When starting the grooming process on your calf, it is important to begin with your tail. Doing so will eliminate any overspray you may get from fitting the legs. This also allows the tail to fully dry. Preparing the Tail The first step is to comb out the entire tail with a brush or comb. The more you comb out the tail during daily care, the fuller and nicer it will look and the less teasing you will have to do. This will also help your calf get used to you working on its tail. We do recommend using the Wide Range Brush since does comb easier than other brushes.…
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Fitting a Tailhead
Clipping the Tail Head It is important to clip the tailhead before fitting, since there are sure to be hair that needs done after you have clipped the body. Before starting to clip, be sure to form the tailhead back into a mohawk. If you are going to clip the tailhead after applying adhesives, be sure to wait until the adhesives are dry. Preparing the Tailhead Your main goal of fitting the tailhead is to create as much separation of the hair as possible. A slicker brush is a great tool to use to separate the hair and comb it in an upwards direction. If the hair does not stand…
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Fitting a Front Leg
The role of fitting is to hide any areas of weakness on the calf while amplifying its strengths. Fitting is an important tool to reach the most ideal look. Pull Up the Front Leg The focus of the front leg will be from the knee to the hoof. Use Medium Adhesive to pull up the front leg. The back of the leg should be straight with a taper back into the dewclaw. The front of the leg should have a slight slope. Use Firm Adhesive to separate the hair on the back fin. It is beneficial to use a slicker brush to separate the hair and then set…
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Determination – A Core Trait of Our Industry with Bob May
Bob May has been in the cattle industry for many years and he has seen his fair share of wins as well as experienced some losses along the way. We sat down with Bob to find out what has shaped his perspective on the past nine months. Bob has built a well-respected cattle operation, has accumulated wins on the national stage (The National Western Stock Show, American Royal, The North American International Livestock Expo to name a few) but if you ask him, he puts his pants on one leg at a time just like everybody else. His ultra-competitive spirit is only matched by his humble attitude. Over the course…
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Everything I Need to Know About Life, I Learned from My Animals
It’s ok to get dirty. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence – in fact, some fences we shouldn’t even get near, let alone touch. Don’t be the last one to the feed trough. There will be death, it will be sad. There will be new life, it will be joyful. We all need a pat on the back (and maybe even a kick in the rear) every now and then. Listening is more important than voicing an opinion. Never doubt or underestimate a mother’s instinct. If dogs and cats can get along, so can we. Stick with your flock. A fresh grooming makes all…
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Lessons from the Show Ring
While I’m still young, and certainly have a lot of life lessons yet to learn, being a showman is providing me with some of the best experiences to grow in virtue and become a confident young adult. Here are three lessons I am learning more about with each passing year. Trust your heart, your hard work, and don’t worry about the crowd around you. When I think back to my first few years of showing, all I can remember is seeing lots of people and desperately searching for the familiar faces of my parents when I was in the show ring. I also remember the countless times they…
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Principles for Success: Generosity
WHAT IS GENEROSITY? Generosity is the willingness to give to others without selfish ambitions. But being generous is also in the best interest of the ones who give. Research shows that generosity is a foundational principle for mental and relational health. A generous lifestyle reduces stress, supports personal physical health, enhances purpose, and fights depression. Generosity can boost confidence, promote positive social connections, and improve relationships. Check out the following Do’s and Don’ts of generosity below:
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Address the Envelopes
Thank you. It’s something that you are taught to say at a very young age. You probably go through your day and thank people without even noticing. Someone holds the door open for you, you say thanks as you enter; you don’t give it much thought it’s just something you say. In today’s world, we sometimes forget to slow down and give credit to those who in reality we really do appreciate. We sometimes assume that those investing in us know we are thankful for what they are doing/have done for us but taking a moment to slow down and let them know can mean so much. Growing up…
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5 Easy Ways to Take Initiative
Taking initiative is recognizing and doing what needs to be done without being asked or coerced. It is so easy to sit back wait for someone to tell you what to do and how to do it, but taking initiative isn’t hard. Here are some easy ways you can take initiative. Offer to Help: Do more than what is required of you. It could be cleaning the stall before being asked, washing your heifer, or even as simple as making sure you have your show clothes ready to go come show day. Make Friends: Introduce yourself to your fellow exhibitors, or those other show moms. Meeting new people can be…
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Principles for Success: INITIATIVE
What is Initiative? Initiative is recognizing and doing what needs to be done without being asked or coerced. If you are a person with initiative, you are self motivated and resourceful. You are able to independently and accurately assess situations and take appropriate action. People with initiative are the trailblazers and high achievers. Did you know that initiative allows you to take responsibility for your life and to face and overcome you fears. You have a greater likelihood of reaching your goals when you are personally motivated instead of waiting for others. Check out the following Do’s and Don’ts of initiative below:
