etla september newsletter
DESCRIPTION
East Texas Longhorn Association Registered Texas Longhorns ETLA YouthTRANSCRIPT
Volume 1, Issue 2 August/September 2013
EAST TEXASSTATE FAIR
MEMBERS IN ACTION
YOUTH BARNYARD
SHOWMANSHIP TIPS
MEET ETLA PRESIDENT
HAPPY FEET
The ETLA Newsletter is published 6 times by the East Texas Longhorn
Association, address.
ETLA Newsletter(903)681-0353
7994 CR 1115 Athens, Tx 75751
Amy Weatherholtz • 903-681-0353
Next Issue November 2013
deadline is October 20th.But, don’t wait until the deadline, start sending the information in today!
ETLA OfficersConnie Ollive, President
903-780-06656505 FM 1002 SouthBig Sandy, TX 76766
Gene Hightower, vice-President903-963-7442
950 FM 1995 • Van, TX [email protected]
Amy Weatherholtz, Secretary903-681-0353
7994 CR 1115 • Athens, TX [email protected]
Lana Hightower, Treasurer903-963-7442
950 FM 1995 • Van, TX [email protected]
Between Newsletters keep upwith the ELTA on Facebook
www.facebook.com/ETLA
I want to welcome all members and friends of the East Texas Longhorn
Association. I have been involved with Texas Longhorn cattle for more than
fifteen years now and have truly enjoyed working with them and being involved
in the events surrounding them. But, it is the comradery and friendship of the
LH breeders that I appreciate the most. Many of you have become close friends
and I know you are just as passionate about your longhorn cattle as I am. I
encourage each of you to participate in and support our ETLA events. The ETLA
needs to grow and have an active membership. We can do that by supporting
and participating in as many ETLA events as possible. Bring along a friend,
they'll be hooked in no time!
Youth. Where are our ETLA youth? At our May meeting we had nine youth
members present. I believe the youth are the heart of the longhorn association.
They are our next generation of cattlemen and women. I personally, would like
to see the ETLA increase the effort toward growing our Youth membership and
providing a purpose for them to want to be active ETLA members. Please talk
to me ([email protected]), a board member, or the ETLA Youth Advisory
Board Members; Jamie Ollive ([email protected]), Amy Weatherholtz
([email protected]) or Timothy Roddem 903-852-5225 about your
thoughts for growing our Youth membership and/or a incentive program for the
youth. I would like to bring your ideas up for discussion at our next meeting.
Check it out! We are now on internet. You can find us on Facebook: East Texas
Longhorn Association. Also subscribe to the new the ETLA Newsletter. Tell all
your LH friends! This is another way to keep up with your East Texas Longhorn
members and breeders and to know what is happening on the East Texas
Longhorn scene. We already have 59 likes.
The newsletter includes an ETLA Members In Action segment. Please support
it by submitting news you have about our East Texas Longhorn Family: articles
and/or photos of not only your Longhorn events, but community events, achieve-
ments, awards, even your vacation photos! List events on our new Calendar of
Events. Having a sale or ranch tour, giving a talk about lean beef at the local
FFA meeting, hosting a showmanship clinic? Invite your friends to attend an
ETLA event, or our next pot luck dinner. You never know, they may be your
next customer!We welcome, and will consider, any well written, up to date
editorials or articles about Texas Longhorns or about raising cattle in East Texas.
So, all you long-time LH breeders, feel free to share your expertise and advice
with the rest of us!.
The ETLA Youth has a new Facebook: ETLAYouth and have their own
segment in the ETLA Newsletter as well. Both will be areas for their news and
events. Youth, we need your submissions! How did you do at the last LH show
you attended? Do you have showmanship tips for the other ETLA Youth? Write
a story about working with your calf, was it funny? Are you saddle breaking a
steer? What did you learn during a trip with your calf to the vet, what were the
routine vaccinations? How did you do at a school sporting event or dance recital?
Do you sing, write music or poetry? Write your own LH news articles to share
with us! Send photos! All Newsletter articles should be sent to
We hope to see all our ETLA members at the East Texas State Fair in Tyler,
TX. If you are not showing, but happen to be at the fair on September 26th, 27th,
or 28th- please stop by the ETLA booth in the LH barn or walk through the barn
and look at the LH cattle. We would love to see your smiling faces! And if you
feel the need to volunteer, I'm sure we can find a job for you!
Connie Ollive, ETLA President
Welcome
Board of Directors
Brenda Oliver (Past President) , Craig Hester,
Timothy Roddem, Kurt Twining, John Powell,
Barb Marquess, Jamie Ollive, Tom Miller,
Joel Norris, and Jacob Weatherholtz
East Texas State FairBy: Amy Weatherholtz,
ETLA Secretary
Cotton Candy. Hot Dogs.
Candy Apples. Funnel Cakes
and 231 TEXAS LONGHORNS
will be invading Tyler, TX on
Sept. 26.
The East Texas State Fair
held in Tyler, Texas will kick off
on Sept. 20 and run through
Sept. 29. On Sept. 26 Texas
Longhorn cattle will begin
arriving for the largest
longhorn cattle show in East
Texas.
Sponsored by the East Texas
Longhorn Association, the
longhorn show hosted 132
entries last year.
Total amount of entries as of
Sept. 9 has been reported at
a whopping 231, almost
double of last years.
The Longhorn show has
been a part of the ETSF for
many years now.
Typically exhibiting the
largest number per breed
shown.
Dr. Gene & Lana
Hightower began showing at
the ETSF 19 years ago.
“The first year I showed a bull
calf and the main
concentration was not to fall
down,” said Lana.
Not knowing the love of
longhorns would lead them to
stepping up as superintend-
ent for the show.
Dr. Gene & Lana Hightower
has severed as the East Texas
State Fair Longhorn Show
Superintendent for the 16
years.
“The Fairgrounds have the
old country fair atmosphere,
come out and enjoy the
longhorns on exhibit,” said
Lana.
Make sure and visit the
Photography & T-Shirt booth,
proceeds go back to the
ETLA.
There will be a limited
number of t-shirts available
this year, please pre-order
your t-shirts by sending sizes to
T-shirts are available at fair
booth only.
Also, take time opportunity
to sponsor a belt buckle.
ETLA reports increase in amount of entries
Courtesy Photo from 2012 East Texas State Fair.
SPONSOR A BELT BUCkLE
FOR THE ETSF SHOW
$100 donation - sponsors a belt buckle,
banner in the arena, and mentioned
throughout the entire show.
ContaCt Lana HigHtower • 903-963-7442
Members in Action
Longhorns at Balloon Race
Donnie Taylor and Lana Hightower set up a Longhorn
Exhibit during the Great Texas Balloon Race at the
East Texas Regional Airport in Longview. On Exhibit is
Taylor’s cow Stockanna. Over 30,000 people
attended the event with many asking inquisitive
questions about Texas Longhorns.
Are you an ETLA member in Action?Share your news, stories, pictures here.
Please submit information to [email protected] orAmy Weatherholtz, 7994 CR 1115 Athens, Texas 75751.
Ollive’s exhibit
2013 TLBAA
WORLD CHAMPION
Watson 507Bruce and Connie ollive, of Big Sandy own Bar o
Cattle Company and watson 507. watson 507 was
exhibited during the annual tLBaa world
Champion show in Fort worth, June 2013. During
the show, watson competed and claimed honors
as the 2013 tLBaa world Champion Free range
Female. watson 507 is an eight-year-old and an
own daughter to tin Horn. waston 507 was bred by
wes waston, oklahoma.
Calendar of eventsEast Texas State Fair
Tyler, TxSept. 26-28
www.ETSTATEFAIR.COM
Third place -Haltered Mature Female: Sarcee Orphan
(Photo below) Fifth Place- Haltered Mature Female:
Sarcee Watseka (Pretty Woman) Both bred and
owned by: Bruce & Connie Ollive, Bar O Cattle
Company Big Sandy, TX. Photo submitted by Connie
Ollive.
RESULTSTLBAA World Show
2013 Hall Of Fame Awards
State Fair of Texas
Dallas, TX • Oct. 15-17
Longhorn Celebration
Waco, TX • Oct. 18-19www.longhornroundup.com
Marquess Arrow Production Sale
Ben Wheeler, TX • Oct. 26www.maranch.com
Kaufman Police AssociationLonghorn Show
Terrell, TX • Nov. 22-24
Christian started the 4-H
Veterinary Science Program in his
Senior year in high school (2011)
and instead of taking him 5 years to
complete the program, he will com-
plete the program in two (2) years
(2013). Christian is working
hands-on with Richardson, Jesse A
DVM - Henderson Co Veterinary
Hospital and Syler Veterinary
Clinic Van Der Suellen DVM.
Both of Athens, Texas
He only has a few months left and
he will be taking his veterinary as-
sistant's license and pursue a career
in veterinary medicine. Once he
has his veterinary assistant's li-
cense's, he will then go on to work
towards his veterinary technician
license's and then be transferred to
Texas A&M to work towards be-
coming a veterinarian. His parents
is very proud of him and look for-
ward to seeing what the good Lord
has in store for Christian's future.
Christian is the son of Billy
Walker and Kathy Belt, of Murchi-
son.
Walker participates inA&M vet program
Submitted by Kathy Belt
ETLA Board approves
new Youth LogoDuring an impromptu meeting of the ETLA Board of Directors
at the Rex Mosser Longhorn Sale at Marquess Arrow Ranch on
August 17. The BOD approved the following logo for all youth
related activities.
Submit your youth pictures and news to: [email protected] You can even post them on facebook.com/ETLA
ETLA Youth Meeting & Officer Elections during East Texas State Fair
2012-2013 YOUTH OFFICERS
President
Madison ollive
Vice-President
Haley Calhoun
Secretary/Treasurer
tara Moore
Reporter
Carson webster
Teen Director
Brayden tanner
Senior Director
garrett tanner
During the East Texas State Fair onFriday at 3 p.m. the ETLA Youth willhold an annual meeting and officerelections by the arena, all you are invited to attend.
The 2013-2014 year will consists ofmany new educational events, showmanship tip social, and team working to name a few.
To be elected as a Youth officer, youmust be at the Youth meeting on Friday, Sept. 27 and elected by peer orself. Officers must be an ETLA member,
can sign up on Sept. 27, youth are free,but requires parent/ranch membership
in the ETLA at an annual due of $25 peryear or $100 lifetime.
At the September 7, ETLA board ofdirectors meeting, the BODs created a2013-2014 Youth Advisory Committeeof Jamie Ollive, Amy Weatherholtz andTimothy Roddem.
These three individuals will be at theEast Texas State Fair - don’t hesitateto get to know them.
Hannah-Marie Gayle Reed and ACC Moonshine are
getting ready for the East Texas State Fair Longhorn
Show. Submitted on Facebook by Craig Perez
Youth ready for ETSF
Facebook Postings...
Barn YArd
Submitted by Haley Calhoun
Fifteen-year-old, sophomore at Cross Roads High School,Haley Calhoun showed in the Autobahn Scholarship Tour andNational Texas Longhorn Breeders of Tomorrow with DLBrooklyn’s Ruger and BRR Pistol Peach.
During the Autobahn Tour, she participated in all the eventsand gained her Autobahn Letterman Jack while placing seventh in her speech division.
Recently, during the Henderson County 4-H awards banquet, Calhoun was recognized and presents awards forDairy Judging and 4-H Show Team. She is also the vice-pres-ident of Chandler 4-H, (an office she has held for 3 years.) Calhoun was recently named student Advisor for the Cross
Roads FFA. Calhoun is also on the Cross Roads High School Color
Guard and obtained the only flag solo in the performances.Calhoun is currently the vice-president for the Youth East
Texas Longhorn Association. She lives on Blossom Ridge Ranch were she is a top ranch
hand and the big sister to Savanah and Emily. Calhoun is the niece of Jacob and Amy Weatherholtz, from
Athens. And grand-daughter of Troy and Joy Calhoun ofAthens.
Calhoun excels
MAKE A DIFFERENCE Get Involved!
Beef ShowmanshipShowmanship is an area over which you have the most control when exhibiting your beef cattle. In showmanship, you are judged on your ability to control and present an animal to bring out its best characteristics. Advanced planning and hard work are im-portant keys to becoming a good exhibitor. Showing beef cattle generates enthusi-asm and competition in the showring and teaches valuable life skills, which include responsi bility, making decisions, learning to win graciously, and instilling character. A good showman has a sense for effectively presenting an animal in competition.
Start EarlySuccess in beef cattle showmanship must start at home with halter breaking the calf. Properly put a rope halter on the calf, and let the lead rope drag on the ground for 2 to 3 days. This makes the calf aware of the halter. Next, tie the calf for an hour, working up to 3 to 5 hours a day. During this time, brush and talk to your calf. This will assist in calming the calf and allow it to become accustomed to you. In time, the calf will respond to your hand movements with the halter and show stick. Training a calf to walk, stop, and set up easily takes work and patience. At rst, lead the calf to and from feed and water. Later, lead the calf around for short practice ses-sions to teach it to set up in response to the halter and show stick. Have another person handle the calf while you are at the halter; this trains the calf to remain calm under a judge’s close inspection.
Using the HalterPlace the halter on the calf’s head with the lead on the left side. Put the cross strap that goes over the nose 2 to 3 inches below the eye. You can adjust rope halters and showhalters for proper t. Do not have the halter
so big that the nose-cross piece is down by the mouth. You must use a nose lead to show bulls. This provides better control and increased safety for all exhibitors. Handle the nose lead as one with the halter lead strap; pro-vide equal pressure to both leads. When leading, walk on the calf’s left side with the lead in your right hand. Hold your hand 6 to 12 inches from the animal’s head on the lead strap. (This is near the junction of the chain and leather strap.) Firmly grip the lead so your thumb is up and toward you with your little nger nearest the chain. Your wrist is stronger this way and provides better control over the animal. Measure the lead strap to be just long enough for control (about shoulder width). It must not touch the ground; if the lead can reach the ground, you or the calf may step on it, making it awkward to switch hands. To prevent injury, do not wrap the halter strap around your hand or ngers.
Using the Show StickFour basic uses for the show stick include:• Assisting in placing the feet.• Calming and controlling the animal.• Keeping the top level.• For scotch-driving the animal.
When setting up your calf—• Switch the lead strap from the right
hand to your left hand quickly and smoothly.
• Switch the show stick from your left hand to your right hand.
• Slowly scratch the calf’s belly a couple of times to help calm the calf.
• Set the calf’s feet in the appropriate position.
Remember: You have two tools in your hands to set the feet—the lead and the show
Beef Showmanship
Beef Showmanship
Beef Showmanship
Beef Showmanship
Beef Showmanship
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ound your hand or ngers., do not wrap the halter
d to switch hands. ound, you or the calf may step
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e the lead strap to be just long
this trains the calf to rhandle the calf while you arhalter and show stick. Have another person sions to teach it to set up in r
ound for short practice seslead the calf arom feed and waterthe calf to and fr
easily takes work and patience. raining a calf to walk, stop, and set up TTraining a calf to walk, stop, and set up
halter and show stick.espond to your hand movements with the r
accustomed to you. In time, the calf will
emain calm under a this trains the calf to re at the halter; handle the calf while you ar
halter and show stick. Have another person esponse to the sions to teach it to set up in r
-ound for short practice ses, . Later. Later, om feed and water
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halter and show stick.espond to your hand movements with the
accustomed to you. In time, the calf will
•
•
••••Four basic uses for the show stick include:
om your left Switch the show stick fr.smoothly
hand to your left hand quickly and om the right Switch the lead strap fr
When setting up your calf—
For scotch-driving the animal.Keeping the top level.
olling the animal.Calming and contrAssisting in placing the feet.
Four basic uses for the show stick include:
om your left
hand to your left hand quickly and om the right
When setting up your calf—
For scotch-driving the animal.
olling the animal.Assisting in placing the feet.
Four basic uses for the show stick include:
oper t. Do not have the halter halters for prope halters and showou can adjust rYYou can adjust reye.
goes over the nose 2 to 3 inches below the lead on the left side. Put the crPlace the halter on the calfUsing the Halter
judge’s close inspection.this trains the calf to r
oper t. Do not have the halter ope halters and show
goes over the nose 2 to 3 inches below the oss strap that lead on the left side. Put the cr
’s head with the Place the halter on the calfUsing the Halter
judge’s close inspection.emain calm under a this trains the calf to r
hands
•
•
•
lead feet—the the set to hands
ou have two tools in your YYou have two tools in your : Remember
position.’s feet in the apprSet the calf
of times to help calm the calf.’s belly a couple Slowly scratch the calf
hand to your right hand.om your left Switch the show stick fr
show the and lead
ou have two tools in your
opriate ’s feet in the approf times to help calm the calf.
’s belly a couple
om your left
The following article was submitted by Lana Hightower with the rights from the Mississippi State University Extension Service Program
Brush up showmanship skills
2
stick. Set the rear feet rst. To move a rear foot back, push backward on the lead and use the show stick to press (do not jab) the soft tissue between the toes in the cleft of the hoof. To move a rear foot forward, pull on the lead and use the show stick to apply pressure under the dew claw (Figure 1).
A heel-to-toe relationship works best when prol-ing. The heel of one foot is parallel with the toe of the other foot. The front feet are set squared or staggered less than the rear feet. The toe of the front foot away from the judge should be set back half the width of the hoof on the judge’s side. By setting the feet in this manner, you give the judge a perception of depth and thickness. It also makes it easier to correct a top line and rump structure. When using the show stick to correct a top line—• Apply pressure at the navel or �ank with the hook
of the show stick if the top is weak and needs to be raised.
• If the rump is steep and the loin is high, apply pressure to this area to bring it down; continue to scratch the calf’s belly to keep it calm.
While showing, always keep the point of the show stick down for safety and professional appearance.Keep the stick in your left hand at the handle or about one-third of the way down when walking. This allows its use as an additional control tool if needed. If the calf is moving too fast, hold the portion of the stick between your left hand and tip or hook end in front of the calf’s nose. To scotch-drive, push forward on the halter with your right hand, and touch the calf with the show stick on its side or rump. This makes the calf think someone is behind it, and it should start to walk. Scotch-driving is needed when the calf will not lead or walk and no one is around to help you get started.
Using the Comb or ClothWith haired cattle, carry a scotch comb in your right back pocket or in a comb sheath, with the teeth toward you for safety. Use the scotch comb to groom the hair that becomes messed up from the judge’s handling your calf or from another animal bumping into your calf. You can use the corner of the comb to level the loin. If showing American breeds with short hair, carry a wipe cloth (bandana). You can use the cloth in the same manner as the scotch comb to groom the hair while in the showring.
At Show TimeBefore the show, walk over the showring to nd any low spots on the surface. This will help you avoid these areas when setting up your calf. If possible, position the calf so the front feet are placed on higher ground than the rear feet. Dress neatly and look like a livestock exhibitor. Wear leather boots for safety and to look your best. If the calf steps on your foot, its foot will slip off a leather boot more easily than it will slip off a canvas shoe.
Figure 1. Proper use of the show stick in placement of the feet.
It is easier for the calf to put a foot back than for-ward. When the rear feet are too close together, apply pressure to the inside of the leg just above the hoof or at the hock, and the calf should stand wider. You can move its front feet by using your boot or show stick to apply pressure on the foot while pushing or pulling with the halter lead in the desired direction you want the foot to move. Younger, less experienced exhibitors are safer using the show stick. Placement of the feet depends on what view is desired for the judge and what makes the calf look its best. When cattle are lined up side by side in a straight line, the feet should be set on all four corners (bear-ing a full share of the calf’s weight). On this view, the judge is looking at the rear and front of the calf. When the cattle are lined on the prole (head to tail), set the feet as if a professional photographer is taking a picture. Stagger the rear feet so your near side foot is slightly in front of the foot closest to the judge (Figure 2). As the judge moves to the rear of the calf on prole, an experienced exhibitor will again square the feet. As the judge moves back to the side view, prole the rear feet again.
Figure 2. Set up when viewed on the profile.
3
Wear nice jeans or slacks; avoid faded blue jeans because they do not look professional. Wear a button-down or Western shirt; do not wear a T-shirt. Leave hats or caps at the grooming area because they distract the judge’s attention from your calf. Enter the showring promptly when the class is called. Have the proper equipment and exhibitor number for the calf you are showing. Unless instructed differently, always wear your exhibitor number on the left side so it does not interfere with use of the show stick or leading the calf. Know where to line up and how the classes will move through the showring. If you are not in the rst class, watch a class or two to learn specic techniques or show style the judge prefers. The advanced exhibi-tor is able to adapt to any situation and provide the judge with exactly what he or she is looking for on that particular day. Generally, cattle are lined up side by side to start a class. When pulling into line, look where you will be, and head into that position. Do not merely follow the person in front of you since this usually ends in an “S” conguration. You can end up brushing against the calf that was in front of you as you pull into line. When pulling into line, check your calf a few feet before reaching your destination to slow the calf. To check the calf, lift up slightly on the halter so the calf knows you are about to stop. When walking into the ring, line up where the ring steward indicates. If you are third or fourth in the ring, line up even with the other calves, leaving 3 or 4 feet on both sides of your calf. This allows ample room for all exhibitors to set up. Smoothly, yet quickly, get the calf set up with its head high. Be alert, keep a close eye on the calf, keep the feet set square, stay straight in line, and know where the judge is located. If your calf is not set square and the judge is nearby, set up your calf. Most judges will wait for you to present the calf at its best. Always give the judge the view he or she is seeking. Try not to stand between the judge and the calf. When it is time to walk the cattle—• Move as the judge or ring steward instructs. Most
likely you will pull the cattle up to the rail, turn left, go three-fourths of a circle, and walk right behind the tail of the other cattle in the side-by-side line.
• Assist the exhibitor in front of you in moving a calf if he or she is having trouble. Tap the calf’s rump with your stick, or, preferably, put your show stick in your right hand and twist the tail of the calf in front of you with your left.
• Let your calf walk out freely. Move at an easy pace, not too slow or too fast.
When it is time to stop on the prole—• Stop in a straight line head to tail. Remember to
check the calf and then stop by lifting its head. Allow 4 to 6 feet between your calf and the one in front. This allows the judge space to move freely around the cattle and helps to prevent calves from mounting or disturbing others in the line.
• Position the feet as discussed earlier; keep the top line level and the calf’s head up.
• Locate the judge and wait calmly. Do not “saw” your calf in half with rapid stick movement while waiting for the judge. Use slow, deliberate strokes with the show stick. Do not make noises or rattle the chain of the halter.
The judge may handle the cattle and ask a few questions. As the judge moves around the calf, move a half step back to allow the judge a full view. Be pre-pared to answer questions such as weight, birth date, sire, dam, pregnancy status of your heifer, feeding pro-gram, parts of the animal, yield grade, quality grade, and the retail cuts of beef. If your calf has not moved and the judge has gone to the next animal, use the scotch comb or wipe cloth to x any hair that is messed up. If your calf has moved out of line, pull out in a clockwise circle and bring the calf back into line. Set up and then x the hair if necessary. Be alert and aware of the judge. Look for a sign or motion to be pulled into line for placing. This may be another prole or side by side line. As the judge pulls cattle from the prole line, empty spaces occur. As spaces between cattle become empty, move forward in the line. Remember to allow proper distance between calves, and set the calf up at its best. By moving for-ward and lling the empty spaces, it becomes easier for the judge to make comparisons. Once pulled into a side by side line, you are nearing the end of the class. Stay alert and set the calf up as positions may continue to be switched. When turning an animal, always turn to the right (clockwise) unless the ring steward gives other instruc-tions. Pushing the calf’s head away from you prevents the possibility of the calf stepping on your foot, caus-ing harm to you or the calf. Certain situations may occur in changing plac-ings (Figure 3). Note that you pass back through the same hole you left, then to the proper position. If positioned up to a rail, do not turn around in the line. Back the calf out by pushing back on the halter with your left hand and applying pressure with your right at the point of the shoulder. Pull into the line at the instructed position.
Copyright 2011 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distrib-uted without alteration for nonpro�t educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
By R. Kipp Brown, Area Extension Agent III, 4-H Livestock/Meat Goats. Adapted from Publication ANS 95-002B, North Carolina Extension Service.
Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group afliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated.
Publication 2210Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Pub-lished in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director
(POD-10-11)
When the judge starts his or her reasons, the class is over but your job is not. Continue to work hard and display good sportsmanship. Leave the ring in an orderly manner as in structed by the ring steward, and pick up your awards.
Courtesy and SportsmanshipKeep straight lines so the judge can compare all the animals. If you are blocking the view of another animal and have space, move so the judge can see all the animals; however, if you are the one hidden, it is your responsibility to be where the calf can be seen. Do not rely on other exhibitors since they may not have room to move. Pull back in line on the end if this is where space is available. Avoid bumping, crowding, or hitting other ani-mals. If your calf becomes nervous or unruly, act as a professional. Remain calm, be patient, and never get discouraged or lose your temper. Congratulate the class winners and those who stood ahead of you, or be a gracious winner and en-courage those who stood below. Remember: Showing is a learning experience. Leave the ring knowing you have given your best effort. Learn from your mistakes, watch other exhibitors, and improve your skills for the next show. You are always a winner just by having participated in a worthwhile learning activity.
Figure 3. Switching positions.
Meet your ETLA President
My first fascination with Long-
horn cattle began when I looked
out of the school bus window and
saw a pasture of big horned cattle
grazing near the town of Denton
Texas. They were beautiful and
unique. They reminded me of the
Old West and the Chisholm Trail
which is such a strong part of the
history of North Texas. I had been
raised around cattle and horses all
my life, but these cattle were
different and I liked them. I
looked for them everyday and was
disappointed when I didn't see
them.
As time went on, the Longhorns
were forgotten. I married and
moved to Canada where we
ranched and farmed. Bruce and I
trained horses, raised Limousin
and commercial cattle, and four
rowdy kids. Ten years later we
moved back to Texas. Once my
kids were all in school I returned
to college and became a registered
nurse. I have worked as a nurse in
the nursery, labor and delivery,
and most recently in the ER.
The Longhorn cattle reappeared
in my life when Bruce went to
work as ranch manager for
Mickey Wood in Lindale Texas (
the legendary "King" was at the
ranch). Bruce, and our two sons,
Lanham and Denton, showed
some of the heifers for Wild Wood
Ranch, including Ruby Baby,
World Champion Heifer (ITLA).
And, I was finally able to become
involved with the longhorned cat-
tle that I had so much admired all
those years ago.
It wasn't until the late 1990's we
bought our first Longhorn cows.
These cows had been crossed with
a Charolais bull. The calves were
good and we kept several of the
heifers to put into a small
commercial herd. We continued to
cross the older longhorn cows
with Angus bulls to produce
calves for the market.
Bruce's job moved to deep East
Texas, as manager of another
Longhorn ranch. We eventually
sold our cross-bred cattle and built
a small herd of purebred
longhorns.
We have always enjoyed our
longhorns. We have shown them,
both in haltered and non-haltered
shows, attended sales, and
participated in several futurities.
We have been lucky enough to
have won a few awards along the
way. We have had class winners
and grand champions, won
bronzes, rifles and belt buckles,
and even had a couple of sale
toppers. But, most importantly, we
have been able to enjoy seeing the
smiles on the faces of our
grandchildren as they lead a calf
around the show ring. How lucky
we are!
I have been a member of the East
Texas Longhorn Association and
Ark-LA-Tex Longhorn
Association, both TLBAA
affiliates. I have also been a mem-
ber of the ITLA, CTTLA,
TTLHA, TLMA.
I have worn many different hats
and been a member of: Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
Sunday School Teacher, Church
Camp Director; Texas Nurses
Association; owned a gourmet
food business (Texas Red Hot
Rooster), Texas 4-H; Texas FFA,
Grand Saline, president
parliamentary procedures, dairy
judging team; Texas FHA;
AQHA; NCHA; Canadian
Limousin Cattle Association;
Hawkins Chamber of
Commerce; first Secretary (for
recording and stamping papers for
eligible offspring) for the Alberta
Quarter Horse Incentive Program.
I have also been a founding
member for these associations:
Botha 4-H Horse Group, Alberta
Barrel Racing Association, Gold
Rush Pleasure Horse Futurity, the
original Winchester Heifer
Futurity.
Longhorn cattle have provided
purpose, fun, companionship, and
opportunities for our family to
grow and learn. We (Bruce, my
kids, and grandkids included)
have all been fortunate enough to
have met some great people and
life-long friends throughout the
years that we have been
associated with Longhorns.
In my "spare" time I like taking
photos (especially livestock),
scuba diving, reading, and hog
hunting. One of my favorite things
to do is to ride through our herd of
Longhorn cattle and just admire
them. But, my most favorite thing
to do is to hunt for those newborn
calves- you just never know what
you are going to find!
Upcoming Issue Topics:
ETSF Results
Prince & Princess Contest
Meet Your Vice President
New Youth Officers
Connie Ollive
LONgHORN LOvE BRINgS HAPPY FEET - TEACHES LESSONSEditor’s note: Please share
your longhorn stories and tips
by submitting them to
mail them to 7994 CR 1115
Athens, TX 75751
By: Amy Weatherholtz
Athens, Tx - Have you ever
been so anxiously waiting the
birth of a new calf? Well, I
have.
Let me explain. I turned the terrifying 3-0 this
year in April. (I have survived
and loving the new age
bracket). But when most might
update their car, buy a new
outfit or something else their
heart desires. What did I do? I
bought a new longhorn!
Receiving an advertisement
through the TLBAA e-mails,
one glance and it was fate,
destiny and love!
She was everything I wanted,
great horn, beautiful color and
would fit in the herd well. She
was older, (16 years) and bred
to a white and grulla bull.
Could she get any better?
She did after looking at her
pedigree to see she had
Overwhelmer and Classic, and
she was gorgeous!
She was only 4.5 hours
(one-way) from home and well
who does not like a good road
trip - especially if pulling a
trailer.
Thinking my husband (Jacob)
had to work, I asked my Dad
to accompany me on this trip -
then Jacob was available so
we all loaded up and headed
out.
The guys know me by now, if
Amy wants it - she typically
gets it rather there is much
agreement or not.
Still after over a year, Jacob
& I can not talk about one of
the heifers in the pasture
because I bought her without
consulting him first.
Back to PLR Sweet Thang... We purchased her from a
lady that said she should be
close to calving (7-9 months
bred.) You could tell she was
carrying a calf, so I’d wait.
I’d wait. I’d wait. I’d wait. About the time I started
talking to a friend about coming
to palpate her, I had about
given up - I noticed a difference
in a day.
She had finally dropped her
milk, loosened in the back and
shifted in her sides.
I text saying, I think we can
wait on palpating, I expect her
to have it within the next two
weeks.
A storm started rolling in the
same day, a good summer rain
is great. Then the second
storm came rolling in.(In July)
Our middle niece was having
her tenth birthday, everyone at
Blossom Ridge Ranch went to
dinner to celebrate.
Running late on our regular
feeding routines, it was dark
and raining and the clouds
were growing and extremely
angry looking.
Rushing down to the pasture
to feed, I noticed “Sweet T”
underneath a tree. I drove by
just to ensure she had not
given birth during the
beginning of the storm,
although we all hoped for it to
come on Savanah’s birthday.
One look and I knew she
would have it during the storm,
as canny as I could speak to a
cow, I said. “Sweet T, you hold
off and have the baby after the
storm is finished.”
Oh Baby!She listened. Already
sleeping past my alarm, I knew
I had to run out in the pasture
before heading to work, (I’d
only be a few minutes late on
my arrival.)
I saw the most beautiful calf,
ever. Grulla and white, big
legged and Sweet T licking on
it, everything looked normal.
I had Haley with me, she is
the top ranch hand and gate
opener. I left her in the pasture,
cause somehow work does not
understand how new births
constitute the right to be more
than a few minutes late to
work.
I told her to watch & keep me
updated. I wanted details.
I was in love. Longhorn Love.
About lunch, Haley said, “I
think something is wrong, it is
not getting up and I got close to
it and the legs aren’t right - but
it’s a boy!”
Having considered that she
was an older cow and this was
a pretty good size calf, he
seemed to all be legs, I said
well, try to help him up if
possible and just watch him, I’ll
be home after work.
Jacob got home before I did,
“yes, his legs are messed up -
can not stand on the front and
he has not nursed - what do we
do?”
My heart sank, I wanted to
cry, this can not be happening,
this was suppose to be the
perfect calf, in the words of
Sweet Brown, “ain’t no body
got time for that.”
Questions flooded my mind -
I’m a graphic artist, how am I
suppose to be a vet tech over
the phone?
Benefit of the doubt, maybe
it was delivery issues, I had not
....Continued, See Happy Feet
BRR Strom Chaser & Momma, PLR Sweet Thang in the pasture, Haley
bottle feeding. Even though we thought he would eventually suckle
his mother, the calf was stepped on and fractured his “pvc pipe
cast” causing a set back and forcing us to move him to the hog pen.
Happy Feet Continued...
seen the birth. But I knew we
were racing against the clock,
he needed colostrum.
Like any good rancher, we
did not have a bag on hand.
So to town Jacob went.
By the time I got home, they
had already fed him a third of
the bottle and our neighbor
and good longhorn friend,
Mark Oliver, came to lend a
hand.
We all came to the
conclusion, there was no
muscles in his legs and
possible joint issued. It was
obvious, something was
wrong.
Solution.A few paint sticks, an old
hanky and duck tape the guys
created a splint that would get
him up for a few minutes to
stand but he was tired. Worn
down from the day.
Mark came up with the name
Happy Feet (after the movie.)
They worked with him until
the moon came out, deciding
he would come in the house
for safety and nightly feeding.
Nighttime, I told Jacob I
wanted him to take him to the
vet to see what the issue might
be. “We do not have the extra
money,” he said. I agreed.
Seeing the lively hood of this
calf, I knew we had to try.
“I was saving this for a trip,
here is my extra, take him
tomorrow.”
With Jacob and Haley taking
him to the vet the next day, our
calf arrived back home with a
full leg cast. A full leg cast
opposite of the one I thought
he would have it on.
Did the vet put it on the right
one?
After observing him, I knew
his other leg needed to be
casted, however we could not
afford to take him back to the
vet.
His other leg received the
good ole’ method, ace
bandages, paint sticks and
duck tape. Did not have to look
great to work.
After a day of speaking to
friends about him, my Dad said
one of his friends told him a
PVC pipe makes a great cast,
he had used it before on dairy
calves.
Well at this point, it is worth
a try. Just had to make sure it
was large enough for his joints.
Knowing the ranch crew
would be able to handle any
issues, I went out of town for
the weekend.
The calf had made such a
progress that he would stay
out in the pasture during the
day and receive one or two
bottles, trying to make him
hungry enough to suckle his
Momma.
At this point, he is a pirate
peg-legged calf, enjoying the
pastures during the day and
my home office at night.
During one of the days out in
the pasture, his PVC piped
cast got stepped on and his
knee joint was fractured.
At this point, he was getting
heavy to tote in and out of the
house, so deciding it would be
easier, he made his new home
in the hog pen.
It was across the road from
the pasture and we even
moved “Sweet T” over to be
closer, she decided she like to
go through the gate and be
Only boy Haley Calhoun is allowed to kiss behind thebarn! BRR Storm Chaser aka Happy Feet. with the other cows. She won.
Many hours of nursing and
tending to the calf, Haley did
not much leave his side.
We gave him extra amounts
of vitamins, and prayers.
And the vet tech cut opened
his leg removing the cast.
This calf has overcame many
obstacles.
Now almost two months old,
spoiled rotten to say the least.
We never determined what
caused this “weakness”
however with a lot of love,
dedication and determination,
BRR Storm Chaser or aka
Happy Feet is able to run
around the pen, although his
front feet are still “flat footed”
walking on his hocks with
hooves forward.
He is taking 4 bottles a day,
eating hay and learning what
feed is.
He is getting stronger by the
day and thriving.
Want to read postings about Happy
Feet? Keep up with him on Facebook
at BRRLonghorns