The lamb lead event provides an opportunity for UMC students to combine their skills and knowledge of sheep production with fashion and clothing selection. The sheep are also from the UMC flock. Dairy showmanship is different from other livestock types because the must walk backwards in the ring while being judged. New PCDA rules allow the exhibitor to walk forward when not being evaluated. A dairy show person uses only the show halter to control the animal.
Judges look for an alert animal that moves at a slow, steady, and deliberate pace.
With a goal to display the animal at its best, cleanliness, hair coat condition, and clipping are also evaluated. We thank the Northwest Experiment Station for providing the calves. There is a little more work that goes into grooming for a beef showmanship contest. The animals are brought off the range and introduced to civilization through halter breaking, washing, combing and blocking. Exhibitors are judged on the ability to handle their calf, cleanliness, and general appearance of the animal.