4-H and FFA Beef School July 19-22, 1999 Showmanship… It Begins With You

It begins with you…at home Showmanship begins at home. You must take time at home to develop a relationship with your animal. The way your animal responds in the show ring is a direct result of the time you spend working with the animal at home. The following tasks are ways for you to spend time with your animal in order to develop a positive working relationship: <Verbal Communication <Physical Contact <Show Ring Practice <Presence in the Barn

It begins with you…at the show Showmanship is about you and your animal. It is important for you and your animal to look sharp when you enter the ring for competition. Your animal: <Clean and Dry- don’t forget the head, ears and belly <In Show Condition- fed and watered <Fitted (if appropriate) <Wearing a Show Halter- fitted properly and clean; strap should be shortened so it does not drag on the ground You: <Clean, Hair fixed/combed <Wearing Show ring Attire- No hats Nice shirt and pants (t-shirt only if required) Belt Hard toed shoes Exhibitor Number <Have Show Equipment- scotch comb and stick

It begins with you…in the ring Showmanship has many factors. Primarily it concerns how well you present your animal to the judge. This is not a complete list of pointers, but it is a start. TLead your calf around in the ring prior to the show; if allowable TObserve the ring for low spots, distractions, etc. TView the classes before you to observe ring procedures TView the classes before you to hear the judge’s comments TAlways report for your class on time TBe aggressive to select your place in the line up (if you are not assigned an order to enter the ring) TKeep eye contact with the judge; but do not have a stare down TFollow the ringperson’s instructions TKeep your animal in line so the judge has a good view THelp the exhibitor in front of you TLeave yourself room to best exhibit your animal TUse the entire ring to show your animal on the move

It begins with you…in the ring TPrepare to stop before you stop so you can lead your animal into a set-up position TSwitch hand position graciously; never wrap the strap around your hand TSet up your animal as quickly as possible TTake care of the BIG problems first TUse post set up for side by side lining TUse profile set up for head to tail lining TSet up your animal to amplify its strengths TClose the gaps when animals are being placed TWhen circling, always turn toward your animal TCircle as a last resort; it has a domino effect TBe prepared to answer the judges questions TStay calm even if you are having difficulty TNever give up; the judge may be watching you TSmile and have fun

It begins with you…project knowledge An important aspect of showmanship is your knowledge of the project. You may be the best showman, but if you do not know anything about your project you will not have the competitive edge. Project knowledge increases with age and years of experience. The following list of topics are examples of information you should know for the judge’s questions. (*advanced questions; 8th grade and above) Every Animal  Breed; Sire/Dam  Age; Birth date  Weight  Frame Score*  Daily Feed Intake; Feed Make-up  Location of Body Parts  Strengths and Weaknesses of Your Animal*  What You Learned From the Project  Daily Care Practices 

It begins with you…project knowledge Heifers  Breeding Plans  EPD Basics*  Maternal Traits and Terms (ie. Gestation)  Projected Mature Weight*  Steers  Rate of Gain  Projected Finishing Weight  Amount of Fat Cover*  Expected Quality Grade & Yield Grade*  Estimated Ribeye Area*  Market Traits and Terms (ie. Marbling, Dressing %) 

Notes: Prior preparation prevents poor performance. Practice makes perfect!