Is she worth the work? Opinions

[mainecattlemother]

This is a picture of our Feb 28, 2015 Broker heifer. It is my daughters first state fair eligible year and we are trying to decide if she is worth the trip or if we should take a nice prospect heifer. Unfortunately in MN 3/4 blood is still Foundation Simmi and the class is big and brutal. I know it is about the experience but we want to be somewhat competitive. What is everyone's opinion on her? Sorry, I know the pic is bad. We really like her but our opinions are not always correct and we would like other insight.

 

[mark tenenbaum]

Can't really tell alot from the picture. She does look to have some rib to maybe grow into and overall grow at the same time-long in the pasterns etc.. What do you think she wieghs? O0

 

[Jive Turkey]

Looks heavy-fronted with a weak, hind quarter.

 

[mainecattlemother]

This heifer weighs all of 900 lbs. There are times when she may appear weak if she is too stretched out but I am not sure what you mean by weak in the hind quarter. I am open to opinions and glad you said this but I will tell you she has a big booty (butt). I will tell you I am not a fan of high tail heads and she does have a bit of a Tailhead but it is tremendously high. Just a note she did win many shows as a young heifer. Any more opinions appreciated.

 

[shortybreeder]

The angle of the photo does put more emphasis on the front end, and hides the rear, so I think that's why she appears heavy fronted and weak in the rear. Taking the angle into consideration, I think she's fine in those regards. If it's between her and another heifer, you should post a pic of the other heifer also. But if you're trying to decide whether or not to take a heifer, I'd definitely take the opportunity and go.

 

[iowabeef]

I would like to see a little more femininity in the front end.  Might be angle but for a breeding heifer she has a very masculine appearance.

 

[mainecattlemother]

Thanks for the opinions. I know this is not a good pic as I was kneeling on the ground with my phone and took the pic and I know the neck clipping job looks bad as my youngest daughter is learning to clip but this may give you a better idea. More opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mainecattlemother]

Sorry, the pic posted backwards and I do not know how to flip.  If anyone would like to help please do.

 

[librarian]

Screenshot to the rescue!

 

[shortyjock89]

Get her bred and get some nice fresh hair on her, and I'd definitely show her. Nothing wrong with that one from your last picture.

She's not the best necked or most heavily muscled, but she had the look of one that can get big bellied and looks to have great legs.

 

[Franke]

I would say she looks pretty structurally correct which is something you can't change or hide. She looks like she could use a touch more belly but that can come in time as she gets further along and bred. It's still really early to be deciding between her and a calf for a state fair trip, but I say show her.

 

[mainecattlemother]

Heifer bred with Game Changer 11 days ago excited to see how she develops as she is farther along. Hair is coming along. She gets worked with daily. Wish her hair would stay popping longer but it seems like after walking in the eve her hair goes flat after about 1/2 hour. I guess it will get better as the summer progresses.

 

[mainecattlemother]

We decided to show the heifer and we did quite well first show. She was second in class and many people said she should have won the class but I was okay with second as she did not eat well at the show but her hair is coming along nice and it is sure great to say we have a nice home raised calf. If anyone has suggestions on how to get her to eat at shows that would be great.

 

[shortyjock89]

Vita charge and the freshest alfalfa/grass mix I can find usually does the trick.

 

[mark tenenbaum]

She definitely is worth the time-and has a lot of gas left-when the fat catches up with some of the others-she will be fresh. Her most noticeable asset at a glance is how sound she appears. Olson can advise you how to present her in that mode-Where a weakness to some eyes-becomes a major asset. O0

 

[faycopa]

Congrats with the Reserve placing  (clapping)

 

[ROMAX]

I'm a bit confused! First you ask if this heifer is worth putting in the work? Now you say she should have won the whole show. So you are obviously already an expert and don't need our advice.

 

[phillse]

Definately not an expert just wanted some opinions as it isnt all about winning but dont want to waste my time with a last place calf. I understand someone has to be last but it will not be our family. Yes it is about the experience but our family works very hard with our show calves but dont want to spend a good portion of the year with a dud and spend extra money for a non contender. We've been doing this for over 8 years and last place is just not acceptable.

Either it is about the experience and placing well is a bonus, or it is all about winning. Perhaps,  you  have not won enough to boast therefore you say 'it is not about winning and it is about the experience'.

 

[trevorgreycattleco]

Jeez. Couple of grumpy fellas posting. I read it as she thinks she has a good one but wanted other opinions. 8 years of showing can leave room for a second guess or two. Not sure why you guys are giving her a hard time. The fun police are out in force.

 

[phillse]

Not really meaning to be grumpy or kill the fun.  As an Ag. teacher I have seen similar story lines from parents about last not being acceptable.  In many cases, the kid misses out on lessons such as how to be gracious in winning and in losing.  Some of the best lessons are the ones you learn at the bottom looking up.