General

  • General

    Supplement Breakdown

    We’ve recently added a new category of products to our website: Supplements. Supplements can seeming like an overwhelming category with some many different options and types. So we are going to breakdown some of these supplements to help you and your animal make it to the final drive. We all know that animals stress out during transport. It’s a huge change for them, the stress of the road, a new environment, potentially a new routine. Animals can exhibit stress in a variety of ways, most common, scours/looseness and going off food. It doesn’t have to be that way though, here are a few supplements to make the transition to a…

  • General

    7 Survival Tips for a Long Show

    7 Survival Tips for a Long Show Some show days are long. Some shows are a few days or can stretch into a week, even more. Sure, stock show folks love it. Yet, sometimes the down time can get to a person. It is possible to keep that livestock show spirit fresh no matter how many hours, days or weeks you’ve spent in a show barn. Socialize Not just with your crew. Get out there and meet people. Mingle with breeders, breed reps, salespeople and other showmen. A show is a great place to network for your farm or business. Countless deals have been made standing in shavings with the…

  • General

    Principles for Success: Focus

    What is Focus? Focus is concentrated attention and energy. It helps us to clarify and commit to the goals we have for the show season, which leads to better planning and vision for our animal projects. When we are concentrated on our targets, we are more productive and less likely to procrastinate. Exhibitors who lack focus are easily distracted from their projects and are often disorganized and forgetful. They may appear confused, flustered and uncertain in the show ring. Showmen who have focus are intentional in the way they move while showing their animals. They have kept their eye on the prize all season, putting in the time and resources,…

  • General

    Be Bold

    Boldness: Some synonyms for boldness include audacity, nerve, and conspicuousness. The term may describe someone who stands out in a crowd, is outspoken, or has an intense presence. While none of those characteristics are negative or wrong, there is also something to be said for a person who shows boldness in a more reserved approach. Some examples might include: Stick by your values, even if it means standing alone. Help someone who cannot repay you. Stand up for someone when it is not the popular thing to do. Show great sportsmanship in the ring, on the field, or on the court when the outcome is less than what you wanted. Being…

  • General,  Stock Show Life

    Thank a Stock Show Kid

    Many livestock judges, at some point during Showmanship or the Grand Drive, will often look at the fresh faces of the stock show kids in and around the ring and deliver a similar message: Thank your parents. Thank your grandparents. Thank your breeder, advisor, or agent. Thank whoever it is that got you to this point. The ones that help make it possible for you to be a stock show kid.   I love that. I love judges taking time to ask youth to recognize how blessed they are to be stock show kids. To value the time, effort, and money it takes the grown-ups in their lives. I don’t…

  • General

    Principles for Success: Boldness

    What it Boldness? Boldness is the confidence and courage to do what is right regardless of the circumstances or others’ opinions. Bold people are determined, initiating and self-assured. They are seen as leaders. “Nice” people often hold back, leaving the bold statements and actions to the ones least capable of leading well. Developing appropriate boldness will empower you to be an effective team member and a strong, capable leader. Being bold helps you communicate effectively, persuade powerfully and share ideas. Without boldness, your valuable input will not be heard. Not speaking up lowers your value to the team and can be discouraging to those who try to move the team…

  • General

    Behind the Label: Mid-Year New Products

    It is the most wonderful time of the year. Summertime! It is a magical time of the year, School’s out; Livestock Shows are happening all across the country all the way from Junior Nationals to County Fairs and Jackpot shows. Another reason why it is the best time of year is for the New Products that get to launch. It feels like Christmas in June! Just like each of you working to perfect your animal for shows, Weaver works hard to perfect and come out with new products that make showing fun and helps you be successful whatever level of showing you are at. Pig Waterer- Our mission was to…

  • General

    Principles for Success: Respect

    What is Respect? Respectful people show admiration and esteem for others and are known for their courtesy and kindness. Respect is more than a feeling; it is reflected in behavior that values and shows appreciation for others. People who lack respect disregard others and do not recognize others’ positions or achievements. Disrespectful people are discourteous and may be impolite and offensive. Respect is required to achieve success in your personal life and in the show ring. We cannot have successful relationships without respect because it reveals how much we value and care for others. Without respect, others cannot trust that our intentions and decisions will be anything but selfishly motivated.…

  • General

    Stock Show Anthem: Purple Banners

    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,…

  • General

    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…