Junior Dairy Showmanship 101: Leading and Showing a Holstein Heifer

A Holstein heifer is a big, tall, elegant animal that looks different from the beef calves in the next barn. She is also a very good teacher. Dairy showmanship has its own traditions, its own way of walking in a circle and its own demands on an exhibitor's attention. If you are showing a Holstein for the first time, knowing what judges expect will help you walk into the ring with a plan instead of hoping for the best.

This guide explains the basics of showing a Holstein heifer in a junior dairy showmanship class. Show rules and judging preferences vary by state, county and organization, so read your fair book and ask your leader or an experienced exhibitor. If you want to find dairy shows and clinics near you, agriculture.directory can help you find agriculture events in your area.

What Dairy Showmanship Judges

As in other species, a showmanship class judges the exhibitor rather than the animal. The judge watches how well you lead the heifer, how you set her up, how well you respond to the judge and ring, how clean and neat you and the animal are and how much you know about your heifer. A good animal helps, but a calm, skilled handler with an ordinary heifer often beats a distracted one with a standout. The Holstein Association USA runs junior programs and shows that follow these principles.

Halter and Lead

Dairy heifers are generally led with a show halter, often a leather or nylon show halter, sometimes with a chain or strap under the chin depending on local custom and rules. Hold the lead strap in your right hand, close to the halter, with the extra strap folded neatly in your left hand, not wrapped around your hand or dragging on the ground. Never wrap a lead around your hand or wrist, since an animal that pulls away could drag you. Practice holding and leading with a smooth, light touch.

Walking in the Ring

• Walk at the head or slightly in front of the heifer's shoulder. Face the direction of travel, and glance back at her.
• Move at a steady pace. Match the animal's natural walk.
• Keep the heifer's head up. A slight lift on the lead helps her walk with her head carried well.
• Keep your distance. Leave room between you and the animal ahead.
• Follow the ring steward and the judge's instructions. Many classes walk in a circle, often clockwise, though instructions can differ.

Stopping and Setting Up

When the judge signals to stop, halt smoothly and set the heifer's feet. For many dairy classes, the target is front legs squarely under the animal and hind legs set so the judge can see the udder and rear legs, but methods vary. Our guide to setting up a Holstein heifer covers foot placement in detail. Use gentle pressure on the lead to move her back or forward, and avoid jerking.

Watching the Judge

The most common beginner mistake is looking only at the animal. Know where the judge is at all times, and keep one eye on the judge while still keeping your heifer set. Move to a position where the judge can see the heifer's side and udder, and avoid blocking the view. If the judge asks you to move, do so promptly.

Appearance of Exhibitor and Animal

Most dairy shows have a dress code, often white clothing for dairy events, such as a white shirt and white pants or a white show outfit, along with clean boots. Check your fair book. Wear your number as directed. The animal should be clean, well clipped according to the rules and calm. Programs such as FFA and 4-H emphasize pride in presentation.

Answering Questions

Judges may ask about your heifer's age, breed, feeding, health and goals, or general dairy knowledge. Prepare brief, honest answers in your own words, and practice them aloud. If you do not know, say so politely. The U.S. Dairy Export Council and Dairy Management resources and extension offices provide dairy education materials.

Practice Before the Show

1. Halter-train your heifer early, with daily handling.
2. Practice leading in a circle and stopping.
3. Practice setting up on level ground and different surfaces.
4. Have a friend act as judge, moving around the ring.
5. Practice answering questions.
6. Practice in a new place, so the heifer gets used to distractions.

Handling Mistakes

Every exhibitor makes mistakes. If your heifer steps out of place, fix it calmly. If she acts up, stay quiet and gentle. Judges notice composure. Never lose your temper or blame the animal.

Safety

Dairy heifers are large. Stay out of the kick zone, keep your feet away from her feet and do not stand between the animal and a fence. Watch the animals near you. If something goes wrong, tell the ring steward.

After the Class

Shake the judge's hand if appropriate, thank them, lead your heifer out calmly and congratulate the others. Whatever the placing, pay attention to feedback and plan what to practice next.

Common First-Show Mistakes

• Watching only the heifer. Keep an eye on the judge.
• Wrapping the lead around your hand. It is dangerous.
• Dragging or being dragged. Practice leading.
• Blocking the judge's view. Position carefully.
• Forgetting to prepare answers. Practice with someone.

Farm.fm's page on a champion dairy cow who hires a pageant coach pokes fun at the show scene, and for more serious background on the industry, see farm.fm's humor piece on dairy cows producing more milk while farmers try to produce money.