Looking for cattle can be fun for the entire family

[Sambosu]

Sometimes I forget how much fun it is to have my entire family involved in 4H and showing animals.  My wife and I loaded up our three kids, two nephews and my dad to go look at calves this weekend.  All and all we drove almost 800 miles looking for a couple of show calves.  It was fun to have everyone together for the entire weekend.  I know there are a lot of heartaches when it comes to showing cattle (kids having to say goodbye to their friend after their steer has shown for the last time, first time heifers losing a calf, etc) but the experience and life lessons it teaches is awesome.  Just wanted to post this and maybe it would stir up some of old memories and make you smile.  Fortunately, we just started showing, so we will have many more "National Lampoon" trips to take.  I am ready for our next "ROAD TRIP".  Tip to those that have a bunch of boys, if you are not driving, make sure you have a window seat because you probably will need some fresh air.  ;D

 

[Cyfarmer]

Truly is a great family adventure. Just got back from a 1,200 mile road trip this weekend to pick up calves. Got to spent a bunch of great time with my kids. Had a great trip, they got to see where the calves came from, and meet the people who bred them. Sometimes I (we) forget the small things in life. Some of my favorite memories are not just the winning at shows, but the roadtrips, the adventure, and especially meeting all of the people involved in the industry. 

 

[farmin female]

Hitting the road this weekend for a 1600 mile trip to just attend a sale!  Insane isn't it! And I'm even just going with a friend and her son.  What fun and I wouldn't miss it for the world.  Everyone be safe out there on those roads please.  (angel)

 

[iowabeef]

Completely agree!!!!!!!!!!  We spent the weekend before Labor day travelling 1200 in Iowa alone.  Borrowed a van, took brothers, dad, nephews and had a great time looking at cattle.  Then the weekend after Labor Day another 800 miles in Iowa and Wisconsin.  Great way to spend time with family.  That is also why I LOVE the Iowa Junior Beef Breeds Circut.  You can't find a better way to spend a weekend with family than getting up before dawn, driving to the show, setting up "camp", washing, drying, feeding, spending time playing bags or cards and then showing.  Turning around and doing all again the next weekend.  It may cost a little but what hobby doesn't and you would be hard pressed to find a better family event for the money.

 

[simmyman67]

Haha the small things are the best...the money we spend on these show animals...lol

 

[Cattle7]

I couldn't agree more. Due to my father not being in my life..my mother and I do everything. From the thousands of miles drove to look for calves, to loading the trailer, to setting up everything at a show, 4am mornings in the barn and 11pm nights..our best memories are made during these times. Even though we disagree & argue sometimes..showing cattle has made my mother's and I relationship inseperable! I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world!

 

[showsteerdlux]

Completely agree!!!!!!!!!!  We spent the weekend before Labor day travelling 1200 in Iowa alone.  Borrowed a van, took brothers, dad, nephews and had a great time looking at cattle.  Then the weekend after Labor Day another 800 miles in Iowa and Wisconsin.  Great way to spend time with family. 

Something about those labor day sales really can draw you in no matter how far you are away. I put right at 3000 miles on the truck that weekend.