Calves

• Dairy: (Milking breed) e.g. Friesian, Jersey, Ayrshire or a cross. It must be a heifer (girl) for the dairy section.

• Beef: Breeds of Hereford, Angus, Murray Grey, Simmental etc. or their crosses. A beef calf can be either a heifer (girl) or steer (boy).

Generally ribbons are allocated in two age groups - Junior and Senior; then overall winner in the following categories.

• Rearing - and condition of the calf. The judge is looking for a sleek and well-groomed appearance of coat and good skin condition.

• Leading - Your calf needs to walk through the course without dragging or pushing, elbowing, slapping or using the lead to slap, releasing the grip on the lead with the right hand or jerking the halter.

• Dairy Type (only for Dairy Calves) - where the calf is judged on its body shape, health, and structure, showing the qualities of a good future dairy cow. 

• Beef Type (Only for Beef Breeds and any Male dairy Breeds) - where the is judged on it's body shape, muscle, and structure, showing the qualities of a good future beef animal.

Rearing 

The judge wants to know how much you know about rearing your Calf. Think about the following points.

• What age is it?

• What breed is it?

• What have you done to keep it warm and safe?

• How often have you fed it?

• What have you done to look after it?

• Have you had any issues? How did you deal with this?

Leading 

• Your calf needs to get used to you so talk to it often even while leading. A halter and lead is required. Teach to lead before a feed, the calf must be on your right hand side, hold the lead about 10-30 cm from the halter palm facing upwards and pass the lead across your body and also in your left hand with knuckles upwards, there should be 30-40 cm of tail end hanging straight from the left hand, no coils or loops around your hand as this is very dangerous if the calf runs off, you could be dragged. Start gradually, once a day and increase as the calf becomes more willing to walk alongside.

• Tying the calf up for short periods and while grooming helps them get used to their halter. If your calf is stubborn and won’t walk, push on the calf tail top and release as soon as it starts to walk. Patience is required but if you stick at it you will get results. Ask someone to help you. Set up a practice course at home. When competing you will be marked down if you jerk the halter, slap or push the calf with your body. The halter is your steering wheel, accelerator and brake so good habits from the beginning are important. 

Dairy Type (only for Dairy Calves)

The Dairy Type Class is a special section in calf judging where the focus is on the calf itself, rather than the child’s leading or handling. Judges look at the calf’s body shape, structure, and overall condition to see if it has the qualities of a good future dairy cow.

This includes:

• Strong, straight legs and back.

• A healthy body shape with room to grow.

• Bright eyes, shiny coat, and good overall condition.

• The look of a calf that could one day be a productive milking cow.

Beef Type (Only for Beef Breeds and any Male dairy Breeds)

The Beef Type Class is a special section in calf judging where the focus is on the calf itself, rather than the child’s leading or handling. Judges look at the calf’s body shape, muscle, and structure, showing the qualities of a good future beef animal.

This includes:

• Head & Frame - alert head, wide muzzle, open nostrils, strong jaw, and a straight back.

• Front End - strong shoulders with good gap at the withers, and good chest depth and width.

• Body & Growth - spring of rib, plenty of loose skin for growth, and good overall length.

• Legs & Movement - sound leg and hoof structure, tracking well when walking.

• Muscling & Balance - good rump and loin muscling, overall balance, and suitability for beef breeding.

• Give your calf a treat when leading. Use the pellets or they often like bread (save the crusts and stale bread). Even a hug, pat and a few kind words help.

• Spend LOTS of time with your calf so you build a bond with it.

• Set a course up at home and walk your calf daily.

• When leading, the right hand should grip the lead, palm upwards and be 15 cm from the halter. The left hand should grip the lead, knuckles upwards. Stand beside the left shoulder of the calf at all times. Try to keep the calf moving at a reasonable pace, but you should walk at the same pace as your calf.

• Don’t forget to take it’s food and water requirements for the day.

• Wash your calf on or before Ag Day and take a bucket, brushes, an old towel to clean it if it is dirty when you arrive. 

• Ensure long hair under it’s tail is kept clean (no dags).

• Do not clip or shave your calf 

• Brush your calf often to get a nice shiny finish on the coat and remove loose hair.

• Ensure the halter is loosened regularly or removed so it is not too tight otherwise it will wear the hair off around it’s neck.

• Remember to SMILE!