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…
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What to Get That Hard-To-Shop-For Livestock Enthusiast in Your Family
With Christmas just weeks away, you are probably still scrambling to finish gathering presents. I’m sure you’ve got a special person in your life that is tore up with the livestock lifestyle. That person who excuses themselves from family dinners to go rinse calves or feed pigs. That person who always has an online sale pulled up on their phone. Or that person who hangs banners or random show posters on their bedroom walls. If you may need some help, I think I’ve got ya covered. Clothing Clothing is always a good options because of our lifestyle. From paint and adhesive to dust and dirt to, well, some not…
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Get in a Truck and Learn
Pack an entire family in an extended or crew cab truck. Don’t forget the cooler and snacks. Suitcases in the trailer in case it rains or snows on the way there. Fight over who controls the radio. Ask if we remembered to pack everything when you are 10 minutes away from home. Fight over who controls the radio. “Are we there yet?” Get to the show and wait in line for a while. Fight over who controls the radio. Sound like fun? Well, it may not always be fun, but it can be a learning experience for a stock show family. When I showed we had…
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The Power of the Blue Corduroy
Saturday, October 27th was my last time in my FFA jacket. That morning I woke up a little earlier. I took a little more time to curl my hair and do my makeup. I slid my nylons on with a little more care. I zipped up my jacket a little slower than usual, admiring the pins I had collected over the years, the small spot of sheep slobber on the left sleeve, and the little piece of stitching in my name that had started to come loose. I stood in the mirror and stared at myself in my jacket for a long time, reminiscing on the accomplishments and memories made…
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Lemons and Life
Something hit me the other day as I was driving down the road that made me really think. Someone on the radio was talking about what else you could make with the lemons life gives you, like desserts or cookies. I realized that my first thought about those lemons wasn’t to bake with them, it was to throw them right back at life. This startled me a little because I’m not typically an aggressive guy (and my aim sucks), but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I agreed with myself. Here’s why: Lemons represent the “bad” things that happen to you. Sometimes life gives you…
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What Not to Do During Sale Season
It’s an exciting time for producers of all ages. It’s the start of another chance for the purple and hopefully, an investment in the future of your herd. For some though, the excitement is so intense that they neglect to really contemplate the decision they are about to make. Depending on your current situation, the cattle may look different but there are always certain things NOT to do when looking for the next purchase. That’s why I’ve compiled just a few of the most important mistakes to avoid. Do NOT shop quietly Ever hear the phrase, “The wheel that squeaks the loudest is the one that gets the grease?” Making…
