Brazos County Livestock Newsletter Inside this issue: Validation Dates 2 Sheep & Goat Workshop 2 Poultry Pickup & Entry 2 BCYLS Heifer Entry 2 Rabbit Validation 2 Steer Classification Updates 3 BCYLS Eligibility Forms February 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. What to pack in the show box 7 Major Show Updates 8 Major Show Judges 9 BCYLS Weightbreaks 10 Major Show Dates 11 Contacts 11 Special points of interest: Validation Dates Major Show Pass & Travel meetings BCYLS Scholarship BCYLS Heifer Entries Steer Classification updates What to pack in the showbox Major Show Updates Major Show Judges Major Show Dates BCYLS Weight Breaks Major Show Pass Handout & Travel Meetings BCYLS Scholarship It is that time of year again for all the Seniors to begin thinking about starting on their scholarship applications. The BCYLS scholarship is awarded to qualifying senior FFA & 4-H members who complete the application and meet the requirements. The applications are due to the Brazos County Extension office by February 8th Applications can be found in the BCYLS Rulebook at this link: http://bcyla.net/ San Antonio & San Angelo February 11th at the Brazos County Extension office starting at 6PM 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
Rabbits Poultry Heifer Brazos County Validation Dates & Tag Orders February 15th at Pearce Pavilion from 5-6PM Chicken pickup and all BCYLS poultry entry February 8th at Pearce Pavilion from 5:30-7:30 Heifer entries must be postmarked by February 5th to Mr. White at Rudder High School, 3251 Austin s Colony Parkway, Bryan, TX. 77808 BCYLS Rabbit Validation Validation will be held February 15th at Louis Pearce Pavilion from 5-6pm BCYLS Chicken & Turkey Pickup Dates BCYLS Broilers Feb 8th All BCYLS Chickens and Turkeys will enter the show on February 3rd when the Broilers are picked up BCYLS Heifer Entries All Heifers wanting to show at the Brazos County Youth Livestock show must enter by February 5th. Entries will be made with Larry White at Rudder FFA Entry Forms can be found at this link: http://bcyla.net/ Page 2
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: http://animalscience.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2012/04/2015-texas-show-steer- Classification-011416.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 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 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 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 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 3
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 Coarse joints ( not to be confused with big boned cattle) Solid White Switch 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 Black, red, dark smuts Showing no diluter gene, unless solid white Excessive painting or spotting 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 Motley/Brockle Face Excessive white above the underline Brindle Roans Smut or gray, white, smoky, silver, or any combination of these Skunk Tail Page 4
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 Coarse joints, skeleton, and head Course open shoulders Brindle Pencil sheath, hanging straight down Pointed poll Excessive crest White Switch 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 5
2017 Major Show Steer Classification updates continued Black Cross Division Color Pattern Red Cross Division Color Pattern Page 6
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 7
Major Livestock Show Rule Updates San Antonio: Breeding animal ownership dates Breeding Sheep & Breeding Boar goats October 1st must be validated by October 31st Weather dams & Wether does October 31st must be validated by October 31st Heifers-- November 1st must be validated Gilts December 1st Breeding Heifers Only 1 heifer can be entered this year & all heifers may begin arriving Tuesday February 16th starting at 1am, and will begin unloading at 5am Breeding Gilts Exhibitors may enter up to 3 gilts Turkeys No Tom turkey show this year San Angelo: Breeding animal ownership dates Breeding Sheep & Breeding Boar goats October 1st must be validated by October 31st Gilts December 1st (all gilts must be state validated) Market Barrows All must be Texas Bred and have CTBR certificate from breeder Market Lambs All must have TLBA tag and recorded on validation paperwork, 2 day show format- Finewool, finewool cross, & Dorpers show Sunday; Southdowns and Medium wools show Monday, Tooth Rule: no more than yearling teeth will be allowed to show, these will be checked on show day at classification CTBR Gilts 2 day show format Arrive Friday or Saturday, All check-in by 1 on Saturday, purebreds show at 3 on Saturday. Texas Stars Wether Dam Show Hair may not exceed 1.25 inches above the hock & knees Breeding Heifers Addition of ARB & ORB Division. 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 8
2015-2016 Major Show Judges Ft. Worth Livestock Show- Steers Dan Shike Heifers-Tim Fitzgerald, Kevin Jensen & Chris Cassady Sheep Kyle Smith Goats Andy Laughin Swine Jamie Sieren Star of Texas Livestock Show Steers Jack Ward American Heifers Chris Mullinix British/Continental Heifers Dan Shike Sheep Chad Coburn Goats Kevin Newsom Swine Miles Toenyes San Antonio Livestock show Steers Shane Bedwell Heifers Blake Nelson (Angus, Beefmaster, Chi, Red Angus, Red Brangus, Gert), Brandon Callis (ARB, Brahman, Char. Limi, Simbrah, Shorthorn), Alan Miller (Brangus, Hereford, Maine, ORB, Simi). Sheep Jimmy Davis Goats Marvin Ensor Swine Clint Schwab (cross, dark cross, landrace, Poland, spot) & Andy Rash (Berkshire, chester, duroc, Hampshire, York) San Angelo Livestock Show Steers Randy Millinix Heifers Dr. Jason Cleere & Todd Herman Sheep Mark Hoge Goats Jamie Osbourn Breeding Gilt Bill Range Star Doe Steve Sturtz CTBR Gilt Josh Krohn, Mike Fisher Market Barrow Seth Swenson 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 BCYLS Steers Dr. Steve Kennedy Heifers Jacob Tipp Sheep Brad Roeder Goats Brad Roeder Swine Carl Kent Page 9
BCYLS Weight Breaks Market Barrows Breed 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 Duroc 230-280-11 230-272-8 280-12 Hampshire 230-238 230-242-10 230-12 230-240-11 240-250 254-262 263-272 275-280 245-254-10 255-265-12 266-276-11 280-280-14 235-248-14 253-267-14 271-280-13 245-255-11 257-265-12 267-276-12 278-280-12 OPB 230-280 230-261-9 269-280-9 242-280-10 265-280-11 Yorkshire 230-261 245-280-12 230-258-10 230-258-8 269-280 262-280-10 260-277-8 278-280-8 2016 Market Lambs 2015 2014 2013 SD 120-139 146-152 MW 129-149 151-158 162-167 168-175 SD 133-140 143-152 MW 116-140-7 147-154-7 156-162-6 164-175-5 126-146-10 150-157-6 162-169-7 170-205-7 Cross 230-239 230-244-13 230-10 230-13 240-248 250-258 260-267 268-272 273-277 280 245-254-15 255-260-11 261-269-12 270-278-15 280-280-15 230-9 232-242-11 245-254-13 258-265-10 266-275-11 278-280-10 232-249-16 250-260-16 265-273-14 275-279-17 280-15 2016 61-76 80-90 91-96 99-104 Market Goats 2015 2014 2013 106-111 59-83-10 85-93-13 94-98-14 100-108-10 109-133 10 65-80-10 85-93-16 95-101-10 103-108-14 110-123-13 Market Steers Breed 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 ABC 1100-1163 1179-1259 1295-1396 1155-1247 1279-1435 1175-1243 1295-1335 British 1225-1337 None 1155-1385 1050-1303 AOB 1117-1227 1236-1275 1285-1335 1359-1460 1050-1125 1130-1249 1255-1325 1335-1480 1050-1149 1153-1210 1225-1280 1298-1475 1105-1180 1195-1255 1265-1310 1325-1390 Page 10
Brazos County Extension Office 2619 Highway 21 West Bryan, Texas 77803 Show Dates Phone: 979-823-0129 Fax: 979-775-3768 E-mail: Brazos@ag.tamu.edu Wer e on the Web! http://brazos.agrilife.org/ Upcoming Events: Validations: Poultry Feb. 8th Rabbit- Feb. 15th Other: BCYLS Heifer Entries due Feb. 5th BCYLS Scholarship Due Feb. 8th BCYLS Eligibility forms due March 14th Ft. Worth January 15th February 6th Steers 2/2-2/5 Heifers 1/21-1/25 1/23-Brangus, Shorthorn, Maine, Beefmaster, Hereford, Polled Hereford 1/24-Charolais, Gerts, Red Angus, Limi, Angus 1/25 Brahman, Simmental, ORB, Simbrah Sheep 1/27-1/31 Goats 1/27-1/31 Swine 2/1-2/5 San Angelo February 4th 20th Steers 2/8 2/9 Heifers 2/12-2/14 Sheep 2/6 2/8 Goats- 2/6 2/8 Swine 2/16-2/18 San Antonio February 11th 28th Steers 2/22 2/26 Heifers 2/16-2/19 2/18-Beefmaster, Brahman, ORB, Red Angus, ARB, Hereford, Angus, LImi, Maine 2/19 Simbrah, Chi, Brangus, Charolais, Red Brangs, Simi, Shorthorn, Gert Sheep 2/16 2/18 Goats- 2/16 2/18 Swine 2/20-2/25 Star of Texas March 12-26 Steers 3/21 3/23 Heifers 3/24 3/26 Sheep 3/14-3/15 Goats 3/14-3/15 Swine 3/18 3/20 Houston-March 1st 20th Steers 3/14-3/18 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 3/21 12-1PM, 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