Showing dairy cattle and judging them has changed over time. Things have changed on how you’re preparing the animals, what the judges are looking for and sometimes it’s hard to know where the trends are today.
Kristen Metcalf, a dairy cattle judge from Rock County, shares more on how she got started judging and what she looks for during showmanship versus the animal age classes.
Metcalf grew up judging from a young age and continued her passion for dairy cattle into college. She was a part of the UW-Madison Dairy Judging team and since graduating has had the opportunity to judge at different fairs and showmanship contests around Wisconsin.
“In the showmanship classes, we’re really looking at how well the animal is presented,” says Metcalf. “That’s all the way down to making sure you have the right white shirt and white pants on that day, looking the best yourself.”
Judges are also looking for how you are setting your animal up and if you are making sure it is looking its best at all times. That goes into the physical appearance as well as making sure that they are well tempered and being handled well in the ring.
Exhibitors should also be keeping a safe distance between them and other animals. Showmanship differs from the regular animal age classes because in showmanship you can bring in a heifer that maybe isn’t as correct in her confirmation. However, by the way you show her you can still do well in showmanship.
In the regular classes, judges are looking at the physical confirmation of the animal. For heifers, they’re looking at correct feet and legs. For cows, they’re looking for correct udders and mammary systems.
“Just in my time of judging as well as showing there’s been a lot of improvements and changes made. From how the halter is held, to clipping the animal, to productivity, the industry is always evolving,” adds Metcalf.
A key way exhibitors can stand out to the judge is by having fun. When youth enjoy what they are doing it resonates with others. A good way to feel confident is to practice, watch and learn from the older exhibitors.
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