Miniature Herefords at the Ohio State Fair

6/4/2016

Summer is finally here and it is time to start working those cows for all the summer fairs. This summer we have a new fair to attend. We are very excited that the Ohio State Fair is going to have a show just for the Miniature Herefords.

Most county fairs don't have many Miniature Herefords, so they just stick them in some random class because they just don't know what to do with them. While we enjoy every opportunity to show our cows, it is always more fun to show against our own breed. Compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges.

We are excited for the opportunity that Ohio is giving the Miniature Hereford breeders in this part of the country.

There are so many activities competing for our attention in the summer months. Why should you put in the effort to attend the Ohio State Fair?

Why you should show

Promote the Miniature Hereford breed here in Ohio and this part of the country - Miniature Herefords are a big deal out west, but they are a lot less known in the eastern part of the country. This is our opportunity to grow the show circuit and grow our breed.
Promote your herd of miniatures - supply is high demand right now. Attending the fair makes you very visible, and it gives you the opportunity to promote your farm and let others know what cows you have available to sell.
Networking - one thing that we have learned this year is how important the other breeders are to us. We are not an island, but need the support of other breeders. Working together makes you stronger and makes the breed stronger. We are constantly getting calls from people looking for a cow and we just don't have what they are looking for, but that doesn't mean we can't help them. Because of the contacts we have made, we are able to call up other breeders and many times fulfill that customer's needs. It is a win win situation for everyone. Networking also gives you to opportunity to meet future buyers and breeders. You have to think beyond today.
Educate others about cows and our specific breed - Any fair brings many people through the barns that would not ordinarily have any contact with a farm. This is a perfect opportunity to educate them not only on cattle in general, but on the specific characteristics and benefits of our breed.
Competition makes you better - Whether you win or lose, you are always learning. Take the opportunity to learn something new and better yourself and your cows.
A goal to work towards - we all need some motivation from time to time. What better way to force yourself to work your cows than to have a set fair date with a set goal in mind.
Better your cows - we have never regretted showing one of our cows. Every opportunity that you have to work with your cows is a behavioral learning experience for them. Having a halter broke cow that is calm and easy to work with is never a bad thing. We are always amazed at how docile our cows are after a long hot week with thousands of visitors walking by. A "fair broke" cow translates to a calmer cow at home, We all have that one cow at home that we wish was easier to handle, but no one ever says that they wish they hadn't spent the time halter breaking an animal. If you are going to sell a cow, it is always a selling point to have them halter broke. By having them in the show ring, they are just one step closer to that sale.
Great time with family - work together, play together, show together
Great time with friends - we are fortunate to call many of our show competitors our friends.
Memories made - There are moments at each show that you will never forget. These times spent with family and friends are priceless.
You can't win if you don't show up!

So what if you don't have any cows to show?

Why you should come and watch

You want to know more about the breed - this is a perfect opportunity to talk with many breeders and learn all that you want to know
You want to buy a cow - again, a perfect opportunity to talk with breeders, see what kind of cows they have and learn what they have for sale both at the show and at home
You are just interested - We love to have the support up in the stands
You want to learn more about showing - It is always a great idea to watch and learn. However, just because you have never shown before, don't let that stop you. At some point you have to be the newbie, so jump in with both feet and someone will gladly hold your hand and help you through.

Are you convinced that you need to be at the Ohio State Fair? Are you ready to sign up?

Visit the Ohio State website for complete information and entry forms. The show information is under the Beef section. Just click on the competition information and scroll down until you see Miniature Herefords.

Here are a few more reminders and details...

This show is part of the Ohio State Fair, but it is an open show so everyone is eligible to participate, even if you don't live in Ohio.
There will be a junior show on Monday night
This show is sanctioned by the Miniature Hereford Breeders Association so you do have to be a member of that organization (you should be a member anyway)
Release time is immediately following the show on Tuesday
Show entry deadline is June 20th

This is a great opportunity for the state of Ohio. Miniature Hereford shows are minimal in this part of the country and here is one right in our backyard. We have the Ohio Beef Expo in March, the BEST shows with a miniature class all winter, and now we have our own class at the Ohio State Fair. Let's make our breed proud and show them off!

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