Brazos County Livestock Newsletter

Transcription

1 Brazos County Livestock Newsletter Inside this issue: Major Show Results 2 Livestock Ambassador 3 Clipping Tips 4-6 Steer Classification Updates 7-10 What to pack in the show box 11 Major Show Updates 12 BCYLS Eligibility Forms March 2016 Edition This year all 4H ers who will be competing in the Brazos County Youth Livestock Show, must submit their eligibility form to the County Extension Office on or before March 14th in order to be eligible to participate in the 2016 show. These forms must be signed by the agent and school to be accepted. Major Show Judges 12 State Fair Updates 12 BCYLS Weightbreaks 13 Major Show Dates 14 Contacts 14 Special points of interest: Tag orders Livestock Ambassador Program Major Show Pass & Travel meetings Steer Classification updates What to pack in the showbox Clipping tips Major Show results State Fair of Texas updates Major Show Updates Major Show Judges Major Show Dates BCYLS Weight Breaks Major Show Pass Handout & Travel Meetings State Fair Sheep, Goat & Swine Tag orders It is time once again to order your tags for the State fair of Texas Sheep, Goat, & Swine show. Tags are $12 for sheep and goats & $12 for swine. These orders are due to the Extension office by 5PM on April 8th Tag order forms will be sent via and will be on the Brazos County webpage. If you have any questions, please contact us at Major Show Steer & Heifer Tag Orders It is time once again to order your tags for the major show steers & Heifers. Tags are $12 this year and orders are due to the Extension office by 5PM on April 8th. Tag order forms will be sent via and will be on the Brazos County webpage. If you have any questions, please contact us at Star of Texas & Houston March 3rd at the Brazos County Extension office starting at 6PM We will be drawing for parking passes at this meeting, do not have to be present to receive a pass. If you are unable to attend the meeting please contact us prior to the meeting so we can include you in the travel plans and get you your passes prior to the show

2 Major Show results for Brazos County 2016 Ft. Worth Livestock Show Junior Heifer Show Miranda Skaggs Reserve Division Champion Simbrah heifer Whitney Bishop Champion Division ORB Heifer Junior Steer Show Kaley Kelley 9th Place Class 4 Exotic Sydney Maulsby 9th Place Class 8 Exotic Miranda Skaggs 2nd Place Hereford Junior Sheep Show Laney Bone Champion Dorper Sheep Junior Goat Show Reagan Thurman- Lauren Hillert San Angelo Livestock Show Market Sheep Show Kendall Bone 7th place Southdown Clayton Ramsey Champion Southdown Market Goat Show Reagan Thurman 3rd place Breeding Gilt Show Kaylynn Kieschnick 3rd place Yorkshire gilt, & reserve champion Yorkshire Gilt Market Barrow Show Breeding Doe show Lauren Hillert 6th Place doe Reagan Thurman 14th place doe 2016 San Antonio Livestock Show Market Sheep Show Ramzey Zimmerman 4th place Southdown Clayton Ramsey 3rd place Southdown Kendal Bone 1st place Southdown Jaxson Zimmerman 7th place Medium wool Market Goat Show Reagan Thurman 4th place Page 2

3 2016 Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program It is time once again for youth who are interested in becoming a Livestock Ambassador to apply for the 2016 year. Below is information about the application process, dates to hold open for trainings, as well as some of the impact data from this past years ambassadors. Program Highlights and Impact: Current Ambassadors report their service to an online reporting system. Service Hours: 14, 564 Educational Contacts: 450,000 Program engagement County, Regional and Major Livestock Show Responsibilities Represent Texas 4-H and Animal Agriculture on TV, Radio and at the Texas Capitol Making an impact in mentoring novice 4-H youth NEW nation and international travel experience 2016 Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Courses: Texas Tech University/West Texas A&M University July 5-8, 2016 Cost: $200 Texas A&M University July 18-21, 2016 Cost: $200 Selection Criteria: Senior age (14-18) 4-H youth that have exhibited a superior level of ambition regarding his/her livestock projects Students with a profound interest in animal science and animal production Students have shown advanced leadership qualities and a willingness to help others Top 25% class rank Application Process: Applicant goes to Student will complete the application and enter the contact information of supervising County Extension Agent CEA will be automatically ed a recommendation survey A selection committee will review the applications and accept 25 participants per university Applications are due June 1, Applicants will be notified by June 17, 2016 regarding application result Please contact me with any questions or concerns about this. Page 3

4 Tips for clipping market animals for the county show Managing a slick steer seems fairly straight forward and it is, however the little things that one does can make a difference and in order to get that velvet looking presentation it still takes a lot of elbow grease and work prior to the show. I encourage all exhibitors to ask those around that have been successful in showing slick shear steers for their opinion and even if they have little tricks of the trade which they would be willing to share. I have always recognized that there is room to learn and that there can be several different methods used to accomplish a goal. I feel like there are three basic steps to pay attention to when slicking and managing a slick shorn show steer. Step 1: Hair Coat Management Prior to Slicking Step 2: Slick Shearing (The process of) Step 3: Hide and Hair Coat Management 10 days prior to the show. Step 1: Hair Coat Management Prior to Slicking I am a firm believer that regardless if you have a steer that is going to show with hair or without it you have to take time to rinse and work the hair. This process needs to start from the time you get the calf to the time of the show. This will allow the hide and hair of the calf to be well conditioned, and it also requires the exhibitor to work with the steer on a daily basis which helps with the calf s temperament. If possible rinse the calf daily, and when washing use a gentle soap and conditioner. I suggest washing and conditioning at least two to three times a week if weather and schedule allow. When working hair use a comb, rice root, and or rubber wash brush and a blower when needed and don t forget working hair doesn t mean just brush it one direction and stop; it means brush, brush and brush. In addition to washing, conditioning, and working hair it is imperative to implement a good vaccination program and utilize topical pour-ons to ensure the calf doesn t get lice. All these things will help in the process of getting that hide and hair coat to look its best. Step 2: Slick Shearing The process of actually slick shearing a steer is fairly simple, but timing of it and making sure to get all the hair removed from all locations of the body with the exception of the tail and switch is perhaps the most challenging part. I would suggest shearing the steer for the first time about ten days prior to the show, and use a type of flathead clipper. Go up with the clippers against the grain of the hair with long fluid strokes all over the body. I utilize a smaller type of clipper to get the legs, behind the dew-claws, in and around the ears, and any areas that are more challenging to get to. After the first time of shearing the steer I would suggest that you make sure the calf stays out of the sun during the day, especially if it is light colored. This will ensure that the calf doesn t get sunburned. I usually go back over the calf one more time prior to leaving for the show and make sure to check for any hair that might have been missed. The Texas show rules state that the hair coat on the calf cannot be more the 1/4 of an inch anywhere on the body with the exception of the tail and switch, which can not be any longer than 10 inches from the bottom of the tail bone. To make sure you are measuring correctly, you can take the tail and at the base of the tail feel for the end of the bone, and measure 10 inches up from this point, and this is how far down the tail you must slick. This will be monitored by officials at the shows during check in and or classification. If in the event that you are going to show at several slick shows with the same calf you need to make sure and go over the steer prior to each show. The hair will grow back and it may become longer than the allotted 1/4 inch hair length. Page 4

5 Tips for clipping market animals for the county show Steers Continued Step 3: Hide and Hair Coat Management 10 days prior to the show. After shearing the steer it is very important to condition and manage the hide and coat of the steer. At this point you are a week out from the show, and daily management is a must. I would suggest washing the steer daily with a mild soap and utilize a conditioner such as Mane and Tail on the hide. After washing use a chamois rag to dry the steer off and liberally apply the conditioner on the hide using your hands and a soft brush. Let the conditioner set and rinse that evening and apply some sort of sheen. I would suggest repeating the process each day prior to leaving for the show. While at the show the same process should occur, but it is important to remember that prior to entering the show ring the steers are toweled and therefore no product should be on the hide, as per the rules. The only thing I would do to the steer on show morning would be to wash the calf, dry with a rag, brush with a soft brush, and hit the ring. The prep work prior to this should give you that sheen and look of a well-managed show steer. The rest is up to the judge and luck. Whether you win or lose showing a steer, I think it is important to remember that success at anything takes hard work, skill, knowledge, and yes, some luck. This holds true for whatever you do, and showing livestock in 4-H and FFA serves as a great platform and educational tool. Tips for clipping market animals for the county show Goats- Steps to shearing: 1) Blow out all of the dirt from the body with a blow dryer. Note: Goats do not like water. We do not generally wash the goats unless they are extremely dirty or muddy. We manage skin and hair daily by keeping the goats in a clean pen with a light weight blanket. We catch the goats daily, put them on a table and blow out their hair to clean the hair and hide. Apply a light coat of Show Sheen to condition the hair. Brush the hair with a soft brush to work in the conditioner and train the hair. 2) Secure the goat on a trimming table. 3) Shear the goat- I like to start at the rear hock and shear up towards the back. Repeat for the front leg- knee up to the back. Shear the back and sides forward from the tail to the neck. Shear the neck from the shoulders and brisket- up and forward towards the head. Shear the inside of the back leg from the hock up. Shear the underline to include between the front legs. Shear the head last. Hair will be left on the legs from the hock/knee down and the tail. 4) Trim the hair around the hoof line on each leg. 5) Block out the tail. 6) Apply a skin conditioner. 7) Blanket or sock the goat. 8) Return to a clean and dry pen. Helpful hints: Make sure your goat has been on a shearing table and has been sheared several times prior to shearing for the show. Practice makes perfection. I like to shear with Lister or Premier covercoat blades the day before the show. Do not shear the day of the show. The goat will get tired and you will normally have clipper tracks in the hair coat. Freshly sheared goats can sunburn easily. Put on a sock or blanket or keep the goat out of the sunlight. Animal sun-block products can also be used and are available at your local feed store. Page 5

6 Tips for clipping market animals for the county show Sheep- Fitting involves preparing the lamb for the show. The first item of importance is to acquire a copy of the rules for the stock show you are planning on attending and read the rules concerning the fitting of the lambs. The majority of the shows require that the lamb be slick sheared from the hocks/knees up. Shearing- as it may sound simple, shearing methods will differ among exhibitors. I like to experiment ahead of time to find the right procedure to use. For those that show at a lot of prospect shows, practice makes perfect and they will know what works the best. Helpful hints: Lambs do not like water. Take your time and be gentle when washing and do a thorough job of getting the lamb clean and rinsing out all of the soap. Do not get water in the Lamb s ears. Make sure your lamb has been on a shearing table and has been sheared several times prior to shearing for the show. Practice makes perfection. Do not shear the day of the show. The lamb will get tired and you will normally have clipper tracks in the hide. Freshly sheared lambs can sunburn easily. Put on a sock or blanket or keep the lamb out of the sunlight. Animal sun-block products can also be used and are available at your local feed store. Shear with both fine blades and surgical blades at home while practicing to see which blade provides the best handle. Do not wait until the show to determine which blade you should use. All lambs shear out different. Do your homework. Steps to shearing: 1) Wash the lamb with a mild livestock shampoo and rinse. Repeat. 2) Apply a conditioner, let set and rinse. 3) Towel dry the lamb 4) Secure the lamb on a trimming table. 5) Shear the lamb- I like to start at the rear hock and shear up towards the back. Repeat for the front leg- knee up to the back. Shear the back and sides forward from the tail to the neck. Shear the neck from the shoulders and brisket- up and forward towards the head. Shear the inside of the back leg from the hock up. Shear the underline to include between the front legs. Shear the head last. Wool will be left on the legs from the hock/knee down. 6) Block the leg wool 7) Rinse the lamb. 8) Apply a skin conditioner. 9) Blanket or sock the lamb 10) Return to a clean and dry pen. Page 6

7 2017 Major Show Steer Classification updates With the 2016 show season in full swing, and many people starting to look for next years projects before long. Everyone needs to be aware of the new changes for the 2017 major livestock shows for the market steers. The following breeds have made changes to their classification guidelines; Red Angus, Polled Hereford, Hereford, Charolais, Limousin, Simmental, and the addition of the following cross color divisions: Red Cross, Black Cross, & Other Cross. Please refer to each major show s 2017 Premium List/Exhibitor Handbook/Website for further interpretation of these guidelines and the breeds offered for each respective show. For a complete list of all updated guidelines please visit the following link: Classification pdf Hereford Ideal Breed Characteristics Must physically exhibit breed characteristics of a purebred Hereford Some white on the back of both ears Red body with white face, white underline, and whitemarked legs Traditional feather on crest Horned Herefords must show evidence of being dehorned Acceptable Breed Characteristics -These characteristics are not necessarily desirable and in combination may be discriminating Dark red color Red neck Solid red ear(s) Excess white on legs Excess white above the underline Eye pigment Black hair in tail, or ear of animal Freckling on the nose White above switch in tail White across rump above the twist Discriminatory Breed Characteristics Solid white ear(s) Questionable ear size and shape Straight-line white markings on legs or tail above the switch White above the hocks, on the outside and back side of rear legs Excess pigment or color around the eyes Red neck in combination with excess white on legs Line back Coarse joints, head, or ribs Absolute Disqualifications Solid black nose Diluter color pattern Streaking of white from the feather off the shoulder Brindles Double muscling; extreme muscle definition Any color pattern other than red or white (birthmarks excluded) Polled Hereford Ideal Breed Characteristics Must physically exhibit breed characteristics of a purebred Polled Hereford Some white on the back of both ears Red body with white face, white underline, and white-marked legs Traditional feather on crest Must be polled or have loose scurs. Acceptable Breed Characteristics -These characteristics are not necessarily desirable and in combination may be discriminating Dark red color Red neck Solid red ear(s) Excess white on legs Excess white above the underline Eye pigment Black hair in tail, or ear of animal Freckling on the nose White above switch in tail White across rump above the twist Discriminatory Breed Characteristics Solid white ear(s) Questionable ear size and shape Straight-line white markings on legs or tail above the switch White above the hocks, on the outside and back side of rear legs Excess pigment or color around the eyes Red neck in combination with excess white on legs Line back Coarse joints, head, or ribs Absolute Disqualifications Horn attachment to the skull Evidence of tampering with horns or dehorning scars Solid black nose Diluter color pattern Streaking of white from the feather off the shoulder Brindles Double muscling; extreme muscle definition Any color pattern other than red or white (birthmarks excluded) Page 7

8 2017 Major Show Steer Classification updates continued Red Angus Acceptable Breed Characteristics Must physically exhibit breed characteristics of a purebred Red Angus Solid red (shades may vary) Polled A blond, light red, or mixed switch Cattle may have black hair on the tail, muzzle, face, neck, and legs Discriminatory Breed Characteristics Coarse joints ( not to be confused with big boned cattle) Solid White Switch Absolute Disqualifications Horns or scurs breaking through the skin White skin resulting in white hair above the underline or in front of the navel (white on navel is acceptable White skin resulting in white hair on the leg Black pigmentation of the skin. Not to be confused with freckling on the nose or anus Roaning Dehorning scars or evidence of dehorning Black Noses Charolais Acceptable Breed Characteristics Must physically exhibit breed characteristics of a half-blood purebred Charolais White, yellow gray, or silver (moderate dappling allowed) Expression of diluter gene Minimal painting or spotting less than 20% Skunk tail, line back, baldy Absolute Disqualifications Black, red, dark smuts Showing no diluter gene, unless solid white Excessive painting or spotting Discriminatory Breed Characteristics Excessive painting or spotting (over 20%) Double muscling Brindles Frail bone work and frail general appearance Light red color or orange Short, stubby head Overly refined, narrow head Excessive dark pigmentation (eyes, nose, ears, and anus) Excessive dappling Simmental Acceptable Breed Characteristics Appear to physically exhibit characteristics of a purebred Simmental Solid black, red, red and white, yellow and white, black and white Some painting or spotting above the underline Bald, blaze, or streak face Typically longer head, larger ears Discriminatory Breed Characteristics Motley/Brockle Face Excessive white above the underline Absolute Disqualifications Brindle Roans Smut or gray, white, smoky, silver, or any combination of these Skunk Tail Page 8

9 2017 Major Show Steer Classification updates continued Limousin Acceptable Breed Characteristics Must physically exhibit breed characteristics of a Limousin Solid black, red/orange, light red, charcoal black, chocolate black, orange or brockleface Bald face Tend to be smooth shouldered Head O Eye Deeper socket, prominent brow, light pigment around eye on reds Sheath o Poll Needs to have a wide poll o Ear Tends to be smaller and rounder o Muzzle Tends to be short o Tend to have a forward angle Legs/foot o Tend to be smooth jointed o Tend to be flat boned Discriminatory Breed Characteristics Coarse joints, skeleton, and head Course open shoulders Brindle Pencil sheath, hanging straight down Pointed poll Excessive crest White Switch Absolute Disqualifications Stocking Legs Spotting above the underline Roans Yellow, Blonde, Grey, Silver Diluter Gene Red Cattel with Black noses Monkey/Parrot mouth Black Cross Division Must have a black body cavity. Defined as the area behind the top of the shoulder blade down to the point of the shoulder and above the belly line. White in the body cavity is only acceptable in the following instances: White is a continuation of the feathering White is at the fore and/or rear flanks similar to Hereford color pattern White spotting not collectively larger than 9 inches (basketball size) in diameter per side (can not be all on the same side) Skunk tail cattle are permitted provided the white above the rectum does not exceed the amount of white spotting allowed (basketball size) Absent of diluter gene No roan or brindle cattle permitted Red Cross Division Must have a red body cavity. Defined as the area behind the top of the shoulder blade down to the point of the shoulder and above the belly line. White in the body cavity is only acceptable in the following instances: White is a continuation of the feathering White is at the fore and/or rear flanks similar to Hereford color pattern White spotting not collectively larger than 9 inches (basketball size) in diameter per side (can not be all on the same side) No skunk tail cattle permitted. White in the tail is acceptable provided it is not higher than the rectum Skunk tail cattle are permitted provided the white above the rectum does not exceed the amount of white spotting allowed (basketball size) Absent of diluter gene No roan or brindle cattle permitted Steers of any coloration pattern are acceptable Other Cross Division Page 9

10 2017 Major Show Steer Classification updates continued Black Cross Division Color Pattern Red Cross Division Color Pattern Page 10

11 What to Pack in the Showbox With the livestock show season in full swing it is a great time to take inventory of what is in your Showbox and pack the supplies you might need for the upcoming shows. Below is a list of supplies that are good to have regardless of the species you are showing. Water hose Soap Towels Pliers Wire or zip ties Brushes or combs Number harness/clip or safety pins Show halter, show stick, show chain, or pig stick Skin conditioner These are just few key things to bring, there are other things people pack according to their program but in addition to what you pack in the Showbox, you also need to make sure you pack other things in the truck and trailer before you leave for the show, these items are listed below. Feed Feed pans Water buckets Shavings (if show allows them) Hay for feeding and bedding cattle in tie-outs Extension cords Fans (if show allows them) Clippers (if show allows them) Stall fork, rake, and broom if needed Stall dividers, show box rack, fan hangers Supplements that might be needed at show Trim chute or trim stand (if show allows them) Again these are just a few important things to remember to check that you have before you head out for the show. Always check the show rules as to what you can and can not bring with you. For example; Ft. Worth does not allow fans, and Houston is not allowing pigs to bring shavings into the barn, so always check before you leave the house. Another thing to check before you hit the road is the truck and trailer, check the trucks fluids, tires, breaks, and lights. For the trailer check the tires, breaks, make sure all lights work, make sure the gate latches work and have safety chains on the gates, make sure the lugnuts on the trailer and truck are tight, if you haven t done so in awhile it never hurts to repack the bearings and replace any parts that look worn. Make sure you put down plenty of shavings, at most of these shows the animals will be on the trailer for many hours so it is important to have adequate shavings to provide extra comfort for them on those long rides. Page 11

12 Major Show Judges Star of Texas Livestock Show Steers Jack Ward BCYLS Steers Dr. Steve Kennedy American Heifers Chris Mullinix Heifers Jacob Tipp British/Continental Heifers Dan Shike Sheep Brad Roeder Sheep Chad Coburn Goats Brad Roeder Goats Kevin Newsom Swine Carl Kent Swine Miles Toenyes Houston Livestock Show Steers Scott Greiner Heifers Shane Bedwell (Simbrah, Angus, Char. ARB, Simi, Limi), Mark McClintock (Beefmaster, Red Brahman, Red Angus, Grey Brahman) Neely Nelson- ( Polled Hereford, Shorthorn, Maine, Red Brangus, Hereford, ORB, Brangus) Sheep Brian Riley Goats Marty Gibbs Swine Mike McCoy & Brian Arnold Dates September 30th October 23rd State Fair of Texas Updates Market Swine will come in two separate waves this year. (Wave one Dark hogs 10/3-10/4) ( Wave 2 White hogs 10/5-10/6) More updates will be released once the rule book comes out. Major Livestock Show Rule Updates Houston Breeding Sheep Must be State Validated Breeding Heifers Adding Certified Beefmaster E6 to ARB Division, all heifers must be state validated Market Poultry Broilers move in & show March 9th, Turkeys move in & show March 10 Market Sheep & Goats Pens will not be pre-bedded, Sawdust will be provided free of charge, shavings must be purchased from the feed store on site. Market Swine- Pens will not be pre-bedded, Sawdust will be provided free of charge, shavings must be purchased from the feed store on site. Market Steers steers must be clipped to no more than 1/4 inch of hair on body and no more than 12 inches of hair above the end of the cartilage on the tail. Calf Scramble 2016 Certificates have increased to $1,750 to breeder & $250 to exhibitor at completion of project. Page 12

13 BCYLS Weight Breaks Market Barrows Breed Duroc Hampshire OPB Yorkshire Market Lambs SD MW SD MW Cross Market Goats Market Steers Breed ABC British None AOB Page 13

14 Brazos County Extension Office 2619 Highway 21 West Bryan, Texas Phone: Fax: Star of Texas March Show Dates Steers 3/21 3/23 Heifers 3/24 3/26 Wer e on the Web! Sheep 3/14-3/15 Goats 3/14-3/15 Swine 3/18 3/20 Houston-March 1st 20th Steers 3/14-3/18 Upcoming Events: Tag Orders Due: Major Steer April 8 Major heifer April 8 State Fair Sheep & Goat April 8 State Fair Swine April 8 Other: BCYLS Eligibility forms due March 14th Commercial heifer tag in April 23rd Heifers 3/10-3/13 Sheep 3/9-3/12 Goats- 3/9-3/12 Swine 3/12-3/17 BCYLS- March 20th 24th Commercial Steer Weigh-In March 5th Record books due March 15th Test & Interview March 19th Swine Arrive & Classify 3/21 7-9am, show 3/22 3PM Steers Arrive 3/21 10am-3pm, weigh & classify 3/21 3:30-5PM, Show 3/23 6PM Sheep Arrive& Check in 3/ PM, Show 3/21-5PM Goats-Arrive& Check in 3/21 2-3PM, Show 3/21-6PM Rabbits 3/22 Poultry 3/23 Contacts Jerod Meurer Dusty Tittle Arvita Scott Flora Williams Ashley Skinner 4-H & YD Agent AG/NR Agent 4-H & Youth Development CEP Agent Family & Consumer Science Agent 4-H Program Assistant Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating