The stock show industry has always played a big part in my life. I started out showing pigs and then after some convincing, my parents let me start showing steers as well. My family has deep roots in farming and raising livestock. Growing up I didn’t necessarily think that raising show animals is where I was headed, but I did always know that I wanted to be a cattleman. Sure, there are plenty of negative things that go on in the show industry, but for every one of them, there are 100 more positive things happening. Such as, learning to work hard, being responsible, how to win and lose,…
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Ode to the Ringman
From the NAILE to the local county fair, it takes a team of individuals to pull off a successful livestock show. Often, the effort of the team is overlooked. In the quest for banners, in the rush to tear down and head home, in the fun that’s been had it’s easy to forget to acknowledge the efforts of those who made it all happen. One such thankless job is that of the ringman, ringwoman, ring steward if you will. Ode to the Ringman Pushing ornery sheep, separating pigs and twisting heifer tails. Catching loose critters. Dusting off kids, whispering to them, “Get back out there.” Efficient ringmen make it…
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Principles for Success: Influence
Influence is the power to affect, guide and shape the opinions and actions of others without making them feel pressured. It is a way to motivate your fellow showmen toward common goals. Hand-in-hand with sportsmanship in and out of the show ring, influence equips you to leave a legacy that will outlast you, extend your reach, provide you with new opportunities and help you become a better industry leader. Throughout your show career, you’ll come across people who will influence you both positively and negatively. It’s important to keep in mind the main components that make up influence while being sure to keep in check things that stand in…
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Getting Started – Goats
“The hardest part is getting started,” KC Sherwood. How many times have you heard that? Parents, ag teachers, extension agents, coaches… They all use this line as a form of encouragement. What if I told you Weaver Leather Livestock came out with an answer to make getting started easier? No really, they did! I know how overwhelming it can be once you get your project home. You got the goat you wanted, you quickly took all the notes you could from the breeder; but now you’re home and you don’t know what all you need or how to use the thousands of products listed on the Weaver website.…
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Principles for Success: Teachability
What is Teachability? Teachability is more than being smart; it’s a willingness and capacity to learn from others. Teachable people are receptive to instruction and have a thirst for knowledge and growth. They receive information and correction with an eager and motivated spirit, and they approach every situation as an opportunity to learn. Showmen who are teachable are likely to be successful because they see every experience as a learning tool and an opportunity for growth. They are open to feedback, and they handle discouragement and criticism gracefully and productively. Teachable exhibitors increase their capabilities and understanding, broadening their opportunities because they are accepting of other people’s wisdom. Exhibitors who…
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Behind the Label: The Wide Range Brush
Hillside Angus Ranch, owned and operated by the Washam family, has always been involved with showing cattle on local, state, and national levels. Working up to developing the Wide Range Brush, we were frustrated with other combs and brushes loosing teeth, bristles, or just breaking. We used them for working hair everyday, not saying they aren’t good products, it’s just that they didn’t stand up to daily use! We wanted a comb/brush that was durable and would last! We decided we would try to find a hair brush that would work, just as good, if not better than the ones developed specifically for cattle. The kicker was, they were too…
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Behind the Label: Spring New Products
Redesign of the Bucket Cart When it comes to new products, we are always looking for the newest and innovative products to bring to the market. We also try to look at our current line of products and ask the question “How can we make this better?” Our square and round bucket carts are the perfect example. Made in-house in our 20,000 Square foot metal shop. Weaver’s engineering team looked at the carts and found a few improvements that would help not only our wholesale customers but the livestock family as well. The cart was very costly to ship and was hard to fit in compact small trailers. We redesigned…
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Principles For Success: Ownership
What is Ownership? The truth is that no one is more responsible for your animal than you. Taking ownership and developing a sense of personal responsibility and accountability for your project is crucial to your success. When you own your attitude, you can change your perspective. When you take ownership of your decisions, you can move forward. When you assume ownership of your project, you make reaching your full potential possible. Exhibitors who possess the character trait ownership accept responsibility for outcomes and results. They take initiative and make good decisions to achieve their goals. If you do this, you will get noticed for your effort, and your chances of…
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5 Things You Should Always Load for the Stock Show
We’re sure you won’t forget to load the stock, the feed, or your show box, but whether you’re loading for the majors or just heading to the county fair there are a few more things you just shouldn’t leave home without. Motivation Whatever you show, there’s no doubt you put a lot of work into your project. Now matter how you place, let the experience you gain fuel your motivation for future improvement. Patience Sometimes it can feel like shows are all about the hurry up and wait. Wait in line with the trailer. Hurry up through check in. Wait for the class breaks. Hurry up on…
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If a Show Box Could Talk
It’s a cold February morning. It’s so cold, in fact, that you hesitate to go to the barn. Somewhat begrudgingly, you slide into your insulated ski pants, put on your heavy coat, grab your hat and gloves and open the door. The cold air takes your breath away and a strong wind confirms your greatest fear. It’s really, really, cold. We should really move to (insert somewhere south of you), you mutter to yourself. Still, by this time, your frustration with the cold quickly builds as you begin to think through tasks ahead. Feed. Check cattle. Check water. Your mind is in the game. The blistering cold, which only…
