mytfarms
Well-known member
Just for kicks and giggles and grins and all that fun stuff, I wanted to throw this out there. Now I think the show cattle deal has been circulated enough times on here that you're all aware it's simply a part of the cattle industry. However, I just wanted to do some though provoking by putting this little idea out there. I enjoy showing cattle and plan to continue to do so through 4-H. But after that, do people go a little too far by sticking with the industry for the rest of their life? I know particularly at the NWSS folks bring cattle there to sell bulls, heifers, and frozen genetics. But as a rancher, is one really interested in buying a bull that has hair, a great fitting job, and is fat? I mean, it's quite a mix of art and science to feed one right, get them haired up, and have them clipped and fit to the hilt for a show. Not to mention, you have to have a good one from the get go in order to make them a "great" one at the show. But a common saying in show steer circles is that champions aren't born; they're made in the barn. So from the angle of the producer, are you going to invest time and money in the cattle to get them looking good for a show because you are going to realize that much more of a profit? Ranchers, are you going to spend the extra money because the potential of that bull/heifer has been exhibited? Or are you instead going to market an animal that is "real world" and hence better fits the needs of a commercial cattleman? I've seen cattle marketed both ways, and likewise seen both options work. Just interesting to have some input thrown in.
MYT
MYT