Show Season Tips
By Rachel Teller
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first- time showman, getting to the first show of the season can be anxiety inducing. Breeding stock, market animals, or even pet “fun” projects take a lot of time and effort to get to the show ring. Knowing what to expect beforehand will help make these shows less stressful and more fun.
Choosing your animal project is a big decision. Obviously, if you are already raising animals, choosing something already on the farm is the easiest option. Deciding if you want to show breeding animals or a market animal is a big decision. Market animals will usually be sold at the end of the show, so preparing for that is key when you start. For younger showman, this can be a hard concept to understand. It is also important to know what the show rules are and if there are any age restrictions for showmen.
At this time in the year, your animals should be getting the final touches and evaluations before loading the stock trailer. If you are not happy with the growth, weight gain, or performance of your animals, consulting with one of Fertrell’s Animal Nutrition Consultants on a customized feed ration and plan should be put on your list for your next project. However, for this year, the animal in front of you is what you have to work with.
Hopefully you have been working with your animal daily, walking, posing, grooming the animal to standards. Reaching out to a mentor who has shown animals can help in these areas. There is always something to learn and improve on.
As you get closer to show day, a packing list of all the supplies you need will help you stay organized. Make sure to include plenty of feed, bedding, grooming supplies, buckets, and some extras to be safe. Have any registration papers and health records easily accessible with your veterinarian’s contact information. Take time to plan your driving route and if there are any overnight stops needed.
If your animals are on well water or a different water source than where the show is located, it would be beneficial to either bring your own water, a portable filtration system, or an additive to disguise the taste of the water. To help keep animals hydrated and reduce their stress levels, think about adding an electrolyte mix, like Fertrell’s Simple 6. This concentrate can be added to water for all classes of livestock and poultry, to give them that extra boost. It only has 6 ingredients that will invigorate and hydrate your animals.
From the youngest cloverbud to local fair staple, show season is a time for excitement. Exhibiting your animals helps advertise the genetics in your herd, the production of your animals, and connects you to the larger agricultural community. Whatever the reason for wanting to show your animals, we wish you the best of luck! Keep Fertrell posted on how you do and the products that help you achieve those results.
