Introduction to Reasons Paul S. Kuber, Ph.D. Northeast Regional Livestock Specialist

Objectives Learn 5 Components of Reasons How to Format Reasons Examples

5 Components Accuracy Completeness Terms Organization Delivery “Painting the picture”

Note Taking Class Name Location ID’s and general descriptions Placing 1. 2. 3. Class Name Location ID’s and general descriptions Placing Discussions, grants, and criticisms 4. Placing Discussion Grant Criticism Discussion Grant Criticism Discussion Grant Criticism

1. Baldy, Heaviest Muscled, Most Correctly Finished Class 1 Market Steers 1. Baldy, Heaviest Muscled, Most Correctly Finished Weak Topped, Straight Hock 2. Red, Nicest Balanced, Soundest Structured Lower Quarter Flattens, Heavy Finished 3. Black – Slick Haired, Lightest Muscled, Big Ribbed, Sound, Correctly Finished, Poor Balanced 4. White Legged, Expressively Muscled, Shallow Bodied, Straight Both Ends, Too Thin Finished Placing 1-2-3-4 Baldy, heavier muscled, more correctly finished Slick haired, practical – big ribbed and sounder Red, nicer balanced and has more muscle down his top Nicest balanced, Soundest structured White legged, cutability advantage Trimmer and more correctly finished Washington State University Flattens through quarter somewhat over finished Poorest balanced and lightest muscled Shallow, straight off both ends, too thin finished

Accuracy Only describe details that are obviously true Avoid making close calls in reasons Doubt will be construed as a lack of confidence Inaccurate descriptions drastically lower scores Which is nicer balanced?

Accuracy Example: Two heavy muscled steers, 1 has a wider top and 2 has more lower quarter. Rather than identifying one of them as the “heaviest muscled” describe them as the “pair of stouter made steers that offer tradeoffs in muscle shape, and I prefer the wider topped 1 over the thicker quartered 2”. By doing this the reasons presenter identifies the differences without risking an inaccurate statement.

Completeness Describe all of the major differences between the livestock – “Big Things” Leaving out “Big Things” leaves room for doubt However, limit discussion to the vital reasons for the placing Other information disrupts logic and organization Doubt, failure to recognize “Big Things”, and including information that is not relevant to the placing will result in lower reasons scores

Terminology Speak in terms stock people use Stay specie specific (examples) Cattle = Ribeye Swine = Fat Free Lean Sheep = Dock When presenting oral reasons it is imperative to display an understanding of the specie being described. Illustrating a lack of understanding by using incorrect terminology will result in scores being lower even if the descriptions are accurate.

Organization “Painting the picture” Start with “Broad Strokes” – “BIG THINGS” Defend why pairs are placed the way they are 1 is heavier muscled and more correctly finished Complete with “Fine Strokes” – Details He is not only wider topped and thicker quartered, but also, handles with more finish over his final rib. Prioritize and discuss the most important attributes first and continue in descending order

Reasons Format Opening Statement Top Pair Introduce class name and placing Discuss superlatives of 1st place animal Top Pair Present “Big Things” why 1st places over 2nd and then describe them Comparative statements Grant 2nd animal over 1st and traits they excel the class in Comparative statements and superlatives where applicable Criticize 2nd place animal Descriptive terminology; rarely use comparative terms Criticisms should reflect the animal on its own merit

Reasons Format Middle Pair Present “Big Things” why 2nd places over 3rd and then describe them Comparative statements Grant 3rd animal over 2nd and traits they excel the class Comparative statements and superlatives where applicable Criticize 3rd place animal Descriptive terminology; rarely use comparative terms Criticisms should reflect the animal on its own merit

Reasons Format Bottom Pair Present “Big Things” why 3rd places over 4th and then describe them Comparative statements Grant 4th animal over 3rd and traits they excel the class Comparative statements and superlatives where applicable Criticize 4th place animal Descriptive terminology; rarely use comparative terms Criticisms should reflect the animal on its own merit

Openings Become the producer, what would I want in this situation? Show Understanding of: Breeds Individual Strengths Breed Complementarity Production Systems Profitable livestock production

Openings Effective openings MUST: DO NOT REGURGITATE THE SCENARIO!!! Grab the listeners attention Be Intelligent Pertain to the producer’s production goals Be direct Relatively short DO NOT REGURGITATE THE SCENARIO!!!

Pair Openings Apply to all sets, NOT JUST PERFORMANCE!! Same opening concepts apply Outline dynamics of the pair and detail the discussions to follow In a more challenging pair of contrasting types… Yet it’s my commitment to… that keeps 2 second His ability to produce/supply/cater to/end with that makes him the beginning of the middle pair Etc…

Discussions on pairs Discussion MUST follow pair opening Open about terminal value and talking structure doesn’t make sense Be relatively simple, yet intelligent If your opening is complex, don’t follow with complex discussions that may confuse the listener

Delivery Pleasant sincere voice Conversational voice NOT yelling or over-exaggerated! Easy to follow and listen to Completeness Livestock Terminology Organized Approximately 8-10 ft away from official

Pauses Pauses need to be used effectively, especially after complex projections Allows listener to digest statement Don’t over dramatize

Projections Same concept as openings Two types of projections Production Progeny Typically on bulls, boars, rams Typically two per set Used in most obvious places, don’t split hairs and get into gray areas

Projections Progeny projections Production Projections Supply the lower input, more functional replacements Press the scales with heavier pay weights and return more terminal profit Production Projections Endure more seasons of service siring the… Be the lower input replacement Require less supplement for maintenance

Correlations Cause and effect relationships Structure Body Types Studies straighter in his should and hock and consequently takes a shorter stride Can combine More Functional in the angle and use to shoulder and knee Body Types His tight rib and structure limits his functionality and causes me to question his ability to offer a profitable influence to this producer

Questions?