Breeds and Classifications
Cattle shows are arenas where cattle are judged against each other and breed standards. These shows often divide categories based on beef production or dairy production.
Beef Cattle Breeds
The most common beef cattle breeds you will see at a cattle show are:
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Angus
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Hereford
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Charolais
Angus cattle have black or red coats and produce high-quality beef. Herefords, with their white faces, are great for meat and can handle cold weather. Charolais cattle are cream-colored and known for their lean meat. In showing, the judge will compare the cattle to the breed standard and how closely each specimen meets the standard.
Dairy Cattle Breeds
Besides beef cattle, dairy cattle are also popular in cattle shows. Some breeds you will commonly see at a cattle show are:
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Holstein
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Jersey
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Guernsey
Holsteins are the traditional cow that we all know. They are black and white and produce the most milk by breed in the United States. Jersey cattle are tan and produce milk that is high in butterfat. Many choose milk from Jersey cattle to produce cheese. Guernseys are brown and white and produce high-quality, creamy milk.
Other Cattle Classifications
While beef and dairy categories are major categories, cattle at shows are also regularly broken up by age and sex. Two common groups are heifers and steers.
Showing Heifers
Heifers are evaluated based on size, conditioning, and overall appearance. Judges look for:
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Conformation: A balanced frame and strong muscles.
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Condition: A healthy body, not too thin or overweight
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Presentation: Clean, well-groomed, and neat
While conformation mostly comes from breeding, owners have a great impact on condition and presentation. Proper diet, exercise, and grooming can have your heifer ready for the show ring.
Showing Steers
Steers are formidable bodies in the show ring. Of course, judges will also assess steers on condition, presentation, and conformation. There will be more emphasis on muscle mass, weight, and temperament.
Show Ring Fundamentals
Before you enter the ring, it is best to know some of the fundamentals so you are as prepared as you can be.
Etiquette and Dress Code
This sport is based on proper etiquette. All competitors must show respect to the animals, participants, spectators, and judges. Additionally, all competitors should have a positive attitude toward healthy competition.
Competitors wear apparel that is fitting for the style of competition. The best items to wear are: closed-toe boots, fitted pants or jeans, and a button-up shirt. All items should be neat and clean. For safety reasons, accessories should be kept at a minimum. However, many choose to wear hats to protect their heads and faces from the sun for outdoor competitions.
Understanding Judging Criteria
You must understand the competition before entering the competition. Judges will be assessing you and your cattle on very specific criteria. You must present your cattle in a way that displays his conformation in the best possible way. Proper training, diet, and exercise can show superior movement. Finally, consistent and proper grooming can help you excel in presentation.
