How to answer judge's questions

[Simmentals]

What is the ideal way to answer the judge's questions for showmanship?  Questions like how much feed do you feed, good/bad traits of animal, and anything else.  Also, any other showmanship/ showing tips you may have.  Thanks!

 

[RyanChandler]

Be clear, direct, and precise.

 

[jwfarms]

Know the makeup of your feed and how much you feed.

Make eye contact with the judge, smile, and act like you want to be there.  Good luck  (clapping)

 

[Dozer45]

Know how much IN POUNDS you feed your calf. Always want to knock my 4h kids when they answer in cans or scoops, know your hay amount by weight also! Have a plan for questions, start thinking about your calf before you even start getting ready for a show. Step back and be critical about your animal what do YOU think needs to be better and start forming some good educational reasonings. The judge is looking more for well articulated and formed thoughts then if he necessarily agrees with you, after all every opinion in different. Also do some thinking about the beef industry I like to have some "preformed" phrases or thoughts in my head filed away to use if a question that have come up for me are
" what would you say has made the beef industry so successful.... what has weakened it" " as a commercial cattleman what would you say is the most important factor to an operation"

Practice some questions like these at home. I believe there are a few threads from a year or two back full of questions. That way if a similar question comes up you already have a preformed idea in your mind and you are able to answer more prompt and have organized thoughts.

Hope that wasn't to much at once. I was always very passionate about showing I was more then a "pretty face" in the ring and I push my 4h kids to be the same. Let me know if you have anymore questions

 

[Simmentals]

Thank yall so much for all of the info!  It helped a ton!  What are some more industry questions?  I haven't practiced those yet...

 

[Dozer45]

*If money were not an issue what would you do to improve the beef industry
*As a youth showing cattle what role do you play as a spokesman for agriculture

 

[Simmentals]

Thank you!

 

[DLD]

When a judge asks what you would fault or change about your animal, point out something positive at the same time.  Something like "I really appreciate her soundness and length of stride, but I would like to see her track wider".

 

[Simmentals]

Thanks, when the judge asks a question and a few people answer it correct, how does he determine who answered better?

 

[Dozer45]

I don't think he is necessarily looking for a "correct" answer in most places. He is more looking for HOW you answer. If you come across professional and well spoken with organized thoughts. Your showing will count for most of it the questions will probably be more to weed out the top couple. That being said if your answer is blatantly wrong such as.... How much do you feed your calf a day... and you answer 3 cups once a day... your going to lose all credibility.

 

[Simmentals]

Thanks for the help! 

 

[CAB]

  A judge can also tell very easily who actually knows honestly and is really involved in their project and who is fronting if you will. Try to dig into the whys of your answers to the questions while you are trying to learn. It will be where you gain true knowledge. Good luck to you. Showmanship is the one place that you have the most control over the outcome and even if you don't win, you will learn tons along the way.

 

[Simmentals]

Thanks, I normally just answer the question without really explaining... Now I know something I need to work on!  Feel free to continue with the tips and such

 

[Simmentals]

Also, what is the make or break thing that judges use to pick who is a better showman?  I primarily show heifers and set the feet quickly, hold their heads high, and try to hide faults.  Anything I am missing?

 

[Dozer45]

A well trained animal will make or break showmanship. I had a steer that was blind in one eye and never did get very confident walking in the ring. Judge told me I did a very good job but my steer didn't "want to play nice" and that was that we were out. Be the first one in your spot, be the first set up, and be the one that never has to move your calf in between. 

 

[Simmentals]

Thanks for the advice!  I will do my best to get this heifer at that point by our upcoming show!

 

[Simmentals]

My new goal will be to work with my heifer until she does wht I want automatically!