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We often hear youth talk about showmanship as their favorite part of a show because that outcome is determined by how hard they work, not on the conformation of the calf. That same thinking applies to herdsmanship – anyone can win herdsmanship, and everyone should strive to. Herdsmanship considers two very important aspects of the show – the care of your animals and how others, especially the public, see your display of animals. Here are some steps to win that coveted award at your fair or show.
Cow comfort should be a priority
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Make sure every animal has enough room – Calves need 3-and-a-half feet, heifers need 4 feet, and cows need 5 feet of space to be comfortable for the duration of the show. If you have to skip having your chairs or your tent, do it – the cows come first.
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Making a pack – There are several ways to make a comfortable pack. First, whatever bedding you choose, it should be at least as high as a $1 bill. If you are going to be at a show for four to seven days, you may want to start with more bedding.
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Bedding box – One way to make your pack is to build a bedding box. We recommend using 10-foot-wide boards and bolting them together (Photo 1).
Signs displaying information about your cattle can be helpful for potential buyers. Photos by Katie Coyne.
You will need the sides to be 8-and-a-half to 10 feet long, and the length will depend on how many head you have using the feet amounts above. After putting the boards together to make a three-sided box, and before adding the bedding, tie the center of the length from a secure part of the front of the stall to an eye bolt on the board in back. To make a pack in a bedding box, using a big bale of straw, place the flakes flat on the floor without shaking them apart, like the pieces of a puzzle. Then add bags of shavings on top. You may also just use shavings, but it is much more economical to start with the flakes of straw on the bottom.
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Straw and shavings pack – If you don’t have a bedding box, that’s OK. You can make a perfect pack by using straw and shavings. Start by shaking one small bale of straw per head, add two bags of shavings per head and firmly pack that in with a four- or five-tine fork. Add another layer of straw, approximately half a bale per head and another bag of shavings to that, always packing with a fork as you add layers. You can add another small layer of straw to that if you want to, which will help when picking manure out of the pack. When you finish with this pack, you should be standing on top of the pack, not sinking in. To keep the back of the pack neat, you will have to straighten it several times each day.
- You must have a fan – Even if you show in cooler weather, you need to have a fan to move air above your cattle’s heads. Just like ventilation in your barn at home, moving air is key to good health. If possible, hang the fan so it draws fresh air in. You can also note which way other fans in the barn are blowing and have all fans facing the same way. It is not necessary to have the fan blowing directly on the cattle. A good fan is an essential show barn tool.
Make an attractive display
- If you do a lot of showing, you will want to invest in some way to easily hang signs. You can make a simple display with 2x4s, 2x2s and a piece of tent canvas attached with Velcro to the 2x2s. You can also weld a fan cage together. Walk around at bigger shows and see what people are using and what would work for you.
- Make a sign for each animal in your string. Be sure to include the following:
- Animal's full name
- Birth date or class the animal shows in (i.e., spring calf)
- Previous show winnings
- Sire
- Dam
- Owner's name
Supplies that will keep cattle comfortable
- Cross-ties with neck chains
- Manure tubs to catch manure – this saves on bedding and keeps the pack looking fresh
- A four- or five-tine pitchfork
- A multi-tine plastic fork for use in shavings
- A shovel
- A broom
- A wheelbarrow
- A hay cart
- Rubber mats to place in fitting area and along the edge of your pack
Maintaining a clean, professional presence in your section of the barn is important when marketing cattle.
Now that you have all the tools to keep your display looking appealing to the public, you’ll have to work hard to keep it that way. Sweep throughout the day, especially after chores and whenever there is straw, shavings or hay pieces in the aisle. Brush down or wipe down your boards, show boxes and other areas each day after washing the cattle; this will keep the dust down. Empty the wheelbarrow often and always rinse it out before bringing it back in to the barn; this will keep it clean-looking and fresh-smelling.
Brush cattle several times each day and brush out the tails so cattle always look presentable – you never know when a potential buyer will be walking by. Keep manure cleaned up and be sure cattle have adequate hay in front of them. Keep hoses rolled up, your clipper area clean – and if you have a tent or chair area, keep that looking neat.
Many county and state fairs have specific herdsmanship scorecards. Ask for them ahead of time and make sure everyone on your crew knows what the expectations are. Remember, a neat display tells our story to the public.
