Stock Show University- tution paid for by Sullivan Supply

Photo Courtesy of Sullivan Supply

      This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the fist "Stock Show University" clinic in Texas. Just a few blocks away at the TSU barn was the annual Tarleton State University Livestock Spectacular. Teaching this clinic was Jeff Sargent, manager of WHR Shorthorns. He began by discussing feeding, selection, daily care, fitting and finished with showman ship.
      Some points that Jeff focused on Feeding were : 

• Choosing a feed that not only is available in your area, but one that is frequently used and more likely to be fresh due to minimum amounts feed dealers must order it in.
• The feed has to be palatable- so if they don't like it, they wont eat.
• Cheaper feed vs. more pricey feed, how much better is it for the money? What are producers cutting out to make it cheaper?  And again you can spend half the money on feed but if they don't eat its just wasted money.
• Calf Manna is just one of many feed additives, yes it is pricey for just twenty five lbs but it smells like licorice and will usually convince a picky eater to clean their bowl.
• The steers that win are big butted, new muscle additives are all the rage but Jeff cautioned about using the advised amount "If a half pound works-the a whole pound should work even better," not always. If you keep adding and adding, somethings gotta give-more than likely structure. If the calf can;'t get around the ring he can't win. 

Jeff Skimmed over Selection briefly and went on to Daily Care

• As far as Selection went he talked about structure, if its not great when they're 400lbs, its only going to get worse when they're 1400lbs. 
• He also talked about the hair, when he looks at cattle headed to slick shows, hair is not a deciding factor but if they are for hair shows he wouldn't but one with bad hair.
• He said he bathed with soap once a week.
• His daily wash routine he stated was : begin by blowing dirt out of the hair, water the steer down the cover the bottom of a bucket with Vinegar and fill with water, the mix is poured all over the calf, hosed off then the calf is covered with watered down Mane & Tail conditioner, the hair is pulled forward and up toward the head and blown in that direction.

 As far as Fitting goes

• Jeff demonstrated begging the fitting session by clipping high points and leaving low so that blend.
• This method can be used anywhere- neck, top line, brisket, lower legs
• Last but not least we were shown how to use Adhesive on the leg and how to comb to achieve a natural look.

Overall is was a great experience I encourage everyone to attend if they have the chance to. The show ran late and the 6:00pm clinic was delayed 2 hours, I didn't leave the clinic till around 10:30  so i would like to thank Sullivan's, Jeff and those helping with the clinic for staying later than predicted.

-Shelby