PRE LESSONS : Let's Start with the Basics...

If you think this cow is giving you a dirty look she just might be?

Did you forget to say THANK YOU?

Yeap!! You read it right!!

The first thing you need to learn about showing cattle is some MANNERS!! I promise these tips will get you a lot farther than you think!! READ ON.....

We will just start today with some personal manners!!

#1 - Always, Always, ALWAYS....say thank you!! Why? because it is the right thing to do and it actually ends up benefitting you in the end!

The first people you will want to be kind to and say thanks to are the individuals checking you in and "stalling" you. Don't get all irritated if everything isn't exactly our way! Work with them. I guarantee they aren't out to get you!! I was an ag. teacher & a junior board member for a national cattle association  and have been in these people shoes. I promise that the people who are kind and friendly you are more likely to help out! I don't even think it is because you mean too, but let's face it you are going to be kinder to people who are kinder to you!

#2 - Please, Please, PLEASE... thank the judge after the show!! Even if that "low life, stupid idiot of a human" put you dead last!! ( I hope none of you would ever think that way!!)

When I started showing.... I started thanking!

My dad expected this!! No excuses!! I always thought this was so embrassing and he didn't know what he was talking about, but boy did he...My dad is the smartest guy on the planet!

You see if you show enough you will see judges again and again!! It's called "NETWORKING"!! After a show you usually see a bunch of grown men trying to get up to the judge, maybe they are old friends or just someone else trying to network, but it isn't often that you see a kid! That judge is going to remember you!! Sometimes it makes the difference when you and another youth are trying for that top spot and the judge is torn.

#3 - Thank your ag teacher!! (Thank your ag teacher's boss!!) Even if you can't stand your "stupid" ag. teacher and "crazy" extension agent (I know none of my students ever felt this way about me. :) hahaha  ) and even if you fell your ag. teacher didn't do anything!! Remember you don't know everything!! Your ag. teachers/extension agents are usually away from the family to help you. Do you think they want to work on the weekends? I promise this will make a huge difference for you!!

I had the best (and the MOST) ag. teachers in the world!! They also expected me to have MANNERS!!

#4 - Thank your parents!! Most likely they have put out money, took off work, and worked as hard if not harder than you!! SAY THANK YOU!! EXPRESS SOME APPRECIATION!!!

My parents are the best! My mom keep everything organized and on schedule, made sure I had clothes and food at shows, & walked and fed calves right along side of me. I have seen my mom come to shows when she have just had a round of chemo! My hats go off to my mom!! I could learn a lot from her work ethnic and loving ability!!

My dad expected the best! We worked at this 110%! He was always there working with me! Because of my parents I learnt manners!! Manners have taken me far in & out of the show ring!!

Don't worry.....we are going to get to more details like.....

* why the mess is that black calf wearing a brown halter

* where do you think you are a baseball field or a Kid Rock concert

* why.. have you ever even met this calf...you know the one you are showing