Too often then not, our newsfeeds are flooded with articles and rumors about the "Grand Champion (insert species and show venue) being disqualified for cheating." This type of thing infuriates me, and not because someone didn't play by the rules. No, what makes me mad is that a few mistakes or poor judgments from a select few creates the stereotypes of everyone else in the industry. If one winner cheats, it causes speculation that everyone cheats to try to win. Personally, I'm tired of the stock show industry receiving a bad rap sheet for a few faults. Therefore, I am taking a pledge to do the following with hopes that every stock show kid out there will too so we can start showing the world what showing livestock is really all about.
-I REFUSE to blame my losses on someone else- Yes the breeder, my parents, and the judge all played a part in helping me get through the show. However, the animal was ultimately MY project and I can only point a blaming finger at myself. Making a scene in the barn or bad talking the judge is not going to change the results. I need to learn from my losses, take them in a positive manner, and move onto the next show. It is just one man's opinion on one day.
-I REFUSE to put unnecessary marks on my animal- Working with animals can be unpredictable, and you never know when one is going to decide to be ungodly stubborn. Yet, this does not give me a right to take my frustration out on my stock. You never know who is watching you at a show, and the last thing you want is to be the star of the next undercover animal rights video. Grandma always said patience was a virtue, and nothing tests that virtue more than learning how to control your anger during tough situations
-I REFUSE to be above helping someone out- Whether it's helping someone else guide their stubborn hog into the wash rack, enrolling as a substitute showman for a friend, or simply offering advice to a younger exhibitor, I will not say no. Sure they're my competition now, but some day they could be my college classmates or future employers. The livestock industry is too small and close knit to burn bridges at a young age.
-I REFUSE to choose pride over humbleness- If/When the time comes that I do get fortunate enough to get the "big win", it does not entitle me to act superior to others. Any other day with any other judge I could very well have stood 3rd in class with that same animal. It's alright to be excited for your success, however take your wins with gratitude and humbleness. It's also important to congratulate others on their successes as well.
-I REFUSE to put my family's integrity at risk- No banner, no title, no money is worth my family's name. The last thing I want to be remembered for is that I got where I am because I bent the rules or played the politics game. My name will follow me for the rest of my life, and the actions I make today will determine how people will perceive my character in the future. Not only is my reputation at stake, but ultimately my family's as well and no win is worth jeopardizing that.
The purpose of the stock show world is to bring youth from across the country together and get them excited about the livestock industry. There are winners and losers as there should be, however I believe sometimes too much emphasis is put on winning. A placing is just a number. The real judgment is how you build your character, and it's a lot easier to build one with a solid foundation instead of a burning one. How we are perceived by the rest of the world is up to us, so let's not disappoint.
-I REFUSE to blame my losses on someone else- Yes the breeder, my parents, and the judge all played a part in helping me get through the show. However, the animal was ultimately MY project and I can only point a blaming finger at myself. Making a scene in the barn or bad talking the judge is not going to change the results. I need to learn from my losses, take them in a positive manner, and move onto the next show. It is just one man's opinion on one day.
-I REFUSE to put unnecessary marks on my animal- Working with animals can be unpredictable, and you never know when one is going to decide to be ungodly stubborn. Yet, this does not give me a right to take my frustration out on my stock. You never know who is watching you at a show, and the last thing you want is to be the star of the next undercover animal rights video. Grandma always said patience was a virtue, and nothing tests that virtue more than learning how to control your anger during tough situations
-I REFUSE to be above helping someone out- Whether it's helping someone else guide their stubborn hog into the wash rack, enrolling as a substitute showman for a friend, or simply offering advice to a younger exhibitor, I will not say no. Sure they're my competition now, but some day they could be my college classmates or future employers. The livestock industry is too small and close knit to burn bridges at a young age.
-I REFUSE to choose pride over humbleness- If/When the time comes that I do get fortunate enough to get the "big win", it does not entitle me to act superior to others. Any other day with any other judge I could very well have stood 3rd in class with that same animal. It's alright to be excited for your success, however take your wins with gratitude and humbleness. It's also important to congratulate others on their successes as well.
-I REFUSE to put my family's integrity at risk- No banner, no title, no money is worth my family's name. The last thing I want to be remembered for is that I got where I am because I bent the rules or played the politics game. My name will follow me for the rest of my life, and the actions I make today will determine how people will perceive my character in the future. Not only is my reputation at stake, but ultimately my family's as well and no win is worth jeopardizing that.
The purpose of the stock show world is to bring youth from across the country together and get them excited about the livestock industry. There are winners and losers as there should be, however I believe sometimes too much emphasis is put on winning. A placing is just a number. The real judgment is how you build your character, and it's a lot easier to build one with a solid foundation instead of a burning one. How we are perceived by the rest of the world is up to us, so let's not disappoint.