Lesson #4 - It isn't about the truck and trailer...

There are some moments you will always remember..I am not sure why those moments stick out so profoundly in your mind, but they just seem to stick like mud...The following moment was just one of those moments for me...

I was in the 8th grade and was truly excited to be picked up early from school as we were headed to a local fair to check in our animals. My dad wasn't farming at the time so we used my Papa's truck and trailer.  It is a blue, white and rusted 1978 GMC. The radio would work if you could tune it just right and the windows were the air conditioner.  My "air conditioner" no longer had a handle, but a pair of visigrips would roll the window down and, if you could keep them on, it rolled them up! Occasionally, the passenger side door was known to open for no apparent reason, so slapping the door shut became a safety issue...

What made the truck even better...the old trailer that was blue, white, and rusted that was dragged behind it! There was no telling what this trailer weighted..but I remember having to drive extra slow!

We pulled up to the fair and just WHERE did my dad park to unload our cattle...at the time it seemed like the worse possible spot.  Between two brand new Ford F250s hauling a shiny aluminum trailer...I remembered just kind of slipping on down it my seat and hoping no one saw me... But I had to get my calves off the trailer..I am not sure I had ever or will ever unload that fast again!! Let's just say I had my steer at a trot!!

My dad realized I was a little embrassed and he just winked & casually mentioned it isn't the truck and trailer that count, but whats in it....

I didn't really get the message until the trailers backed back up the next evening after the show.  The "honor mentions" loaded up on their aluminum trailers and lower place ribbons were place on the seats on these new F250s, but in the old rust GMC was 4 trophies and ribbons galore! Somehow (by God and b/c he allowed us to work hard) we loaded the Grand Champion Steer, the Grand Champion Heifer, and the Reserve Champion Heifer on that old rusted trailer! (and the Junior Champion Showman was still trying to roll up her window when we pulled out of the fair grounds)

I guess you all should see my dad's point...I know I sure did! For most of you this is a time to start getting new calves! I see people just go out and buy something so they have something in the barn or to beat some one else from getting a calf before they do... but get REAL!!!

You need to think about what kind (breed, size, birthdate, price range, etc.) that you are looking for when you are looking for a calf!! I become so irritated when I see a dad go out and buy a calf that will easily finish out at 1350 lbs for a 9 nine old petite girl!! GET REAL!!! The odds are that that child will not even be able to show that calf or the experience will be so bad for the child that she never wants to show again!! So for all of you PARENTS, EXTENSION AGENTS, & AG TEACHERS who help pick out calves fit the calf to the child!! DON'T BE DUMB!!

I will say that I have had my fair share of fussy, high tempered heifers, but the difference is that my parents didn't pick these out for my in the 6th grade.  I picked these heifers out when I was older and know the work that would be involved! I had enough show experience to figure out how to work the animal correctly!!

Here are the main 6 items you would to think about when picking out a calf:
#1 - Age - ALL I NEED TO SAY IS READ THE RULE BOOK AND FOLLOW IT.

#2 - Frame Size

Putting these two items together just remember that you want your steer to end up weighing about 1250 lbs.,  it is projected that a calf should gain about 2.5 lbs. a day...so your  calf should weigh around 500 lbs in the first of June if you sell in March!  (Remember if you have a smaller shower you might want a smaller calf.)

#3 - Muscle - You should be able to look down a calf's top, at his hind end and shoulders, and lastly at his bones and width of stance to see if he possessess the amount of muscle you are looking for...remember you aren't looking for the Hulk, but at the same time you have to have an adequate amount of muscle...no amount of feed can put on muscle.

#4 - Balance

#5 - Structural Correctness - If a calf can't walk, he just can't walk and a calf that can't walk will give you trouble all year long and should never win!!

#6 - Disposition

(Click here to check out these powerpoint on steer selection if you are a newer shower!)

So..to get to the point...make sure you are picking out a good calf for you! You may can't afford the high selling calf at the sale, so what....just make sure you have a calf that is structural sound (& has a good balance of the things listed above) and you can definitely work with that!!

Now to wrap it up...don't take me wrong we eventually got a brand new truck and used an aluminum trailer! I just loved the new truck, but we still emphasized that what was in the trailer was important! And for those of you who know me know I have to believe there is nothing wrong with an F250! Just remember no matter what you drive to select good calves and work hard with them!!

Even though those new trucks are nice I know my dad and I would like one more ride in that 78 rusted GMC with my Papa!! He was the biggest fan and those are the memories that truly last a lifetime!!

Best luck with finding your perfect calf! If you are needing some help feel free to give me a call at
229-325-4394. I would be more than glad to try to help you locate one.