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Welcome to The Blue Ribbon - Youth Livestock Projects blog. The purpose of this blog is to provide information, advice and suggestions for improving youth livestock projects from multiple sources. The information, advice and suggestions in this blog come from professional agricultural educators who have multiple years of experience working with youth and their livestock projects. If you ever have a question or a particular subject you would like addressed, please feel free to contact Scott Stinnett via email, or leave a comment and we will do our best to assist or address the subject. Should the question or subject be more technical, we will help direct you to an appropriate resource for the best possible answer.

Thank you,

Scott Stinnett and The Blue Ribbon Contributors

Monday, August 20, 2018

The Big Show

     The county fair sometimes seems like old habit. Many youth are the second or third generation showing at the county fair. The first time going is easy with surrounded by parents, friends and neighbors. Going to the state fair for the first time can be a little overwhelming.

     First bit of advice is read the state fair rules and regulations. Nothing is worse than getting there and finding out that an animal is disqualified from showing due to a technicality. It may be the animal's age, lack of proper tags or I.D., proof of ownership, or proper veterinary papers. It is disheartening to say the least to have hauled for hours, made hotel reservations, and get told to "pack it up" and head home.

    Next bit of advice is ask questions of those who have gone before. Find out: What tack, bedding or feed to take; Where to park the truck and the trailer; Which roads to take: Which gates to enter; and Where is the best place to stay and eat.

    Once you have a handle on the regulations and got some good practical advice, its time to work on the mental game. Work on your showmanship, remembering what the judge said about you at the county fair. Get some rest. School starts, fall sports begin and the state fair all happen at the same time. If you are exhausted at the fair, it will show in the ring (and maybe on social media when you are caught napping with your animal!) And prepare yourself for tougher competition. Your champion animal at the county fair is going against the other county champions. Only one can be the state fair champion and it is based on one judge's opinion. Be mentally prepared to be a gracious winner and also a good sport if things do not go the way you want.

     Remember the state fair is another opportunity to learn, exhibitor your animal, show your skills and meet new people. Take advantage of everything the fair offers.

This is a pretty short post, but I gotta go. I am headed to the State Fair too!


Scott Stinnett
Extension Associate
Kit Carson County
Golden Plains Area
Colorado State University Extension
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