Why We Show

Major show season is winding down to an end. Calf sales are going strong all over the country, people are getting ready for the spring thaw and Houston is in full swing. There is a popular hashtag these days, why we show. It normally is followed by a story or photo outlining one of the many reason why people spend an oddly large amount of time at livestock shows. A lot of people look at those of us in the livestock industry and ask questions. Why do you show animals? Or what do you do that for? These are not always an obvious answer to these questions. Let’s examine some of the reason why people show livestock.

For centuries, people have taken their animals and wares to markets. People understand that putting your best animal or product forward would gain you the larger rewards. Competing against others to see which product or animal will come out on top is fun, educational, and exciting. People who exhibit their agriculture products are proud of the accomplishments they have achieved in their herds, pastures, or even kitchens. People want to share that success or top products with others and exhibitions are one of the tools available. This is a great marketing tool and one of the oldest techniques people in agriculture use to increase their customer base.

The bonds built through exhibiting livestock are unbreakable. I can still remember the first show I ever exhibited at and the first time I ever was successful in the showring. People that exhibit livestock are so much more than just farmers and ranchers. They are artist, chefs, writers, and even educators. These are people that you will know and love the rest of your life. They are people that will help you when times are tough and cheer for you when times are grand. Being part of livestock shows is something almost magical. There are connection and bonds that last a lifetime.

Being an exhibitor in agriculture gives you a unique perspective on life. You combine living the life of a transient, trucker, and debutante all in one. There are times when you are sleeping in your truck at a roadside rest area. Next you are sleeping in the trailer or on top of it while in line to get into the barns. Finally, you get to sleep in a hotel with clean sheets and towels that you do not have to make your own bed. You meet people from all over the world and gain friends and contacts that will last you a life time.

Agriculture exhibitors know no bounds. You see all spectrums of the world. The poor to the super wealthy. There are PHD’s all the way down to 4^th grade educations. One of the best aspects of showing is there are plenty of times that the 4^th graders know ten times more than the PHDs. Livestock people know how to laugh together, they know how to cry together. They also know how to have civil disagreements. People who show know how to disagree with each other and still have successful businesses.

We are conservatives, liberals, republicans, and democrats. We are gays, straights, old, and young. We are redneck, sophisticated, doctors and lawyers. We are first generation producers and 5^th generations ranchers. We are the people that feed the world. We are the people that unclog your toilets, build you houses, take your pictures, and sell you your groceries. We are your teachers, your advisors, your county agents. We are the people that make up a large portion of the world.

People that show come together from all walks of life to exhibit their livestock and wares while being from all races, and backgrounds. Agriculture knows no race, color or background. Being successful in agriculture is based on your hard work. If you out work the next person, you will be on top. People in agriculture have different views on many topics in life. They especially have different views on the right and wrong ways to handle their cattle or agriculture products.

The lesson here is that you can disagree on everything under the sun and still work together for a common goal. Because if you ask people in agriculture that exhibit their wares and animals. They will all say yes, they support agriculture and yes, they believe it is one of the best part of their life. Agriculture gives back to others while teaching others to be successful. After the lights go out and the banners start to fade. People can take what they learn in agriculture and exhibiting to many other aspects of their life.

We show because we know the impact that all the hours of hard work and dedication on the world. We are committed to our craft. Just like an athlete, some people are more committed than others. That is the reason some people are more successful. Showing is not just dirt and animals. 

“Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you're a thousand miles from the corn field.” ~Dwight D. Eisenhower