How to Lead a Dairy Beef Feeder in the Show Ring

Cows are shown at country fairs, in dairy competitions and at 4-H events. Dairy beef feeder owners often compete to show who has the best cattle, to gain a good reputation for their farm or to show pride in their stock. Members of a 4-H group show cows so that they can win ribbons, learn about cattle and take pride in raising an animal on their own. Teaching a cow to lead on a halter and lead rope allows the owner to manage the cow in the show ring.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice placing a halter on the dairy cow every day. The halter fits over the cow's head, and you should be able to adjust the strap on the bottom of the halter so that it fits the cow. Your cow may be afraid of the halter at first. Allow the cow to sniff and look at the halter so it can see what you are about to do. Wear gloves the first few times you try to put on the halter. This helps to keep your hands from getting rope burn or being cut by the halter.

    • 2

      Attach the lead rope to the halter by clipping it onto the round metal ring on the side of the halter. Practice walking the cow on the lead rope on a daily basis so that it can adjust and learn what you want it to do.

    • 3

      Clean your cow by washing it with soap and water. Clip your cow's hair with clippers and get it ready to be shown. Brush the cow to remove any dry dirt and to help make the cow's coat shiny.

    • 4

      Place the halter on the cow before the show and attach the lead to the halter. Speak to your cow in a low and calm voice and lead the cow into the ring. Position your cow where the judges tell you and stand still with your cow while the judges examine all the show dairy beef feeders.