Written by Rebecca Lyons, UF Animal Sciences, Integrative Specialization student.

During the first week of March, the University of Florida Brahman Show Team sent two team members and two heifers to compete in the International Brahman Show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston, Texas.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is renowned for being one of the largest and most competitive events in the world. With thousands of livestock entries from across the country, it attracts some of the best breeders in the industry. For myself, and other members of the Brahman Show Team, the opportunity to compete at this level is an invaluable learning experience. Walking into the barn on the first morning, I was awestruck by the impressive displays, the world-renowned green shavings, and the sheer quality of the cattle that filled the building. After months of hard work, halter breaking, and honing showmanship skills, we were excited to compete.

Each year, a few bulls and heifers are selected from the University’s purebred Brahman herd based on their breeding and phenotype to be exhibited at numerous livestock shows. These animals showcase our herd’s genetics and promote the University of Florida as a purebred Brahman breeder. We spent our time at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo preparing our cattle for the show, exploring the event, and networking with other exhibitors. Throughout the week, I had the unique opportunity to exhibit one of our heifers, as well as a heifer with Candler Cattle Company based out of Okeechobee, Florida. These heifers competed against other females of similar age in Open Breeding Cattle classes. They were evaluated for their conformation and relative value in a breeding program. Showing in a class on the green shavings was a ton of fun and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, one that I am incredibly grateful for.

The Brahman Show Team has been an amazing opportunity to learn, network, and gain experience in the show cattle industry. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Allyson Trimble and Jesse Savell for making the Brahman Show Team and experiences like this possible.

Find more information about the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences on our website. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Read more on UF/IFAS ANS here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/animalsciencesdept/.

0