Shake Hands
A few weeks ago, I was judging a small, local jackpot show. I had just finished sorting a pretty large class and my brain was a little on the fried...
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LiveStock Life
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School Excuse Letter
Stock show kids are some of the most intelligent, hardest working kids around. This comes through in everything they do: in the show ring, sports, in the classroom. Sometimes, though,...
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4 Principles to Step up Your Showmanship
Recently, I helped with a Master Showmanship clinic for cattle, sheep, and hogs. As I prepared for this event, I came up with 4 principles across the board to step...
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When You Reach The End Of Your Rope, Tie A Knot And Hang
Growing up, my 4-H livestock were a once a year deal. I would have the animals for three to four months, take them to my tiny fair and repeat the...
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4 Habits for Success
Showing livestock is not for the faint of heart. It takes hard work, a sliver of talent, and a whole lot of dedication. Those fortunate enough to win banners know...
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After You Take Your Last Steps
The time has come. The time when you take your last steps in the show ring. The time that seemed like it would never come, but it also came far...
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Push, But Don't Be Pushy
Push, nudge, encourage maybe even bribe. If you have kids that show livestock, you have had to do one of these at some point. Let’s be honest, a very small...
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Don’t Mistake Confidence For Cockiness
When I began raising market lambs, I knew absolutely nothing. I would have them for three months, sell them at our small town fair, and gawk at the sight of...
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Stock Show Dad
He’s the last one in the barn the night before show day. The show kids need sleep, so he takes care of the last-minute jobs. Before he goes to the...
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Be the Role Model
No matter the age, everyone remembers their first stock show like it was yesterday. From the nervous, first-time jitters to scrambling around the barns trying to borrow items that didn’t...
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Stock Show Kids Say the Darndest Things
Stock show kids. A special kind of kid indeed. Kids that learn hard work and determination. Kids who make friends from all over the country. Kids who, when they speak,...
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Sometimes They Just Don’t Get It
Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve had to change or cancel plans because of your livestock? Growing up this was a struggle that I faced daily. From...
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