Fitting Costs?

[shortyjock89]

There are exceptions to every rule with out a doubt. I know a few young guys that have learned "the right way" that will cost less money and do a pretty good by anyones standards. When I say "tie out to tie out" that means I will be waiting on you in the morning, lead in, feed, water, wash, blow (if I'm doing the clipping I would just as soon no one else touches the blower) work hair all day and only be gone from the stalls long enough to eat and maybe take a leak. At night after we are done feeding and watering, every animal will be blown out while tied up and then I will lead to tie outs and probably check everyone elses tie job beore I leave. BUT you have to remember I grew up in the big string days when 4 of us would take 20 to 25 head to a show and do it all. I do know that there are a bunch of "kids" (I'm old enough to say that) walking up and down the isles carrying clippers that think they are fitters - they would be too high if they worked for you for free. Guess I'm just getting old and cranky! RW

I'm pretty young and I think I do pretty much like you do. Probably not as good with clippers (no national champions yet, but haven't been doing bad), but I would say I'm pretty OK at most things that go into showing the calves.  I can't remember the last time the people I fit for beating me to the barn in the morning or them stay later.

 

[TJ]

There are exceptions to every rule with out a doubt. I know a few young guys that have learned "the right way" that will cost less money and do a pretty good by anyones standards. When I say "tie out to tie out" that means I will be waiting on you in the morning, lead in, feed, water, wash, blow (if I'm doing the clipping I would just as soon no one else touches the blower) work hair all day and only be gone from the stalls long enough to eat and maybe take a leak. At night after we are done feeding and watering, every animal will be blown out while tied up and then I will lead to tie outs and probably check everyone elses tie job beore I leave. BUT you have to remember I grew up in the big string days when 4 of us would take 20 to 25 head to a show and do it all. I do know that there are a bunch of "kids" (I'm old enough to say that) walking up and down the isles carrying clippers that think they are fitters - they would be too high if they worked for you for free. Guess I'm just getting old and cranky! RW

I'm pretty young and I think I do pretty much like you do. Probably not as good with clippers (no national champions yet, but haven't been doing bad), but I would say I'm pretty OK at most things that go into showing the calves.  I can't remember the last time the people I fit for beating me to the barn in the morning or them stay later.

No National Champ, but a Res Champ @ Louisville & a Res. Grand Champ @ the KY Beef Expo, which is pretty good.  

But, I've beaten you to the barn before...    Of course, you've beaten me too.  

 

[TJ]

There are exceptions to every rule with out a doubt. I know a few young guys that have learned "the right way" that will cost less money and do a pretty good by anyones standards. When I say "tie out to tie out" that means I will be waiting on you in the morning, lead in, feed, water, wash, blow (if I'm doing the clipping I would just as soon no one else touches the blower) work hair all day and only be gone from the stalls long enough to eat and maybe take a leak. At night after we are done feeding and watering, every animal will be blown out while tied up and then I will lead to tie outs and probably check everyone elses tie job beore I leave. BUT you have to remember I grew up in the big string days when 4 of us would take 20 to 25 head to a show and do it all. I do know that there are a bunch of "kids" (I'm old enough to say that) walking up and down the isles carrying clippers that think they are fitters - they would be too high if they worked for you for free. Guess I'm just getting old and cranky! RW

Yeah, I know what you mean about tie out to tie out, I'm just not sure that everybody is on the same page & very few anymore would take on 20-25 head with 4 people.  Also, everybody deserves a break.  You can't expect somebody to be working the whole time, that's just not reasonable & $50 per day + expenses is too cheap if they bust it all day long.  I just have too many memories of horror stories that I am not surprised 1 bit that mashowcattle has had problems.       

               

 

[mashowcattle]

well about you saying 50 and expenses is to cheep.. i know a guy that will show up and fitt for me and do a excelent job and just ask for $50 per head but of course he doesnt wash/blow ect but i can sure call him one of the best fitter/clippers i know of down here.. now sure i always give him more than just 50 per head because he does such a great job.. but he also not only fitts my 2 or 3 calves but he will fitt 2 or 3 more of someone elses just for a little extra cash and he also has a heifer of his own he takes around and shows that does really well. i guess there is some really good fitters out there that arent there just for the money but love doing it at the same time.. just gotta find them!

 

[TJ]

well about you saying 50 and expenses is to cheep.. i know a guy that will show up and fitt for me and do a excelent job and just ask for $50 per head but of course he doesnt wash/blow ect but i can sure call him one of the best fitter/clippers i know of down here.. now sure i always give him more than just 50 per head because he does such a great job.. but he also not only fitts my 2 or 3 calves but he will fitt 2 or 3 more of someone elses just for a little extra cash and he also has a heifer of his own he takes around and shows that does really well. i guess there is some really good fitters out there that arent there just for the money but love doing it at the same time.. just gotta find them!

$50 per head isn't too cheap... especially if they don't wash, blow, etc.  Depending upon the size of the calf, that could be around $50 per hour give or take.  I'll work work $50 per hour!