Showing livestock can be a rewarding hobby, but it requires patience and dedication. To ensure your animals are in top condition for competitions, you’ll need to devote time and attention to grooming, exercising, and providing the proper livestock feed. If you’re thinking about getting involved in this pastime, here are some tips to get you started.

A Beginner’s Guide to Showing Livestock

1. Set Small Goals

While it’s fine to set lofty goals, aiming for smaller milestones will help you feel accomplished along the way. Each competition is a new experience, and many beginners need to learn the ins and outs before winning first place. Consider other successes you could celebrate, such as bringing notice to your animal for a future sale or showcasing their genetics.

2. Earn Trust

You’ll be working closely with your animal on a daily basis. Lay the foundation for a successful relationship by earning their trust from the beginning. The best way to do this is to maintain a consistent schedule so the animal knows what to expect. Never show aggression toward them, and always maintain a caring, patient approach. 

3. Perfect the Feeding Routine

Animals like cattle respond well to consistency. Create a feeding routine and repeat it each day. Many cattle prefer eating in a pack, so consider feeding them with the rest of your herd. Just be sure to track the consumption of your show animal by looking at the livestock feed containers after each feeding. You may need to enlist the help of a veterinarian to identify the right quantities and brand of livestock feed for your animal’s precise needs.  

Whether you show livestock as a hobby or have a large-scale farm operation, turn to Gregg Farm Services for all your livestock feed and farm supply needs. Serving the Midway, AR, area, this feed and equipment store has an extensive inventory where farmers, gardeners, and homeowners can find everything they need to maintain their animals and property. Find out more about their feed products online or call (870) 481-5165 to speak with an associate.