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

2. Objectives Learn 5 Components of Reasons How to Format Reasons
Examples

3. 5 Components Accuracy Completeness Terms Organization Delivery
“Painting the picture”

4. Note Taking Class Name Location ID’s and general descriptions Placing1. 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

5. 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
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

6. 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?

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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!!!

16. 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…

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. Questions?