Lesson #3: Crowding Is For A Bon Jovi Concert...

Late last night I ran to get a few items at Walgreens. I finally got the boys to bed and just needed a few relaxing minutes out of the house.  Usually if I take my boys to the store it is more like going to the circus. So I am getting up all my items, taking my time, and then it happens....I step into the checkout aisle and this lady gets behind me. She is so close I can feel her breathe. I literally thought she would run over me... I am not sure what she thought she doing or what fire she was headed to, but I gladly asked if she would like to go ahead me...Praise the Good Lord she did!! I really can't stand people to touch me or get that close to me, especially when I don't even know them!! As I watched her checkout I began to relax again (now that I could breathe) and began to remember another experience where crowding was annoying me....

I was showing a full sib to Haberno and least to say she had quite a bit of an attitude! I constantly worked with her, but she is a little on the nervous side. (I guess some animals, just like us people, are just that way.)  I was showing her at the North American International Livestock Exposition when to my discomfort, dislike, and amazement the young lady with the calf behind me kept "pushing" us.  Now most of you already know what I am KINDLY trying to stay, but in case you are lost... she was on purpose making her heifer move closer and closer to mine to make her move. You see we were down to the top 2 spots and every time I got my heifer set up for the judge she would push her heifer forward, so mine moved again. This is an unprofessional practice...

When I came out of the ring the man I purchased my heifer from told me if that every happened again with her I was to push my heifer back into her and let the heifer kick the "grap" out of her or her heifer.  I don't believe he used as "kind" of language. He said it loud enough for his voice to carry over to her "group".  They quietly and quickly moved away from us....

The next day we showed again with the open show.  We were lined up and guess who was behind me...YOU GUESSED IT....the same heifer...but this time the dad was showing the heifer.  I won't forget this...my dad was on one side with a comb and Bobby was on the other...Bobby looked at that man square  in the eyes and in a ruff tone said...This heifer here will kick your brains out if you get close...so back off. 

No more problems....

Now please don't think I am encouraging any of you to "back over" anyone with your calf.  This is a rare case, but usually people who keep "running over" your calf during the show are because they can't control their calf not because they are intentional trying to "spite" you. 

So..What should you do if you are in the show ring and the animal behind you in running all over yours? Sometimes there isn't a lot you can do...but here are a few suggestions....

#1- If you are in showmanship....pray she gets pulled in last place and out of your way.

(One small hint here: Try to be second walking into the showmanship ring.  First isn't safe because you just dont' know if your animal is going to want to walk. Second is close enough to get the judges attention and usually not always, but usually the "high headed" cattle will be near the end....because that shower doesn't want that animal waiting for a long time, getting more excited, while waiting to go in)

#2 - In the market or age class...pull your heifer out of the line and move over to the right just little when you set her back up.  This way your heifer will not be directly in front of her. 

#3- If you see the animal behind you isn't very calm make sure you leave plenty of room between you and the calf in front of you.  That way if the animal behind you bumps you you can just move up a little without making a full circle.

#4- I always told people during line up to please be careful and not get to close to my calf because he/she could kick.  This way people were less likely to "crowd" me.  "Remember if they have legs they can kick..."

If my animal was more "high headed" such as the animal I told the story about earlier make sure you do let the shower behind you know...especially if it is a small child...we usually let the parent or the ag teacher of that child know because that way they could stress this to the child...SAFETY MOST BE A PRIORITY!!

Remember don't crowd me....I just might kick you at the local Walgreens! :)

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.

Lesson #5: Did Anyone Else Get Any Glory Wounds This Weekend?

Did anyone else grab a glory wound this weekend? You all know what I am talking about...that wound that is left after the dust settles down and you are perfectly sure you are going to make it!!

Why is it that we are so proud of our "glory wounds"? Take a 4th grade child that has just won showmanship, but was stepped on in the process. He will show you the belt buckle he won, but then he will spend 5 minutes telling you how he got stepped on, how he got the calf off, and what each second of the horrible pain felt like...of couse, he mentions he didn't cry...he took it like a man!! If you are lucky you can get away before the boot and sock come off...visual effects always stand out in people's mind!!

I was the lucky owner of a glory wound this past weekend! (It was on my head, so I couldn't show it off! darn...hahaha)

My family and I were loading replacement heifers this past weekend. My dad and I were driving them into a trailer and as always there was one little heifer that wanted to stay behind. (Isn't that a kind way of putting it.)  She had ran past me once and I felt we were in a hurry...so there was no way this was happening again! (The Metts family running behind...never...) The next time she came by I stepped out in front of her. (I guess..I am not sure what I called myself trying to do.. ride her I guess....like the RFD TV says "Long Live the Cowboy"!) Tuff Hedeman didn't have anything on me!! That ole heifer hit me just right and when she did up went my legs and down went my head!!

I hit my head first and then my shoulder! I jumped up like I thought she was coming back for more!! But, after jumping up like some super hero (really a coward who wasn't getting run over ahead.) I just kind of stood there..more like old Otis on the Andy Griffin show!

It is amazing how you can go from being one of the world's greatest cowboys to "falling" around like some kind of drunk....

I have had other nice glory wounds....bruised feet from calves who can't walk without walking on you...bruised legs from calves who consistently forget it is a blow dryer..the same one we have used a million times...and a great big bruise from being thrown into that huge power box at Perry, GA! Talk about a blast!!

However, getting hurt by your cattle or while working with your cattle while isn't a laughing matter! It can be quite serious. Most of us cattlemen who have been around cattle for a while get hurt because we are too comfortable in the situation!! They always say the bull that will hurt you is the one you trust!

For you newer exhibitors here is just a little bit of advice:

#1 - NEVER, NEVER, NEVER tie a calf of any size to you!!

I have seen some of the calmest calves in the world get spooked and go crazy!! Trust me...you don't want to be on the other end of that rope with no control over where you are headed!!

#2- Don't walk underneath your calf. If you don't know what I am talking about your feet will soon!! and for goodness sake please wear shoes that can take getting stepped on...please don't wear flip flops to halter break cattle. (Please don't act like there are people out there who don't do this...)

#3 - Either get far enough away from the calf so he can't kick you or get close enough that it won't hurt as bad. Why is it that we all want to stand right where the calf can get a great kicking target.

#4 - Don't put yourself between your animal and a solid area.  Especially when breaking your animal.

#5 = Please alway tie your animal with slip knots. This is for the safety of your animal and you!! If you don't know how to tie a slip knot! STOP! Watch this video click here and learn how to tie a slip knot! My dad must have made me practice this one millione times, but it was worth it.

(for your safety and your calves)

Do any of you more seasoned showers have any advice? Feel free to leave a comment and let us know!!

Lesson #6 Okay...Let's Talk Dressing??

No I am not talking about the kind of "dressing"

that is overflowing out of the turkey at Granny's Thanksgiving Table?

If I were a football player, I would wear a hemlet to protect and a jersey to represent!

If I were a ballerina, I would wear a tutu for twirling!

If I were a baseball player, I would wear cleats to run and a hat to protect my eyesight from the sun!

Guess What? Wake Up? Some of your "dressing" decisions need to change!!

This ain't Show Time at the Apollo!!

When Bama won the National Champs did you see any players wearing crowns?

Were they shouting "Roll Tide" in tutus?

(I bet ESPN would have paid a lot for this photo!)

NO!! Why not? Because at that time they are football players!!

While you might wear a baseball hat everyday and baggy drawers to 3rd period math,

that isn't the case now!!

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Let's work our way up!!

1.) Shoes!! PLEASE wear some type of boot. (lace up or pull on)! Please don't wear tennis shoes or worse dress shoes!! (You know you have seen it!)  Please make sure your boots are clean!! While it is in a barn, cow poop all over your shoes is not professional. (I am not talking on the bottom.)  Most likely if you are at a cattle show you are staying in a hotel! Hotels usually have great little shoe shiners! USE THEM!! I mean I hate to ask this of some of you because it might take a little time out of your pool party or gossip club going on at the hotel after the show, but I promise a few minutes won't mess up your social life! :)

2.) Jeans - Make sure you are wearing jeans that are appropriate!! No rips, no large stains, etc! I am leaving this at that!!

3.) A belt and preferably with a belt buckle!! It ain't got to be a plate!! A modest buckle will do just fine!! If you don't have one ask a friend to share. Most of these buckles are interchangable!

4.) A nice, clean, PRESSED shirt! Don't grab your shirt as you go in the ring after your little brother has stomped on it in the floor of your dad's pickup truck!! Again, most hotels have irons!! I prefer a button up shirt or a solid type pull over. It is totally a personal thing, but I HATE short sleeves and sleeveless tops in the show ring! I totally prefer long sleeve!! I personally think it is more attractive and professional looking!! Of course, do I even have to say "tuck it in"!

5.) It really bothers me to see index cards hanging off people's hind ends! All jokes aside I just prefer a number harness that you wear over your shirt! I believe it adds to the professional look!!

6.) Clean!! That is right! Please have a clean face and hands as clean as possible!

Girls: If you are at the age to wear make-up! Please feel free too! You do want to look your best! You need to have your hair pulled back or at least out of your face!! Matching ribbons for girls can really complete a look!! A little jewerly is fine; however, this isn't the Miss America Contest! Feel free to save your bling for the night life at the fair! A nice pair of earrings will do; however make sure you don't wear jewerly that makes a noise when you moves around!! You should know why!!!

Boys: NO CAPS!! NO CAPS!! NO CAPS!! If your hair is in your eyes get a hair cut!!

Now put on that "nobody can beat me" look and rock'n roll!

I just hate those fake smiles!! (and so does the judge!)

(If you can't afford something on this list don't let that discourage you. Just ask a friend to share or consult with your ag teacher or extension agent. I am sure they can help with some good advice.)

Miranda and Zena have arrived....come by and take a look!

We were so glad to be able to purchase one of The 2011 National Western Stock Show Champion Pen heifers from the Wiese Peterson Cattle Company. We have got her home and she gets better looking each day. We also purchased an Open Bar heifer from Braun Cattle Company. We can't wait to see what future calves these heifers will bring us.

The Last Standing is underway!!

The Last Standing is underway! Make sure not to miss this awesome opporunity to buy fall born steers and heifers!! More news will be coming your way!!