Beginner Question! :)

[CowboysKat]

Hello! So I'm a beginner when it comes to showing steers (have raised and shown other large livestock through 4-H) and I had a few questions! 

1. I have read thread after thread on this site about clipping, and most people all suggest the same thing: practice (that you cant learn it over the internet, you need to actually start clipping calves). This sounds like good advice, however, I'm curious as to how you get practice? If that makes any sense at all? So, to explain, do you just keep on clipping your own steer, or do you practice on a friend or breeder's non-show stock so if you mess up it doesn't matter?

2. What is the best way to obtain used show equipment (i.e. clippers, blower, chute) at a very affordable price? I have searched craigslist and many Facebook pages and no one seems to be selling.

3. First of all, would you suggest getting any of the fitting, clipping, showing, etc. videos that are on the market or do you suggest other ways to learn? If you do suggest them, which ones are the best for their price?

Thank you all so much in advance! 

 

[Ms Ray]

I would suggest finding someone in your area who is good at clipping and watch them and have them watch you so they can give you tips.  Your idea on clipping non show cattle is great because then it doesn't matter if you screw them up.
As far as used equipment ask around in your area many times if you find a member "aging out" they will be selling some equipment, other thatn that we have found it on craigs list or ebay.  On craigs list do different search's such as show steer, cattle, FFA, and look in different areas.

If you post on here what area you are from there might be people on here selling equipment

Good Luck

 

[jchandler16]

1) If you can find someone who will let you practice clipping on their cows that would be great practice but if all you have is access to your own animal then practicing on it will be 100x better than just reading and watching videos

2)When searching on craigslist and similar sites for equipment depending on what you are looking for broaden search to other species as well. For example you can easily make sheep sheers work as a pair of large clippers by switching out the blade or pig showman usually have a set of small clippers that you can swap blades on for beef fitting blades.

3)Nothing will beat practice and watching an experienced clipper first hand but I have seen the dave guyer do's and don'ts of clipping and would recommend it as a learning tool but you won't be able to go from just watching the video to being able to fit well with out practice

 

[jbzdad]

when we were getting calves ready for the sales there were lots of clipping opportunities,,, then once the sales were over no one clipped the calves that didn't sell ... there were 4-6 here all the time that a beginning clipper could have worked with... most are still here .. you are welcome to come and bring your clippers...these 1100 pound gentle bulls would look kinda cute all trimmed up 

see if you can find someone who is raising and selling calves.... I am sure there would be opportunities to get lots of experience there

I don't know where you are... I am in Scott City ks

 

[ferkj]

I'll second the Dave Guyer video.  My daughter got that one for Christmas a few years ago.  She watched it in the house a couple times through and then took it to the barn on a portable player and actually watched each section then clipped on her steer section by section. this is the best time of year to practice because they almost all have lots of hair and what you do make a mistake on (everyone does) at first will grow out and be gone in a couple weeks.

Another good option is find someone close to you that has cows that were former show heifers and see if you can practice on them.  They should be reasonably tame and will have plenty of hair also.  And if you really mess up no one is gonna care when they are walking around the pasture.

Don't worry about making a mistake or clipping something wrong....it's the best way there is to learn how to fix a mistake.  Even the best clipper in the world has one that coughs or kicks ormoves into the clippers and needs fixed up. 

 

[woodyc]

are you on facebook if so contact andy frazier he is one of the best in the UK at clipping he used to have a video i dont know if its on u tube or dvd now but ask him he wont bite

 

[obie105]

Sullivans sell refurbished or used clippers and blowers at a lesser price. I am still using my refurbished blower I got 15 years ago and the clippers I got over 10 years ago. They go thru them pretty well.