Show a Beef Steer
Those who take on the opportunity of showing a beef animal will learn a great deal about Agriculture Exhibitors experience owning and working with animals, being responsible for their daily care, health, growth and finally exhibiting the cattle in a competitive environment.These directions begin when the exhibitor is standing on the side of the ring waiting to enter their class.
Contents
Steps
- Before entering the ring, the halter must be on the steer. When putting on the halter, the little circle goes around the animal's nose, and then the bigger circle goes around the back of the animal's head behind the ears. Then tighten the halter by pulling on the rope.
- Hold show halter in you right hand. Place your thumb closest to you with your hand six to twelve inches from animal's head, near his nose.
- Place the show stick in your left hand, pointing the hook down.
- Walk into the ring to the left, watching the judges instruction carefully. Animals will enter the show ring in a line.
- When leading the steer, have one hand up by his nose, and your other hand on the end of the rope. Pull the rope and walk. Your steer will begin to walk behind you.
- Keep the steers nose up if he gets it to the dirt he will then have momentum and control and then be more prone to run.
- If your calf moves out of line, pull animal in a clockwise circle to move him back into his proper place.
- Enter the show ring. Look at the judges, do everything they tells you to do.
- When the judge signals for you to walk, you will have to walk with the other animals in a couple of circles.
- Stop the animal for side profile with four to six feet between your animal and the one in front of you. The animals will be facing head-to-tail.
- When the judge tells you to stop, stop your steer. Usually you can do this when you stop walking. Turn around and face your steer with the halter in your left hand.
- Switch the halter from your right hand to the left smoothly but quickly. As you do that, switch show stick from your left hand to the right.
- Use your show stick. You're going to set up your steer. Take the stick and use the pointy end and poke in between the two hooves. This will make the hooves move backwards so that they are lined up. Use the hooked end to pull from behind the two hooves to pull forward to line up. Either way works.
- The fore-feet and one hind foot (preferably the one closest to the judge) are directly under him, and one hind foot (the one furthest from the judge) more under the animal. The rear foot that is farthest from the judge should be pulled forward or staggered.
- Step back to allow the judge a full view of the animal, and enough space that you are still holding the lead of your animal, but not interfering with the judge.
- Be prepared to answer any questions the judge may ask. Typical questions include birth date, current weight, name of and breed of the sire and dam, feeding program, etc.
- If the judge touches the animal, comb the hair with your scotch comb towards you. Make sure the judge is still watching you when you do comb the back so he knows you did comb it back.
- The judge will tell you to walk around the ring again. Keep looking at him and smile. He will tell you to stop your steer again. Then he will go down the line asking questions about your show animal. Answer them confidently, and be persuasive.
- He will tell you to take your steer, turn him around and set him up again. Turn the steer away from you when you are turning your steer. Judges tend to like this, and you will definitely get a higher ranking.
- The judge will line you up in your ranking. Don't be disappointed if you don't get Grand Champion. At least you know how to show a steer!
Tips
- Don't be scared of your steer.
- Make sure that you actually work with your steer before the show. He needs to get used to the halter and the show stick before he gets in the ring.
- Check the health of the animal before going in the ring. Be sure proper vaccinations have been given and the animal’s health will not harm others or his ability in the ring.
- Keep an eye on the judge. Carefully pay attention to his directions for placing.
- Avoid bumping, crowding, or hitting other animals and exhibitors.
- Keep the animal calm when showing.
- Congratulate other exhibitors.
- When setting up your steer, don't spread the legs apart too far. This makes the animal look too long.
- Keep Straight lines in the ring. This allows judge to compare animals.
- Be sure to have good sportsmanship and have fun!
Who Can Show
- Be sure to look at the judges and smile at all times.
- Before you show, wash your steer. This makes your steer look nice for the judges.
- Be sure to have health papers, breed information on purebred animals, and Quality Assurance Certificate on hand.
Note on Exhibitor Courtesy and Showmanship
- After the judge touches your steer, comb the steer's hair where he touched. This keeps the steer looking nice.
- Junior Exhibitors: 4-H and FFA allow showman 18 and under to exhibit their animals at the county and state fair. Junior Breed Associations allow showman 21 and under to exhibit their animals at a national level at numerous types of shows.
- Adult Exhibitors: Adults can show in various Breed Associations at national level shows, jackpot shows, and fairs.
Before arriving on show day
- To catch the judges eye, keep your animal a few feet towards the center of the ring as this will appease the eye of the judges.
- Make sure that your steer is a steer. Not a heifer, cow, or bull.
- Stay calm. It's okay if it doesn't turn out as planned. Be confident in yourself and your steer, you both have worked very hard!
- The way you are feeling about the show is going to affect the animal. Just take a few deep breaths. Try to get your steer in some other smaller shows beforehand, so it's not a first time thing for either one of you.
- Set the feet up with the front legs inline with each other and the back right foot forward a bit and if you would like to try something like this go in beef 4-H.
- Get to know your steer before you step into the ring, this will help with cooperation.
Warnings
- There will be a lot of people standing around staring at you and your animals, so don't get nervous or intimidated, as this will transfer to your animal and get him upset too, something the judges will dock in the ring.
- Wear appropriate shoes. There is a risk of the steer stepping on your feet, resulting in serious pain.
- Always turn your steer away from you. This will reduce the risk of getting stepped on.
- If your animal gets out of control, you will be hurt and are at risk of injuring others, so proper control of your show animal is important.
- Bumping too close to other animals can get you kicked, so avoid getting within kicking distance of other livestock.
Things You'll Need
- Steer (a castrated bull)
- Soap to wash your animal
- Show halter: they are made out of leather and chain
- Show stick: this should at shoulder-height to you.
- Scotch comb or brush
- Suitable clothing
