Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Today Rod sees a movement toward showing animals with better produc-
tion qualities: “For several decades starting in the late 1960s and 1970s, animals
moved toward being bigger and showier; they were taller and had a narrower
look. This wasn't just in sheep showing — it was also happening with cattle and
other livestock species. But now that's changing, and in my opinion the change is
for the better,” he said. “We raise sheep and other livestock to be productive, and
in these species, production is meat, and milk, and fi ber. The show ring is again
rewarding the traits that make for strong producing animals, and frankly those
really tall, angular animals didn't have good production qualities.”
Rod said that when he judges, he looks for traits that are true to type for the
breed, and that meet the breed's characteristics. The animal should have a good
long straight top (the line along the spine, or backbone), with the slightest slope
toward the rump. It should have a sturdy build that shows good strength and size
in the front, and the rump should have excellent muscle. The legs and feet need
to be well set under the four points of the body, with short pasterns. The ewes
should look feminine and the rams need to look masculine.
For new exhibitors, Rod had a couple of tips: “You can really learn a lot just
by studying the best showmen. Watch how they move with and around their ani-
mals, and how they respond to the judge's movements. And be patient: the top
showmen didn't get there overnight.”
she begins reacting to the other person); shine bright fl ashlights in her face;
and create other distractions that are similar to those she'll encounter in the
show ring.
Leading off a Halter
In most shows, you are expected to be able to lead and hold the sheep in the
ring without the assistance of a halter. (The exception is young exhibitors,
who may be allowed to continue using the halter throughout judging.) When
you fi rst begin to practice leading and holding Fluffy without the halter, it
may be a good idea to leave the halter on, with the rope lightly looped around
your wrist a couple of times. This way you can regain control if she decides
to take a hike. In halterless leading, you control Fluffy from her left side, with
