Junior Nationals

[farmmom73]

We will attend our first Jr Nationals in June and was hoping for some tips.  It appears that there are lots of contests and competitions - as a mom I have to pack all the 'stuff' for these.  Do you pack everything but the kitchen sink?  The calves I don't have a problem with...it's all the other preparations that I am worried about! Help?

 

[obie105]

When I went it seemed like I took my whole closet for all the different competitions and we still did laundry lol. We also had a few Wal Mart runs thru the years. I didn't think it was much different than going to state fair other than the extra clothes.

 

[firesweepranch]

For what breed? Each breed has different contests that the members can compete in.

 

[farmmom73]

We are showing Maine in Louisville and there are tons of contests the kids can participate in...it sounds like a blast!  I just don't know how to prepare!  My son wants to do showmanship, Sales contest, cooking, judging, poster and he hasn't decided on the others!  So along with clothes for the Jr show and showmanship, we'll need craft supplies and food and print outs for the salesmanship.  Am I crazy to think I'll have to pack a whole lot of 'stuff'?!

 

[obie105]

Most breeds give you a show t shirt that you do the regular show and showmanship in. I know when I did Herefords most stuff you could make ahead of time at home and take with.

 

[AAOK]

We are showing Maine in Louisville and there are tons of contests the kids can participate in...it sounds like a blast!  I just don't know how to prepare!  My son wants to do showmanship, Sales contest, cooking, judging, poster and he hasn't decided on the others!  So along with clothes for the Jr show and showmanship, we'll need craft supplies and food and print outs for the salesmanship.  Am I crazy to think I'll have to pack a whole lot of 'stuff'?!

Our first trip to the Maine-Anjou Jr National was quite a trip. About 2 years before, I had bought my first two cows, both bred heifers. Both had heifer calves and the guy who sold me the cows talked me into going to the NJMA in Kearney, NE. We had no clippers, no chute, no anything, but had the time of our lives.  The Nat'l show was our family vacation for the next 10 years." It truly is amazing what can happen with enough courage and faith to JUST DO IT? It really does prove that you don't have o have the best calf, the best equipment, the best fitter, etc to pull up to the show, and leave your worries behind.

 

[farmmom73]

Thank you for the encouragement!  We are really looking forward to it!  It will be the closest thing to a vacation as we have had in a while.  Those darn farmers are just busy all the time!

 

[BA Maines]

At the Maine Jr. Nationals, each exhibitor receives an official t shirt that is worn in the showring for the heifer show.  For showmanship and Salesmanship (sales talk), you wear your normal showring attire.  For speaking contests, the kids usually dress professionally such as a nice shirt and Khaki pants.  For the other contests, dress is usually nice clean clothes.  If your kids are doing anything as a team, have the team dress in matching shirts. 
Jr. Nationals is sooooo much fun.  The kids meet a lot of great people and it is quite a learning experience.
Hope to see you there.