Buying the right calf is the foundation of your success. Start by identifying the type of show you want to participate in (e.g., local fairs, jackpot shows, major stock shows, breed association events). Each has different standards and competition levels.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Structure: Look for straight lines across the top, strong feet and legs, and an appropriate skeletal width. Avoid calves with weak pasterns, steep rumps, or structural lameness.

• Muscling & Condition: Seek out calves with natural thickness, depth of rib, and balance. Young calves don’t need to be heavily muscled, but they should have potential.

• Disposition: Calves with a calm, curious demeanor are easier to train and show. Avoid high-strung or aggressive animals.

• Health: Examine the eyes, nose, hide, and hooves. Ask for vaccination records and ensure the calf has been properly weaned and eating solid feed.

• Age & Weight: Make sure the calf’s age and growth potential align with your target show dates.

 

Pro Tip: Bring an experienced showman or your FFA/4H representative with you when evaluating calves.

Feeding is more than just providing calories—it’s about developing muscle, keeping the calf healthy, and enhancing their hair and hide. Your program should evolve with the calf's age, growth rate, and target show.

Basic Nutrition Needs:

• Forage: High-quality grass or alfalfa hay forms the base. Consistent roughage helps maintain rumen health.

• Grain: Choose a balanced show feed (usually 12-14% protein) to promote growth and bloom. Introduce grain slowly.

• Supplements: Add products for gut health, joint strength, and hair coat (e.g., Sure Champ, Vita Charge, Champion Drive).

• Water: Provide unlimited access to clean, cool water. Dehydration will ruin feed efficiency and hair growth.

Feeding Tips:

• Feed at the same time each day, twice daily.

• Monitor feed intake and manure consistency.

• Adjust the ration every 30 days based on weight gain and body condition.

• Avoid overfeeding—fat calves are penalized in the ring.

Where and how your calf lives influences its performance, health, and temperament.

Housing Requirements:

• Shelter: Provide shade and protection from rain and wind. Barns or hoop shelters with good airflow work best.

• Bedding: Keep pens dry and clean. Use straw, shavings, or sawdust. Wet bedding causes hoof problems.

• Ventilation: Avoid ammonia buildup by using fans and open designs. Humidity and heat stress hurt gain and hair growth.

Daily Care Routine:

• Feed and water twice daily.

• Rinse the calf daily when temperatures allow (50°F+). Blow dry completely to prevent fungus.

• Brush and comb to train hair to grow forward and upward.

• Tie calves for increasing amounts of time to teach patience.

• Pick stalls twice a day to maintain cleanliness and comfort.

Health Management:

• Keep a health record and vaccination schedule.

• Watch for signs of illness: coughing, nasal discharge, off-feed behavior.

• Deworm monthly and check hooves regularly.

At Home Supplies:

• Rope halters

• Leather show halter with chain

• Show stick

• Rice root brush, plastic comb, Sullivan Smart Comb

• Shampoo, conditioners, and oils for grooming

• Blower with hose

• Fans (24" or larger)

• Feed pans, hay feeders, and water tubs

• Grooming chute

• Tie rail or lead training post

• Hoof trimmers, dewormer, and thermometer

• Scale (optional, for tracking progress)

At the Show Supplies:

• Extension cords and power strips

• Show box with supplies

• Extra halters and ropes

• Grooming products: adhesive, paint, foam, soap

• Towels and rags

• Clippers and blades

• Fan cages or panels

• Feed, hay, and supplements

• Water hose, nozzle, and storage container

• Bedding, shovel, pitchfork, wheelbarrow

• First aid kit for calf and exhibitor

Training is about communication and teamwork between you and your calf. It takes time, consistency, and patience.

Halter Breaking:

• Start in a small pen. Let the calf drag the halter. Then tie short for 15–30 minutes while supervised.

• Progress to leading with pressure-release training. Always end on a positive note.

Daily Walks:

• Lead with a steady pace. Reward calm walking.

• Practice walking in circles and stopping smoothly.

Setting Feet:

• Use a show stick to teach placement of the front and back feet.

• Gently apply pressure to move the feet. Reward when correct.

• Practice standing still for 30 seconds, then a minute, then longer.

Getting Ring Ready:

• Simulate show day: practice in noisy areas, with other calves present.

• Wear your show clothes during practice sessions.

• Practice entering a ring, stopping, turning, backing up.

Training Tools:

• Rope halter and leather show halter

• Show stick

• Blower (desensitize early!)

• Neck tie or lead post

Before the Ring:

• Make sure your calf is clean, dry, and clipped correctly

• Brush the hair forward, use light adhesive or foam if permitted

• Dress neatly in show clothes and boots

• Arrive early to walk the show ring and plan your path

In the Ring:

• Walk slowly and keep your calf between you and the judge

• Keep eye contact with the judge

• Set feet squarely: front legs vertical, back legs slightly staggered

• Use your show stick to keep your calf calm and feet placed

• Adjust calmly if your calf moves out of place

• Always smile and stay confident

Showmanship Tips:

• Know your calf's weight, breed, and feeding program

• Answer the judge’s questions with confidence

• Don’t block other exhibitors

• Always maintain control and composure

Ring Etiquette:

• Be courteous to fellow showmen

• Watch and learn from others

• Always thank the judge and show staff