South Bruce 4-H Dairy Club learns about judging, clipping and showmanship

The fourth meeting of the South Bruce 4H Dairy Club was held Saturday, July 12, at the Teeswater fairgrounds. The members were told to bring their calves for the showmanship clinic.

Around 10 a.m., the meeting began by dividing the members into three groups.

The first group learned how to judge, which included giving reasons, judging dairy heifers, and the importance of knowing what exactly you are being asked to judge in a class. For example, in a class of travel cups, are you judging the appeal of the cups or the functionality of the cups.



Christine Weber (centre) teaches about judging; photos by Maria Weber

The second group learned about fitting calves for the show ring. This includes washing the calf so that she is completely free of dirt and straw, and then clipping her hair to highlight her strengths and cover her weaknesses.



Isla Bell Palmer fits a Holstein calf

Finally, the third group did a showmanship clinic in which the members learned about basic showmanship, such as how to set your calf’s feet, how to hold your halter, how to effectively train your calf, and much more.



Kasja Bowman (right) sets up her calf for Greg Burgess to judge

Once the groups finished, they switched to the next activity, until each member had completed judging, clipping and showing.

After lunch, everyone gathered into one group and youth leader Sarah Weber talked about what you need in your show box and what to wear in the show ring (white pants and shirt, with a belt and boots that match the color of your calf’s show halter). Equally as important, she talked about what not to wear in the ring (hats, cell phone, bling, etc.).

Then members then packed up their calves and went home, completing another meeting.

Thanks to the Teeswater Agricultural Society for generously allowing the club to use the fairgrounds.



Gord Milley (right) teaches about fitting