There are many ways to create a great show cattle display. I’ve always loved big displays of cattle that show off the brand.
I’ll never forget walking through the barns “on the hill” in at the NWSS in Denver for the first time.
Pay attention to the big guys…
Probably my memories are all mixed up from year to year at this point, but the impressive rows of cattle under the Express, Magness, and Hartman brands are forever etched in my brain.
The aisles were clean, the cattle amazing and the displays were well-done. Of course, we’ll cut them some slack on show day…show day doesn’t count.
Everyone had
The beds were huge, immaculate and the entire display gave an air of class and professionalism.
Today, some people have shifted to a more modern look with banners attached to the back of their tie panels.
Either way, the branding and professional look remains.
The jackpots have made us a little more like gypsies, in an effort to be able to get in and out quickly.
However, this article is geared more for a show that you are going to stay at for a while.
So why do you care? What difference does it make?
Consider this…
The total dollars of cattle sold in the beds annually across the country is astronomical.
It doesn’t matter if it’s the national champion female or a third-place steer at the county fair. There is always a potential buyer walking through the barns.
In fact, your display should be just as good as those in your favorite retail store, showcasing what you have to offer.
If your area is disorganized and dirty, your potential buyer could cruise on by.
Last week, an ag teacher asked me about creating a professional display for the cattle in her FFA group for the fair. It occurred to me that people all across the country are tasked with this each year.
While some are old pros at creating displays, others may be just starting. Or, you might just be like me…always looking for a cool new way to do things.
Like so many things in this world, there are many ways to do it correctly but there are also common problems that I see.
For example, she asked, “Do you guys use kickboards?” I explained that we do not, for two reasons.
1. If you make your bed correctly, you don’t need them.
2. They are a hazard for cattle to get hurt on.
If the cattle don’t pick their feet up all of the way and come down on the board wrong, they can tear their dewclaws…I’ve seen it happen. You’ve fed your steer too long to risk it.
Also, on a personal note, I’m a huge clutz and can trip on perfectly flat ground… No joke, I was the prom queen and instead of floating to the stage with grace, like in the movies, I tripped going up the stairs and about knocked the crown right off my head!
The last thing I need to do is catch a toe on a board on my way into the bed while carrying two buckets full of water. I can see it now, two tipped water buckets, and
Unfortunately, another common problem I see in the heat of the summer is that people like to make straw forts around their cattle.
Of course, you’ve seen them, maybe you’ve built them. People make straw bale end panels, straw bale “‘kickboards”, straw bale chairs…heck maybe even straw bale tables.
Consider, a straw fort does not have the look to create a great show cattle display.
Now, I’ll give you credit for resourcefulness but when it’s hot, cattle need as much airflow as possible.
So, what if you don’t have rows of cattle to display like Express Ranches, does that mean you can’t put together an impressive display? Absolutely not!
Determine Your “Look”
Take time for planning and have an idea of how you want it to look. Do you want it to be sleek and professional, cute and in line with the theme of the fair or minimalist?
Sure, it sounds kind of funny calling a cattle stall minimalistic but it’s a thing! The fewer things Frank has to pack in the trailer, the better!
Define Your Budget
Is this something you want to be able to use at your regional and national shows, or is it just for this year’s fair?
Based on that, you may want to go to a professional sign maker/graphic designer to create a look and branding for your display.
However, if that’s not in your budget, seek out a local metal shop, high school shop or a mom with a Cricut or other sign-making machine. Get resourceful.
Plan Ahead
Oh, if finding which cattle in the string will kick you is my superpower, planning ahead is my kryptonite.
So, do as I say and not as I do…give yourself plenty of time to pull together the look you want. Remember, the best displays are clean and consistent.
Tips:
1. Avoid anything that swings or flaps…cattle hate that.
2. Keep everything in front of the cattle high enough that they can’t eat it.
We have created a tool for you to help you create a great show cattle display.
Get it HERE
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