The very first livestock show is always an exciting experience, and you’ll be sure to remember it for years to come. Preparing for the exhibition is half the experience. From gathering your livestock supplies to priming your animals, there’s a lot on your plate before the fair even begins. The guide below will help you and your animals get prepped and ready for the show ring.

How to Get Ready for a Livestock Show

1. Practice Showmanship

How you present yourself and your animals is key to good showmanship. Dress nicely but appropriately for the occasion, and bring a few sets of clean clothes. Practice leading your animals in preparation for the ring. The judges will ask you questions regarding weight, care, breed, and feed, so memorize the correct responses. Consider enrolling in showmanship classes for professional lessons.

2. Monitor Health & Diet

Monitoring your animals’ health is a year-round job, but you should pay extra close attention in the months preceding a stock show. A consistent diet full of nutrients is essential, so make sure you’re getting your livestock supplies from the same feed mill. Watch for changes in weight and manage your animal’s consumption accordingly.

3. Keep Up With Grooming

Judges want to see that your animal is healthy inside and out. Bathe and brush them regularly, make their coat shine, and look up grooming tips and regulations specific to your animal. For instance, many fairs require exhibitors to dehorn sheep and goats well before the show.

4. Vaccinate Your Animals

Your animal will be in close proximity to hundreds of cows, sheep, goats, chickens, and more throughout the duration of the fair. It is highly recommended that you keep them up-to-date on their shots. Ask your veterinarian what vaccinations your animals should receive in preparation for the show.

5. Make a Supply List

Planning ahead will prevent the stress that comes from last-minute packing. You don’t want to leave anything crucial behind, so create a checklist for all the livestock supplies you’ll need. This should include materials such as bedding, show equipment and attire, feed, cleaning supplies, grooming supplies, and buckets.

The Clermont County Fair is July 21–27, so pick up all of your stock show needs from Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center. This feed mill has been providing farmers throughout Ohio with quality livestock and dog supplies for over 160 years. They mix custom feeds suited to your animal’s needs, whether they need to bulk up or slim down. If you want to pamper your animal before the fair, they also carry a variety of grooming products. Visit their website to learn more about their affordable livestock supplies. To special order your custom feed today, call (513) 734-2246.