Jake’s Heifer Show Results
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Ready and waiting for their turn in the ring.
On Saturday, June 5th, Jake represented Cross Creek Cattle Company at the Grimes County Fair. He raised, halter broke, and practiced with the fifteen month old heifer as his 4-H Beef Project. This is his first year as an official 4-H member; therefore, this project was also his first animal project.
On our ranch and family farm, we raise animals from rabbits and chickens to cows and horses with other species in between. Raising an animal for the show is an entirely different experience. This is especially true when comparing grass fed beef to show beef. To be competitive, show animals need grain in order to fatten them up. Judges look for good conditioning, which in my mind means fat. Needless to say, this heifer was taken out of our grass fed program.
We learned a lot this year. With the help of our county extension agent, Jake fed his heifer as directed. She began really putting on the weight. She got her hooves trimmed and her hair clipped. She also received several baths. A fan blew on her during the heat of the day. The heifer was the most pampered animal on our ranch.
The last two weeks before the show, Jake really began working on his showmanship. Different family members would pretend to be the judge. We would ask him to do a variety of things with his heifer. When he set her up, we would walk around her, touch her, and speak to Jake. This was very good practice for what was to come on the 5th.
Jake in the show ring with Sugar.
Jake arrived at the Grimes County Fairgrounds excited and ready to participate in his first heifer show. He had the heifer, who he named Sugar, looking show ready and beautiful. He was all dressed up, too. Jake was very smart in that he watched a few of the first classes before his class to get a better idea of what the judge would have him do in the ring. He watched some experienced showman and got some good ideas.
When it was Sugar’s class, Jake was ready. He walked in the ring with such great confidence. He looked like he was an experienced showman. He followed the judge’s requests. And, he set Sugar up beautifully for the judge.
The judge said as he was giving his reasons for placing the class, “The more that you look at this heifer (Sugar), the more that you like her.” He also called her “refined and feminine.” These are all desirable qualities for a heifer in any breed.
Jake and Sugar won the class. He received a $25.00 gift certificate from Producer’s Co-op in Bryan, Texas. Jake was excited that he won and we were so proud of Jake. His hard work paid off.
Now the show bug has bitten him. He is looking for more shows in which to participate. I will let you know how he does in his future shows. His goal right now is to enter the Houston Livestock Show next year. Wherever Jake shows Sugar or any other heifer, he will make Cross Creek Cattle Company proud.
