Event Descriptions
Contestants are required to compete in four of the five educational events in order to compete in the Cattle Show and to be eligible for awards. The educational events include:
- Cattleman’s Quiz
- Judging Contest
- Public Speaking
- Sales Talk
- Skill-A-Thon
- Junior Division - 9 years old on or before January 1, 2010, and not have reached their 15th birthday prior to January 1, 2010
- Intermediate Division (National Classic only) - 14-17 years old on January 1, 2010
- Senior Division - 15 or older on or before January 1, 2010
Time Allotted: 90 minutes---There will be ten-minute warnings provided following the first 30 minutes.
Materials: There will be a Sire Summary, quiz questions, answer sheet, and a number 2 pencil provided to each participant. Contestants may bring high-lighters, however, they will not be given out. Bringing notes, books, or reference materials is not permitted.
Dress: There is no required dress for this contest.
Additional Resources
- AJSA Study Materials
- http://www.ers.usda.gov/news/BSECoverage.htm
On this site, there are mainly U.S. statistics concerning the beef industry over the years.
- http://www.beeffrompasturetoplate.org/default.aspx
This site provides information regarding getting beef from the pasture to the plate and contains valuable information to look through. - http://www.beef.org/
This is a general site that presents many different websites in regards to the beef industry, including, Beef and the land, bovine myology and muscle profiling, beef production: myth versus truth, and much more! - http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/cattle/
This page provides the history of the Simmental breed. It states its origins around the world and what is presently is. Visit this page to become more familiar with the history of the breed. - http://www.simmental.org/
This is the official website of the American Simmental Association. Visit this page to find out what is going on in the Simmental breed, as well as, learn about the history of the breed and the association.
Time Allotted: 12 minutes per class- There will be two-minute time warnings in each class.
Materials: The contestants are responsible for their own note-taking materials during judging. (Suggested materials: a notepad and pen)
Dress: There is no required dress for this contest, however, jackets, caps, or other apparel identifying an individual’s team, state of residence or farm/ranch affiliation are prohibited during judging.
The judging contest should consist of six classes: yearling bulls, cow-calf pairs, steers, a keep-cull class of yearling heifers and two classes of yearling heifers. Conferring between other contestants, parents, and/or advisors is strictly prohibited during judging. This will result in disqualification of the contestant.
Additional Resources
- www.judging101.com
This site provides online mock judging classes. Users are able to look at the animals from different angles and submit their placings to compare with an official’s placings. On judging101.com, there are examples of beef cattle, lambs, hogs, etc. There is a $45 fee to use this site; however, there is an example class to help viewers determine if they would like to join.
- www.livestockjudging.com
This site allows users to view videos of four different animals in order to compare them. The viewer can watch the videos simultaneously, pause and view different parts, or one at a time. This site provides practice for cattle, lambs, goats, and hogs. It is a free site, however, the amount of classes to look at are limited.
- http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G2952
This is article available through The University of Missouri Extension. It provides useful information regarding steps to successful livestock judging, judging competitively, appropriate note-taking skills, and different formats for giving reasons. This article was written by Dr. Jerry Lipsey.
- http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/meat/students/beef
This site is made available through The Pennsylvania State University. They have provided a series of videos in order to judge a class of steers, heifers, carcasses, etc.
Competition Pictures
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Time Allotted: 5-7 minutes
Materials: The Contestant will need to provide a heifer/cow, either live or in an 8x10 photo. This animal does not need to be the contestant’s. They may hold or tie the animal during the presentation or have another junior member hold the animal. The contestant will also need to provide the judges with the registration paper for the animal being “sold.” No other materials may be used during Sales Talk.
Dress: There is no required dress for Sales Talk, but suggested clothing is what you would exhibit your animals in (i.e. jeans, button-up shirt, polo shirt, etc…). Appearance is important when marketing yourself and your animal.
This contest is an opportunity for contestants to practice their marketing abilities. Contestants should look over their animal’s pedigree and familiarize themselves with strengths and weaknesses both physically and on paper prior to the contest. Being confident and knowledgeable is the key!
Additional Resources
- http://www.effectivemeetings.com/presenting/delivery/sales.asp
This site provides general information that helps one an effective sales pitch. Looking over the information and applying to cattle would be very helpful for the sales talk competition. - http://www.oldandsold.com/articles10/voice-30.shtml
This site offers insight into delivering a successful sales talk. Much of the information in this article is directly related to business world, so take what you read and make sure to apply it to the sales talk competition. - http://www.thedesigncubicle.com/2008/10/how-to-prepare-and-deliver-your-sales-pitch/
Again, this is a website that is tailored to the business world, but taking this valuable information and applying to the cattle industry and specifically to the sales talk competition is the key.
Competition Pictures
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Time Allotted:
- 30 minutes to prepare speech- Contestants should arrive to the preparation room 35 minutes prior to their scheduled speaking time. At this time, the contestant will randomly draw a topic.
- 3-7 minute speech- Contestants who finish their speeches before or after the 3-7 minutes have elapsed will have 1 point deducted for every second that is over or under. The time will be posted throughout the speech to keep the contestant aware.
Dress: Business Casual (Khakis, dress pants, button-up shirts, blouses, sweaters, etc…) Appearance is an important aspect of this competition.
Contestants will select a topic randomly when they arrive at the preparation room. The subject areas include, but are not limited to, the History and Development of Simmental and Simbrah cattle, Principles of Breeding, Selling, Customer Service and Managing/Marketing of Beef Cattle. Contestants are judged on subject knowledge, organization, presentation, response to questions, and general effectiveness. The topics will vary for junior and senior divisions.
Additional Resources
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1H5m0S-sdQ
This YouTube video describes five tips on delivering an oral presentation. To hear some helpful hints on how to grab your audience’s attention, as well as, little tips for the day of the presentation, check out this video! - http://www.umw.edu/cas/speaking/speaking_center/documents/57-TipsandTricksforPublicSpeaking.pdf
This article would be beneficial for speaking in large groups. Using page 2 will be helpful for preparing for the Regional and National public speaking contests. - http://www.stresscure.com/jobstress/speak.html
Review of 10 Key Principles to Always Keep in Mind - http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/PublicSpeaking.htm
This is an article that provides some easy hints to remember when delivering a speech. It explains that it is easy to present a forgettable presentation, so if you can follow these simple tips, you will ensure a memorable experience for the audience!
Competition Pictures
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Time Allotted: The Length of the contest will be decided based on the schedule and complexity of the contest as determined by the host state. Approximatley 10-12 minutes per station
Materials: The contest may include a visual identification via slide projection or PowerPoint, identification of the actual equipment or a combination of the two. Contestants may not bring notes, books or reference materials into the testing area.
Dress: There is no required dress for this contest.
The purpose of this contest is to assess practical skills related to the beef industry and Simmental cattle. During the contest there is no conferring between contestants or between parents, use of any notes or any form of cheating. Any of these violations will result in the disqualification of a contestant.
Additional Resources
- AJSA Study Materials
- http://www.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/agmania/
This website is provided by the University of Kentucky. It shares helpful links for livestock and meat judging, equipment identification, breeds of livestock, feed identification, and much more! - http://animalscience.unl.edu/meats/id/
On this site, the viewer is able to look through different cuts of meat on cattle, sheep, and hogs. - http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/4hyouth/skillathon/Factors%20Effecting%20Quality%20of%20Hay.html
This site provides information and tips on judging different types of hay and their quality.
Competition Pictures
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Time Allotted: There is no time range on this. Each class length is determined by the judge of the contest.
Materials: Each contestant must own the animal that they are exhibiting and that animal must be entered in the Cattle Competition, as well.
Dress: The contestant is required to wear the Classic shirt during the Showmanship Competition. Other suggested wear: jeans or khakis, as this is a contest based on how well you represent your animal and yourself.
This contest is a no fit, no adhesive competition. In the Showmanship Contest, contestants have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to exhibit their animal in the best way possible. They will be judged based on the animal’s and the exhibitor’s appearance, as well as, the contestants overall ability to show the animal appropriately.
Additional Resources
- http://www.hlsr.com/livestock-show/downloads/BeefCattleShowmanship.pdf
Paul Maulsby of Texas A&M has developed a PowerPoint presentation that provides tips and descriptive pictures for showmen who are learning. This is a great site to check out! - http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p2210.htm
This site is provided by Mississippi State University and it takes a look at how to move your cattle in and out of the line-ups, as well as, how to put on a halter correctly, use a show stick, and talks about sportsmanship and courtesy. - http://www.showsteers.com/stierwalt/Schools.htm
This site is generated by a family who exhibit and sell cattle. They provide clinics around the country each year that show exhibitors firsthand how to clip, fit, and show properly. Check out this site to see if they come to a town near you!
Competition Pictures
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The National Classic consists of five divisions: “Purebred Simmental” heifers, “Purebred Simbrah” heifers, “cow/calf pairs”, “steers”, and “Percentage” heifers.
- No paint or artificial coloring will be allowed and will be enforced by the “White Towel” Rule.
- Each contestant may bring up to three entries to the National and Regional Classics; however, no more than two entries may be exhibited in the same “Owned” division. A junior member may exhibit all three animals in the same “Bred and Owned” division, as long as they meet the requirements. Please see full contest rules for more details.
- Registration certificates must be issued by May 1, 2009, or the application for registration/transfer must be postmarked to the ASA office no later than May 1, 2009. Indication must be made for animal(s) that are entries for Regional/National.
- Please see the contest rules for a full list of general rules and requirements.
Heifer Show Competition
- Owned Competition- the registration certificate is issued in the exhibitor’s name or the name of a membership for which the exhibitor is an ASA-recognized authorized representative on or before May 5, 2009.
- Bred and Owned Competition- the exhibitor’s name is the only name on the dam’s registration certificate at the time the entry was conceived and the exhibitor has been the continuous sole owner of the animal being shown.
- Percentage Heifer Competition:
- All general rules will apply to the Percentage Competition; i.e. ownership, participant age, fitting.
- Heifers must be born after August 31, 2007 and prior to January 1, 2009. They must be registered with the American Simmental Association as halfblood to three-quarter blood Simmental (SM not CS).
- Percentage heifers are eligible for the Top 10 at Regionals or the Top 20 at the National Classic within the Percentage Competition, not the overall competition.
Steer Show Competition
- All general rules will apply to the steer show i.e. ownership, participant age, fitting.
- All steers must be registered with the American Simmental Association as half-blood-or-greater Simmental or Simbrah.
- There will be two divisions of steers broken by weight:
Division 1-Prospect Steers (cattle under 900 lbs)
Division 2- Progress Steers (cattle over 900 lbs)
Cow/Calf Competition
- Only ASA registered cows (75% or greater) are eligible.
- The calf at side must be Bred and Owned.
- Classes will be broken down by the year the cow was born. i.e. Group 1-cows born in 2006, Group 2-cows born in 2007, and so on.
- Cow/Calf pairs may not be used for the Showmanship Competition.
Time Allotted: Approximately 15 minutes
Materials: The contestant will need to submit in 25 words or less the position for which they plan to interview. This must accompany their registration form. The contestant must also provide an updated resume on the day of the interview.
Dress: The contestant should be dressed in business attire (i.e. pant/dress suit, dress slacks, ties, etc) Appearance is a very important aspect of this contest.
The Interview Competition gives participants the opportunity to enhance their interview skills and to prepare an effective resume. The participants must be 17 years old as of January 1st. Judging will be based on the contestants interview skills, resume, and overall appearance and effectiveness. This contest will not be considered for overall individual awards.
Additional Resources
- http://www.worksmart.ca.gov/tips_interview.html
This site is provided by the State of California and it shares tips for a successful interview experience. - http://www.collegegrad.com/intv/
This website was designed for college graduates who are preparing to go into the workforce. It provides tips for preparing for an interview, how to look the part, mastering the interview and more! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCQdloL8HV0
This YouTube video discusses important tips to remember when answering, “Tell me about yourself.”
General Information
Time Allotted: 45 minutes. If number of entries warrant, there may be two heats, with one overall winner, to allow judges time to thoroughly and fairly view all teams.
Materials: The team must provide their own heifer for the contest, as well as any other necessary materials (chute, blower, clippers, etc.).
Dress: There is no required dress for this competition.
Each state may enter a team consisting of three members. One Junior (9-13), one intermediate (14-16), and one senior (17-21) are required on the teams. When the time is up, one team member will parade the heifer before the judge. Please see full contest rules for information regarding team substitutions and other requirements.
