The making of a good show
According to Karla Deaver, 4-H youth development specialist and associate extension professional with the University of Missouri, livestock show committees or fair boards put in a lot of volunteer time planning and preparing for a livestock show.
“Most fair boards begin planning their next fair as soon as one ends, so it is an ongoing process,” Deaver said.
The judge
Finding the right judge is crucial for a good livestock show experience. “This process probably begins with how much your organization is willing to pay a person for their services,” Bryan R. Kutz, instructor and youth specialist for the University of Arkansas’ Department of Animal Science. “My preference would be to pick a judge that works extremely well with the exhibitors. A judge that will give the youth a valuable and positive experience is very important to me.”
Additional suggestions Kutz provided is to use a judge that is not from the area where the show is taking place or has any connection to exhibitors or their family, and of course a judge that has had experience and is knowledgeable about the species of livestock they are asked to evaluate is a must.
The judge and the 4-H’er
4-H’ers need to be ready to interact with the judge. “Usually, the ring helpers will instruct the exhibitors on when, what and how they are to manipulate the show ring,” Kutz said. “The judge will usually talk to everyone in the show.”
Ultimately there is nothing else better to prepare you than actual experience at the show.
“Practice leading your animal in noisy, chaotic conditions,” Deaver said. “Practice setting the animal up as you would in the show ring. Washing, brushing and grooming your animal daily so the animal is comfortable with you and trusts you is very important. All of this practice will help a great deal, for showmanship as well as placing in the class.”
