The Leadership In Action (LIA) 4-H Club hosted a basic livestock showmanship clinic at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Clay Center June 30.
The LIA members shared their knowledge and skills they have learned through the years of showing livestock. One of the most important parts of showmanship is showing the exhibitors ability to handle their animal in the show ring.
Helpful hints of trying to calm a scared or nervous animal was also shared. Animals can sense when their owner is tense or frustrated, staying calm during the show will help.
Preparation for the livestock show includes washing, drying, and clipping any areas of the animal’s coat. The exhibitor’s dress code, equipment needed for the animals, and where to buy the items was discussed.
The animal judge may ask questions such as age, breed, feeding schedule, type of food, where certain cuts of meat come from, and the qualities of the animal.
Kids attending the clinic were invited into the show ring to practice leading and showmanship skills with the animals provided. Demonstrations on grooming animals, proper tie out, and other helpful hints were shared with the families.
CLAY COUNTY FAIR
With the livestock showmanship clinic behind them. 4-Hers can put their skills to the test at the Clay County Fair, July 9-12, in Clay Center.
The rabbit show kicks off the fair at 11 a.m., July 9, followed by the poultry show at 2 p.m.
The final show for the day is the bucket calf show at 5:30 p.m., with the Extreme Bull Riding event starting at 7 p.m.
Cost of entry into the bull riding event is $10; there is a clear bag policy.
July 10 starts early with the swine show at 8:30 a.m., followed by the horse show at 10 a.m. The horse show will begin with open class entries and then 4-H exhibitors.
The rainbow classic pet show begins at 5:30 p.m., as does the family fun night, inflatables, and kids’ tractor pull.
July 11 continues the 4-H shows, starting with the beef show at 8:30 a.m. In the afternoon, at 1 p.m., the sheep/meat goat show begins, followed by the round robin contest at 6 p.m.
The ranch rodeo calcutta starts at 6:30 p.m., with the ranch rodeo beginning at 7 p.m.
Prior to the rodeo, at 6:50 p.m., an AKSARBEN Pioneer Farm Family award will be presented.
The final day of the fair, July 12, starts with the cat/small animal show at 9:30 a.m., and the beef fitting contest at 10:30 a.m.
The Clay County News will be taking winning 4-H exhibit photos at 1:45 p.m., and winning Open Class exhibit photos at 2:15 p.m., in the Activities Building.
Round Robin awards will be announced in the show ring at 2:50 p.m., with the 4-H livestock auction and South Central Cattleman BBQ beginning at 3 p.m.
The figure 8 and trailer races start at 6 p.m.; cost of entry is $15 and there is a clear bag policy.
Vehicles allowed include any car, pickup, station wagon or suburban. No buses, motor homes or farm trucks will be allowed.
The use of a 4x4 vehicle is allowed, but the front driveshaft must be removed. All engines must be stock.
Helmets are required for anyone participating, and they must have a full face shield or eye protection.
Fire suits, gloves, and a neck brace are recommended, and a minimum three-point seat belt is required; a four-point seat belt is recommended.
All glass except the windshield must be removed, and all doors must be chained or welded shut.
All trailers used has to have been manufactured, including a pickup box, camper, and boat trailer with a boat.
No tandem axle trailers, semi trailers or heavy duty farm equipment trailers will be permitted.
It must be a ball hitch, no hitch pins, and safety chains must be at least a 3/8” chain.
All trailers must be at least six feet long from the hitch to the rear.
The minimum age is 16 years old with a valid driver’s license, and participants under 18 must have a parent release form signed.
