4-H 298
DAIRY SHOWMANSHIP
by N.J. Moeller • Extension Dairyman
Properly fitting and showing your dairy animal is a
very important and interesting part of your 4-H dairy
project. Fitting and showing shows you are proud
enough of your animal to want her to look her best
when she is in the show ring.
The object of the showmanship contest is to select
the individuals who have done the best job of fitting,
training and presenting their animals in the ring.
When Is the Contest Held?
The contest may be held the first class in the show or
the last.
Who Is Eligible?
The contest should be limited to regular 4-Hand FFA
dairy project members. The exhibitor must use
his/her own project animals in the contest.
Election of those who will participate in the final
contest may be made during the regular judging.
Election of those who will participate in the final
contest can be made by a committee or an individual
or the judge of the show. In some shows, all dairy
members may compete in the showmanship
contest. The champion showman is usually selected
by the judge of the dairy show or a special judge
appointed for this purpose.
Suggested Divisions of the contest
The divisions of the contest are usually decided by
the show committee. The following are
recommended:
A.	Ten years and under 14 years—anytime within
the year.
B.	Fourteen years to 18 years—anytime within the
year.
C.	Previous winners in the older age division. In
counties eliminating past champion showman
from competition in regular showmanship
classes, it is suggested that the previous winners
in the older group be provided with a special class
in showmanship.

Explanation of the Score card
Start early. Proper fitting and training takes time.
Plan to start at least six to eight weeks before the
show. It takes this long to train animals to be under
control and move with a natural gait while you are
showing. Getting a glossy hair coat also takes six to
eight weeks. Trimming hooves immediately before
the show may cause more damage than good.
Showmanship contests. The judges will be
considering these points when they look at your
animal.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA