoutatanexhibitorsmeeting,oravolunteerwillcomearoundanddistributethemtoexhibitors.Onceyoureceiveyournumberputitinasafeplaceasyouwillneedittoenteryourclassonshowday.Ifyouareexhibitingmorethanoneanimal,writethenameoftheanimalonthebackofeachnumbersotheydon’tgetmixedup.Makesureyouknowwhattimetheshowisstartingandwhatorderclassesareinsoyouwillbereadyattherighttime.

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Mostshowsoffertwodifferenttypesofclassesforyouthtoparticipatein,showmanshipandconformationclasses.Inshowmanshipclasses,thejudgeisevaluatingtheexhibitors,ratherthanthephysicalstructureofthecattle,andtheirabilitytopreparetheircattleforshowandleadingtheanimaltoitsbestadvantage.Inconformation,judgesevaluatethephysicalappearanceofyouranimalandhowitcomparestothebreedstandard.Heifersareevaluatedontheirgeneralappearance,dairycharacter,feetandlegs,andsize;cowsarejudgedonframe,dairystrength,feetandlegs,andudder.Tolearnmoreabouthowdairycattlearejudged,refertotheHolsteinFoundation’sdairy Judging workbook.Knowingwhatthejudgeislookingforinidealanimalsisanimportantskillforallexhibitorstohave,andwillbeveryhelpfulwhenselectingyourprojectanimals.

Onshowday,listenforannouncementsastowhentheshowisgettingstartedandpayattentiontowhatclassisinthering.Youwillwanttomakeyourwaytoringsidewhiletheclasspriortoyoursisinthering.Avolunteeratringsidewilllikelycheckyouinfortheclassandinstructyouwhenitistimetoentertheringandinwhatorderyouaretoenter.Mostshowsprefercattletoentertheringfromyoungesttooldest,solistenforinstructionsatringside. Moreabouttheparticularsofhowyoushouldleadyouranimalswillbediscussedintheshowmanshipsection,butthereareafewgeneralthingstoknow.Youwillentertheringwithcattlecirclingclockwisearoundthering.Afterthejudgehashadsometimetoevaluatetheanimals,theywillsignalforyoutocomeintoaninitialside-by-sidelineup.Fromthere,thejudgewilltypicallystudytheanimalsalittlefurther,andthensignaltheexhibitorsintoasecondside-by-sidelineup,whichisusuallythefinalplacing.Someshowswillhaveaperson,calledaringman,intheringtohelpinstructexhibitorswheretolineup.

Whentheyhavefinishedplacingtheclass,thejudgewilltakethemicrophoneandgivereasonsfortheirplacing.Asthejudgegiveshisreasons,theclasswillleadout.Payattentiontowhatthejudgesayswhentheygivetheirreasons,asyoumightbeabletopickuponwhatyoucouldimproveforthenexttimeyouexhibityouranimal.

Ifyouaren’tsureoftheorderofclasses,lookataclasslist.Ifyouplacedfirstorsecondinyourclass,youwillwanttokeepyouranimalcleanandhalteredsoshewillbereadytogobackintocompeteinachampionclass.

Showmanship

Whenshowingdairycattle,exhibitorsareexpectedtofollowaspecificdresscode;whitepants,acollaredwhiteshirtandhard-toedshoes.Yourshirtshouldbetuckedinwithabelt.Youroverallappearanceshouldbeneat,soastonotdetractfromthegeneralappearanceofyouranimal.

Showmanshipistheoneareainwhichyoucanexcelregardlessofthecorrectnessofyouranimal’sconformation.Thegoalistokeepyourcalflookingherbestatalltimes,whilemakingitappeareffortless.Asyoustartworkingwithyourprojectanimalitisimportanttoknowwhatthejudgewillbelookingforintheshowmanshipclass.Thethreemainareasthatjudgesareevaluatingaretheexhibitor,thecleanliness,fitting,andphysicalconditionoftheanimal,andhowwelltheexhibitorisshowingtheanimaltoitsbestadvantage.Agoodanalogyforshowingyourheiferisthatyouare“escortingalady”aroundthering,andyoushouldtreatherassuch,walkingwithgraceandnotbullyingyouranimal.

ENTERINg ANd LEAdINg YOuR ANImAL IN THE RINg

Entertheringcirclinginaclockwisedirection,confidentandrelaxed.Leadyouranimal,walkingforward,fromtheanimal’sleftside,rememberingtohaveyourheifertakesmallsteps.Wheninthering,allofyourattentionshouldbeonyouranimalandthejudge.Don’tbedistractedbythingsgoingonoutsidetheshowring.Astheanimalsenterthering,thejudgewilltaketurnstalkingtoeachcontestantandexaminingeachanimal.Oncethelastanimalhasenteredthering,turntofaceyouranimalandbeginwalkingbackwards.a note to parent’s and leaders:Donotteachyourchild,nomattertheirage,towatchyou for signals on the outside of the ring. work with them at home so they can confidently show their animal on their own. Their focus in the ring should only be on their calf and the judge.

Thisexhibitorisleadinghercalfintothering,walkingforward.

Holstein Foundation, Inc. 23

Don’t“tailgate”theexhibitorinfrontofyou.Dependingonthesizeoftheringandnumberofanimalsintheclass,keepagooddistancebetweenyouandthecalfinfrontofyou(threetofivefeet),aswellaskeepingagooddistancebetweenyouandtheoutsideofthering(aroundthreefeet).Remember,theringneedstobelargeenoughsothateveryoneintheclassfitsandthejudgecanseealltheanimals.Neverpassananimalthatiswalkingmoreslowlyinfrontofyou,andneverblockthejudge’sviewofanotheranimal.Iftheanimalinfrontofyouisbeingunrulyandwon’twalkfortheexhibitor,itisacceptabletoassistthembygivingthecalfagentletapontheirthightohelpthemgetmoving.

Donotstopwalkingyouranimalintheshowringunlesstoldtobythejudge.Whenthejudgemovesbehindyouranimal,holdherheadupwithhernosepointedstraightahead,soherentirebackappearsstraight.Ifthejudgereachestofeelyourcalf’shide,turnherheadslightlytowardthejudge.

“Keeponeeyeonthejudgeandoneeyeonyouranimal”atalltimesintheshowring.Alwaysbeawareofwherethejudgeis,butbesuretobeattentivetoyouranimal,payingattentiontohowtheyarewalkingandhowtheylook.Worktokeepyouranimallookingherbestatalltimes,evenifyoudon’tthinkthejudgeislookingdirectlyatyou.

Ifyourcalfstartstoactup,staycalmandregaincontrol.Sometimeithelpstoholdyourhandinfrontofthemuzzletocalmthemdown.Whenitisyourturnforthejudgetoobserveyou,haveyouranimalset-upandsmile.Benaturalanddon’tfuss.

PuLLINg INTO LINE ANd WHAT TO dO WHEN YOu ARE THERE

Afterthejudgehasinspectedtheanimalsindividually,heorshewillbeginpullingexhibitorsinthecenteroftheringformingaline.Paycloseattentiontotheirinstructionsasmissingyourcommandmaycostyouseveralplaces;judgeswilloftenpointatexhibitorstosignalwhentheywantthemtocomeintoline.Oncethejudgesignalsyouintoline,turnandwalkforward,movingquicklybutgracefully.

Alwaysenterthelineupintheorderyouwereselected.Maintainanevenline–allanimalsinlineshouldhavetheirfrontfeetinastraightline.Don’tleavetoomuchextraspacebetweenyouranimalandtheonenexttoyou,nomorethanoneortwofeet.Whensettingyouranimalup,remembertosettherearfeetinthecorrectpositionrelativetothejudge.

Onceyouhaveyouranimal’slegspositionedcorrectlyandcomfortably,keepherthere!Sheshouldberelaxed,steadyandalert;yourrighthandcanbeplacednearthepointofshouldertohelpsteadyyourcalf.Whenthejudgewalksinfrontoftheline,theywillwanttoevaluatethefrontendsoftheanimals,soturnandfaceforwardwiththeleadinyourrighthandandtakeasmallstepbackandtothesidesothejudgecanhaveaclearview.Donotobstructtheanimalnexttoyouinlinewhendoingthis.

Heretheexhibitorsareleadingtheiranimalsintothelineup,walkingforward,andmakingastraightlinewithproperspacingbetweenanimals.

24 SHowrIng ready

ExamplesofPullingThroat

HANdLINg quESTIONS FROm THE JudgE IN THE RINg

Throughoutyourworkwithyourprojectanimal,youshouldlearnagreatdealofinformationaboutyourheifer.Thejudgewillmostlikelyaskyouquestionsinashowmanshipclassaboutyouandyourcalftofindoutjusthowmuchworkyouhavedoneandhowmuchknowledgeyouhaveaboutyouranimal.

Somebasicquestionsajudgemightaskare:

•Whenwasyourcalfborn?•Whatageclasswillyouranimalshowin?•Whoisyourheifersiredby?•Whatisyourheifer’sname?(Answerbyprovidingthefullregisteredname)•Howlonghaveyoubeenshowing?

Thejudgemayalsoaskyouspecificquestionssuchas,“Whatwouldyouwanttoimproveaboutyouranimal?”Thatiswhereyourdairyjudgingknowledgewillcomeinhandy,asthejudgewillwanttoknowifyouareawareofwhatyouranimal’sstrengthsandweaknessesare.

Moreadvancedshowmenshouldknowmilkproduction,calvingandbreedinginformation.Thereisalsoachancethatadvancedshowmenwillbeaskedtoswitchanimalswithanotherleadsman.Ifthishappens,exhibitorsshouldquicklyexaminetheirnewanimaltodetermineherfaultsbeforetakingthehalter,andthenexhibithertothebestoftheirability.

Mostimportantly,relax,smileandactnatural.Keepshowinguntilyoureceivearibbon,asthejudgemaychangehismindatthelastminute.Beagoodsportandcongratulateyourfellowcompetitors,nomatterwhattheendresult.

TIPS TO TAKE YOuR SHOWmANSHIP TO THE NExT LEvEL

Thereareafewcommonissuesdairycattlecanhaveintheringthatareeasilyremediedbyanattentiveshowman,andgoalongwaytoenhancetheappearanceofyouranimal.Itisalwayshelpfultoconsultwithanexperiencedshowmanwhenlookingforadviceonwaystohelpyourheiferlookherbestinthering.Herearesolutionstosomeofthemostcommonproblems:

• Extra flesh under the chin/neck, “beefy” appearing head - Someanimalshaveextrafleshontheirnecks,undertheirchin,whichmakesthemlooklessdairyandfeminineinthehead.Ifyourheiferhasextraflesh,youshould“pullthroat”tomakeherheadandneckappearcleaner.Theeasiestwaytodothisistopullupandholdtheskinbelowthejawinyourrighthandwhileyouholdthehalterwiththeleft.Ifyouintendtodothisatashow,practiceathomesothatbothyouandyourcalfbecomeaccustomedtoit.

• Holding tail up while walking -Thebestwaytotuckthetaildownistoreachbackwithyourrighthandandpushyourfingerdownintheindentbetweenthepinboneandthetailhead.

• Arching her back (sometimes referred to as “roaching”) - Tocorrectananimalfromarchingherback,gentlypinchdownthemiddleofherback,withfingersoneithersideofthetopline,soyoudon’tinterferewithit.

• Animals that are weak over the topline -Someanimalsthatareweakoverthechineorloincanbenefitfrombeingtouchedunderthebarreltogivethemsomelift.

Holstein Foundation, Inc. 25

Holstein Foundation Recommended Showmanship guidelines

ThefollowingrecommendationsarebasedonthePurebredDairyCattleAssociation’smostrecentShowmanshipGuidelines,developedin2011,toserveasaquickreferenceforyouthcompetinginshowmanship,aswellasindividualsjudgingshowmanship.

The Exhibitor

dO THIS dON’T dO THIS

ApparelWearwhitepants,whitecollaredshirtandabeltWearhard-toe,hardsoleshoesBeneatandcleaninappearanceMinimizeaccessoriesoranythingthatwilldraw

attentiontoyouinsteadofyouranimal

BehaviorActnaturalSmileandenjoyyourselfBeattentivebutrelaxedExhibitgoodsportsmanshipbefore,duringand

aftertheclassisjudgedBecomfortablewiththeanimalyouareshowing,

evidencingyouhaveworkedwithyouranimalmanytimesbefore

Beringsidebeforetheclassbeginsandentertheringpromptlywhenclassiscalledin

KnowledgeKnowsomeimportantfactsabouttheanimal

youareshowingsuchasherbirthdate,sire,andcalvingdate

Knowtheanimal’sfaultsandtrytominimizetheirappearance;i.e.,pullthroat,pinchdowntoplineandtuckthetailhead

HalterUseaproper,leatherdairyshowhalterthatis

cleanandshinedShowhalterhasaproperfitwithnoseband

midwaybetweentheanimal’seyesandnoseHalterisheldfirmlyinexhibitor’slefthand,with

handinsideharnesswrappedaroundtheringwithafirmgriponthechain

Leadstraploopedloosely,heldinrighthand,keptclosetolefthand

Serious DiscriminationsIslatetoclassMinorinstancesofunsportsmanlikeconductStrikingtheanimalunnecessarilyWearinginappropriateshoesCarriesortalksonacellphoneHasfingersinringofhalterLeadstrapremovedfromchainorlooped&

fastened

Moderate DiscriminationsNotwearingwhiteclothingorshow-approved

professionalattireInappropriatedressthatbringsattentiontothe

exhibitorWearingclothingwithfarmorcommercial

advertising/logosChewinggumDoesnotknowbasicinformationaboutthe

animalsuchasbirthdate,freshdate,breedingdate,duedate,etc.

UnabletorecognizetypefaultsoftheanimalHalternotfittingorputtogetherproperlyHoldingtheleadstraptoofarfromthehalter

Slight DiscriminationsInappropriatehalterLeadstraptightlyloopedInappropriatesizeofcalfforcompetitor

26 SHowrIng ready

Appearance of the Animal

dO THIS dON’T dO THIS

CleanlinessAnimalisdryandclean,includinghooves,tail,

andinsideearsWhitespotsareaswhiteaspossible,evidencing

theanimalwaswashedregularly

ConditionAnimalisingoodhealthandcondition–neither

toofatortoothinAnimal’shoovesaretrimmedAnimalisdehorned

Grooming & ClippingAnimalisfullyandrecentlyclipped,including

headandlegsVaryingclippedhairlengthsarewell-blendedToplinehairisblownuponheifersTailswitchisbrushedandfluffedMuzzleiswipedclean

BehaviorAnimalshouldbewell-trainedtoleadandposeAnimalshouldbealert,butcalmwhentouched

orarounddistractions

Serious DiscriminationsAnimalcausingdisturbancestoothers

Moderate DiscriminationsDirt/dustinhaircoatDirt/waxinearsExcessiveuseofhairsprays,powder,hair

dressings,etc.Clippingtooearly;hairappearstoolongIncompleteclipping(legsorheadnotclipped)Excessiveclipping

Slight DiscriminationsMinorinstancesofanimalnothandlingwellFeetnotcleanedMuzzleisnotwipedcleanSwitchisnotbrushedandfluffedClippinglinesnotproperlyblendedIsnotalert

Holstein Foundation, Inc. 27

Showing the Animal to Its Best Advantage

dO THIS dON’T dO THIS

LeadingHoldtheanimal’sheadupatacomfortablelevel,

whereshelooksherbestEnterthering,circlingclockwise,walkingforward

ontheanimal’sleftsideWhenthelastanimalintheclassentersthering,

turntofacetheanimalandwalkbackwardsKeepagooddistancebehindtheanimalinfront

ofyou(approximately3to5ft)Keepagooddistancebetweenyouandthe

outsideofthering(approximately3ft)Movetogetherwithyouranimalinasteady

rhythm–nottoofastortooslowKeeponeeyeonyouranimalandoneonthe

judgeatalltimesBeawareofeverythinggoingonintheshowringRespondtoinstructionsfromthejudgeorofficials

quicklyWhencalledintolinebythejudge,turnandwalk

forwardsoyoucandosoefficientlyEnterthelineupintheorderyouwerecalledby

thejudge

PosingLineupwithotheranimalsinanevenline,

leavingadequatespacebetweenanimals(approximately1to2feet)

Ensuretheanimal’stoplineisstraightfromheadtotail

HavelegscorrectlyposedasquickaspossibleLegsshouldbecomfortablybeneaththeanimal

sosheisneithertooscrunchedorstretchedFrontfeetshouldbelinedupevenlyForrearlegsonheifers,positiontherearleg

nearestthejudgeback;formilkinganddrycows,positiontherearlegnearestthejudgeforward

Switchrearlegswhenthejudgemovesaroundtheanimal

Haveanimaltrainedtobackupbytouchinghershoulderorwithhalterpressure,sowhenhindlegsneedrepositioning,youcandosowithoutusingyourfeet

Whenthejudgecomestothefrontoftheanimal,turntofacethejudge

Showing the Animal to its Best AdvantageIftheanimalcarriesextrafleshonherneck,pull

theanimalsthroatwithyourrighthandtomakeherappearmoreclean-necked

Iftheanimalarcheshertopline,pinchitdowntomakeherappearmorestraightacrosshertop

Iftheanimalputshertailintheair,tuckthetailheaddown

Serious DiscriminationsFusseswithormovescalftotheextremePositioninganimal’srearlegsbysteppingonrear

feet

Moderate DiscriminationsUnabletoshowanimaltobestadvantageWatchingthejudgetoointentlySlowresponsetojudgeorringofficialInattentivenessOver-showingLeadingtooslowlyIstoofartooutsideorinsideofringIncorrectspacingtotheanimalinfrontwhenon

paradeDoesn’twalkquicklyintolineCrowdingorbumpingotheranimalswhenpulled

inlineFailuretomaintainastraightlineupUnabletobackupanimalLegsincorrectlyposedFailuretoswitchrearlegswhenjudgemoves

aroundtheanimalDoesnotkeepanimalstraightfromheadtotailHaselboworhandsupImproperheadcarriage,animal’sheadheldtoo

lowFailuretoholdthroatwhenneeded

Slight DiscriminationsMorethanaslighttouchtomoveanimal’sfront

feetExtraspaceinlineWalksslowlybackwardintotheringSidestepswhenleadingcalfHasstiffoutstretchedarmHaspoor,non-relaxedpostureImproperheadcarriage:animal’snoseistoohighAnimal’sheadisnotturnedslightlytowardjudge

whenhideisfelt

28 SHowrIng ready

Final Preparations on Show day

Showdayisexcitingforeveryoneinvolved,andthetimewhenallofyourhardworkandpreparationwillshine.Itwillbeabusytime,andyouwanttobewellpreparedsoyoucanworkcalmlytogetyouranimalandyourselfreadytogo.

Startbyrisingearlytogetagoodstartonasuccessfulday.Washyouranimalinplentyoftimesoitwillbecompletelydryforyourfinalpreparationsandtheshow.Thisshouldbecompletedatleasttwotothreehoursbeforetheshowstartssotheanimalwillhavetimetodry,eat,andyouwillhavetimetofinishgroomingandsettingthetopline.

Offeryouranimalplentyoffreshhayandfeedthemorningoftheshow,asshewilllookherbestwithaproperfillinherstomach.Manyexhibitorsfeedbeetpulpthemorningoftheshowtoaccomplishthis,alongwithseveraldifferenttypesofhay.Ifyou’regoingtofeedbeetpulponshowday,youdon’twantittobethefirsttimeshehasbeenexposedtoit,soifyouplantodothis,talktoanutritionistorotherexperiencedpersonaboutincorporatingitinherdailydietleadinguptotheshow.Ananimalthatisshallowwillneedtobefilledearlierthanadeepribbedoneasyoudonotwantyouranimaltoappeargauntfortheshow.Ifyouareshowingacow,youwillwanttotryandshowherwithafulluddertolookherbest;theidealamountofmilktohaveintheudderwillhavetobedecidedonthedaybeforetheshow.Aswitheverything,ifyouareexhibitingacow,orwantadviceonfeedingyourheiferonshowday,consultanexperiencedshowmanthatcanhelpwalkyouthroughit.

Allowyourselfplentyoftimetodofinalgroomingandfittingtoprepareforyourclass;thingslikecleaningearsandhoovescanbedonethedaybeforetheshow,orevenathomebeforegoingtotheshow.Hereisachecklist: • Clean the heifer’s ears –Cleantheinsideofyourheifer’searswithababywipeorcleantowelandrubbing

alcoholtoremoveanyvisibledirtorwax.Alsocleantheanimal’seartagsifneeded.

• Shine hooves –Makesurethatthereisnodriedmanureonyourheifer’shooves.

• Set topline –Blowupyourheifer’stoplineasyouhadpracticedanduseanadhesivetoensureitstaysinplacethroughtheshow.

• Brush off all dust and straw –Shortlybeforeenteringthering,useasoftbristledbrushtobrushoffanystrawordustfromyouranimal,andbesuretocheckthebellyforanystraw.

• Fluff the tail –Useacombortoplinebrushtofluffyouranimal’stail.Brushitstraighttogetanytanglesout,thenturnitupsidedownandbrushdownwardstogiveitafluffyappearance.

• Apply fly spray –Especiallyduringsummershows,youwillwanttosprayyourheifer’slegs,bellyandsideswithflyspraybeforeshegoesintheringtoensureshewon’tbebotherediftherearefliesaround.

• Wipe her muzzle –Useaclean,dryragtowipeyourheifer’smuzzlefreeofanyfeedorsalivashortlybeforesheentersthering.

• Properly fit leather show halter –Putyouranimal’sshowhalteronandmakesurethatitfitsproperlyandisneatandcleaninappearance.Thisshouldbedonelast,shortlybeforeyougointhering,asyoudonotwanttotieyourheiferupwithhershowhalteron.

Don’tforgettogetyourselfready!Giveyourselfenoughtimetoputonyourwhiteclothes,butdon’tgetinthemtooearlybecauseyoudon’twanttogetdirtybeforetheshowstarts.Youcanalwaysputapairofbiboverallsonoveryourwhitestohelpyoustayclean.Tuckinyourshirt,makesureyourshoesaretiedtight,andputonyourshowharnesswithyouranimal’snumberinsertedinit.

Listenforannouncementsandbesureyouareontimetoyourclass.Goodluck!

Holstein Foundation, Inc. 29

After the Show

Congratulations,youdidit!Fromeachshowyouwillbeabletotakehomewhatyoulearnedandimprovethenexttimeyouareinthering.Afteryouaredoneinthering,therearestillafewthingsthatneedtobetakencareof.

• Thankthejudge,showsuperintendentandvolunteers.

• Washyouranimalwithin24hoursaftertheshowtorinseoutanyfittingproductsused,especiallyinthetopline.Therearespraysspeciallyformulatedtohelprinseouthairadhesiveyoumaywanttoinvestin.

• Makesureyourequipmentiskeptcleanandorganizedaftereachshow,ensuringmanyyearsofuse. • Recordyourshowplacingsinyourrecords.

• Keepyourexhibitandanimalscleanandneatuntilyouarereleasedtogohome.Eventhoughtheshowisover,herdsmanshipandtidinessarestillveryimportant.

30 SHowrIng ready

Resources and Activities

• GrowthStandardRecommendationsforHolsteinHeifers

• DairyProjectHealth&ManagementRecordWorksheet

• DairyProjectBudgetWorksheet

• ExampleShowSign

Holstein Foundation, Inc. 31

Growth Standard Recommendations for Holstein Heifers Adapted from Pennsylvania State University’s Monitoring Dairy Heifer Growth Publication, 1998

http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/dairy/nutrition/pdf/ud006.pdf

Utilizing this Information The information below is provided to help you develop benchmarks as to how well your dairy heifer is growing. Several percentile categories are noted. For example, if you heifer falls into the 5th percentile for weight, that means that 95% of Holstein heifers the same age as her weigh more. If she is in the 95th percentile for weight, she weighs more than 95% of Holstein heifers her age, and 5% of Holstein heifers will weigh more than her. As it is desirable for show animals to be well grown for their age, you would want your heifer to fall above the median weight and height for their age, with the higher percentile ranges being more preferable. The following are provided as general guides based on university research; there are no hard rules for exact height and weight specifications for show heifers. Remember – having a structurally correct animal that is well grown for her age is more desirable than an extremely tall heifer that is not as structurally correct. For recommendations on growth standards for other breeds, visit the link above.    

             Weight Table Wither Height Hip Height  

   

Age (mo)

5th %ile

25th %ile

Median 75th %ile

95th %ile

1 82 102 119 136 143 2 113 149 161 189 238 3 149 182 211 234 284 4 189 234 258 284 339 5 218 275 311 339 411 6 266 320 369 422 480 7 301 369 422 468 542 8 330 422 468 530 603 9 379 468 530 596 705 10 422 517 575 653 776 11 445 556 638 712 776 12 504 596 682 760 843 13 504 660 728 809 913 14 542 697 776 878 1026 15 582 744 843 931 1067 16 653 826 913 988 1096 17 682 860 931 1026 1191 18 744 895 969 1066 1191 19 776 913 1007 1086 1279 20 776 950 1066 1170 1302 21 792 988 1086 1191 1372 22 843 1026 1148 1235 1420 23 809 1066 1148 1279 1420 24 776 1026 1170 1301 1545

Age (mo)

5th %ile

25th %ile

Median 75th %ile

95th %ile

1 29 30 31 33 33 2 30 32 33 34 37 3 31 34 35 36 38 4 33 35 36 38 40 5 34 37 38 39 42 6 36 38 40 41 44 7 37 40 41 43 45 8 38 41 43 44 47 9 39 42 43 45 47 10 41 43 45 46 49 11 42 44 46 47 49 12 43 45 47 48 51 13 43 46 47 49 51 14 44 47 48 50 52 15 43 47 49 51 53 16 46 48 50 51 53 17 46 49 50 52 54 18 47 49 51 52 54 19 48 50 51 52 54 20 47 50 51 53 57 21 48 50 52 54 56 22 49 51 52 54 57 23 49 51 53 54 57 24 48 52 53 55 57

Age (mo)

Hip Height (in)

2 36 – 40 3 37 – 41 4 39 – 42 5 40 – 44 6 42 – 45 7 43 – 46 8 44 – 47 9 45 – 48 10 46 – 49 11 47 – 50 12 48 – 51 13 49 – 52 14 49 – 53 15 50 – 53 16 51 – 54 17 51 – 54 18 52 – 55 19 52 – 55 20 53 – 56 21 53 – 56 22 53 – 56

32 Showring ready

Dairy Project Health & Management Record Worksheet

Animal Name & ID Number: _________________________________________________________________________________

Date of Birth: ______________________________ Date Acquired as Project: ________________________________________

Weaning Date: _____________________________ Date Dehorned: ________________________________________

Date Vaccination or Illness Treatment Length of Treatment

Age (mo) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Height (inches)

Weight

Age (mo) 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Height (inches)

Weight

Breeding & Calving Record Progeny Record

Date Bred Service Sire Due

DateCalving

Date Remarks Sex of Calf ID # Remarks

holstein Foundation, inc. 33

Dairy Project Budget Worksheet

Summary of Expensesexpenses are any money that you spend associated with your project. we will break expenses down into several categories to make it easier to see where your money is being spent, and possibly discover opportunities for savings. when writing your descriptions of expenses, be specific.

Equipment Expenses - including housing, fitting, and any other related general expenses

Date Description of Expense Cost

TOTAL EQUIPMENT EXPENSES

Health/Medical Expenses – including veterinary bills, vaccinations and medicine purchased

Date Description of Expense Cost

TOTAL HEALTH/MEDICAL EXPENSES

©2012 Holstein Foundation, Inc.

34 Showring ready

Dairy Project Budget Worksheet

Feed Expenses: any feed purchased; be specific and note amount purchased each time

Date Description of Expense Cost

TOTAL FEED EXPENSES

Other Miscellaneous Expenses: including fair entry fees and any other uncategorized expenses

Date Description of Expense Cost

TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES

©2012 Holstein Foundation, Inc.

holstein Foundation, inc. 35

Dairy Project Budget Worksheet

Overall Budget SummaryUse the information you have compiled on the previous pages to complete the blanks below.

Summary of Income

Projected Dairy Project Income $__________________

examples of income would be show/fair premiums, sale of your project animal’s milk or offspring, or the sale of

your project animal.

Summary of Expenses

Total Equipment Expenses $__________________

Total Health/Medical Expenses $__________________

Total Feed Expenses $__________________

Total Other Expenses $__________________

Total Dairy Project Expenses $__________________

Net Income (Income-Expenses) $__________________

How important is it to you to have a positive net income at the end of the project year? What are some things you

could do to increase your total income? _____________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Value of Assets An asset is an item that you own and have available to use, which could be sold for income. When embarking on a

long-term project like a dairy cattle project that may require expensive equipment or animal purchases, at the end

of the year it is important to not only consider your income for the year, but also the value of your assets you have

for the next project year - things you purchased and have in inventory for future use.

Estimated value of animal(s) owned at end of project year $__________________

Value of clipping/fitting equipment owned $__________________

Value of other general equipment owned $__________________

Total Value of Assets $_____________

©2012 Holstein Foundation, Inc.

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