Missouri State Fair

[Deleted]

I want remind everyone the entry deadline for the Missouri State Fair is 7/1.
Links to more info are posted on www.legacybreeders.org/

[jamshundred]

Bumping.......traditional category for showing!  If you show and own traditional this is a GREAT opportunity for potential buyers to see bloodlines not often in the showring anymore and to promote preservation.   

[rovingreporter]

ENTRIES DUE ON JULY 1.


HISTORICAL “TYPE”

MILKING DEXTER

GRASS-FED BEEF

DEXTER DRAFT OXEN

CONVENTIONAL SHOWMANSHIP/HALTER CLASSES

CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL FAIR SCHEDULE



FOR MORE INFO CONTACT [e-mail]



Dexter owners and breeders have their FIRST opportunity ever to showcase our wonderful breed of cattle at the MISSOURI STATE FAIR!



This show aims to highlight Dexters and Dexter breeders in their diversity! Those folks who have attended shows and felt their own Dexters, or their own aims for their homestead cattle, were not represented there will have a chance at this event!



Some Dexter breeders raise grass-only beef. Dexters grow well and even fatten and muscle well on good grass. There is a definite health-related market for such beef, with its nutrient profile of CLAs, omega 3, vitamin E, etc. But beef on grass tend to grow more slowly than animals fed grain, and to raise Dexters on grass is not the way to win at a conventional show. But at this show, the judge will be looking at the purpose of the beef steer so grass-only steers should have an equal playing field with “fed steers.”



Some breeders got started in Dexters because of their interest in heritage breeds. The fact that the U.S. has some of what are considered to be the purest Dexters in the WORLD provides an impetus for some breeders to preserve early bloodlines unmixed with later additions to the U.S. Dexter population. This show has a couple of classes which highlight Dexters bred specifically with this aim in mind. The judge will be looking at Dexter history and “breed type” for these classes.



Dexters are intelligent and sometimes are used as draft animals. Sometimes owners want them to pull a cart or wagon in a parade. This show has a couple of classes for animals intended for use as oxen. The judge will be looking at obedience as well as sound structure.



Dexters produce good milk. This show has a class for milkable Dexters in milk, and the judge will look at these animals for their suitability for homestead hand-milking or for a machine-using Dexter dairy. He will be commenting on various ways Dexters meet the profile of a “milk cow.”



Usual classes in shows look at conformation (and there will be those classes, as structure and mobility are important for an animal’s good, productive life). Usual shows may be overly influenced by styles in “big cattle” conformation and perfection in feeding and grooming techniques on cattle who are not known for their easy-calving, hardiness without artificial props, longevity, or docile temperament…things the farmer, small or large, can value. Even though these latter may be top traits we look for, there will always be those important intangibles that shows do not address. But the attempt in this show is to highlight MORE of the specialness of Dexters, to give a fun activity for many breeders with diverse goals and philosophies to meet and enjoy other Dexter lovers, and for all of us to present our beloved breed to State Fair-goers who may never have seen or heard of Dexters in their lives! Come and share the time…and bring your Dexters if possible! Especially try to enter if your Dexter aims are those often overlooked but addressed a bit in classes at this show at this Fair. All three registries’ Dexters are accepted; this event is about our wonderful breed in its diversity!



Some clipping is allowed but not required. If showing is “not your thing” but you have nice Dexters you want to show off (and you can bathe them and lead them on halter), then bring them! And come to participate in the audience even if you don’t bring yours! This should be an educational experience as the judge gives his “reasons” too!



We will be barned (near the ice cream at the Fair!) from August 16-18, when we will have the opportunity to “talk Dexter” with and introduce them to people who come strolling through the barn, and to chat with each other as well as to take care of the animals. We expect to have some informative sessions with individuals focusing on supplementation/nutrition, choosing traits for good mobility/pulling/long life, and another topic or two of general interest. And then the show when the animals will be led through the ring and commented on by a judge is to be at 10 a.m. on August 18 in the MFA Arena. We hope you will come!

[wvdexters]

Judy, it sounds wonderful!!!

[lonecowhand]

Wow , wish that show was 2000 miles closer!
What a great sounding venue! Let us know how it goes, Roving Reporter!

Bill