Studer Community Institute

Perdido River Farms hosts Escambia County Calf and Heifer Show

March 10, 2015
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The 2015 Escambia County Calf and Heifer show started long before the audience actually saw the prize cattle. Early in the morning at Perdido River Farms in Atmore, Ala., cows were brought into the stables to begin the grooming process, which includes bathing, brushing, blow drying and fluffing. The key ingredient in making a cow beautiful is shaving cream, which helps the hair puff out and become smooth and shiny. “We begin with a bath and when all is said and done, use a bit of shaving cream and blow dry upward,” said Teresa Rutherford, whose son, Dawson Cox, was showing for the first time at the event. She said it is about a four-month process getting Dawson’s cow ready to show, including making sure he is in control of the animal, is comfortable and not nervous around the cow. In addition to training, John English, general manager at Perdido River Farms, said it takes about two hours to get his son’s cow ready on the day of the show. Colbie English was brushing his cow and putting on the final touches as his father looked on. This is Colbie’s second year at the event. Then it was show time. Show Chairman Ken Kelley introduced the participants as they filed into the arena. There were 21 exhibitors showing almost 50 animals in 15 classes of cattle. Twelve children were from the Poarch Creek 4-H Club. This is the second year Perdido River Farms has hosted the event. Show judge Smokey Spears said he has a few criteria he looks for when choosing first, second and third places. The children must always know where the judge is in the ring and keep eye contact with him throughout the judging. This tells the judge the participant is knowledgeable, respectful and proud of his or her cow. Another rule of showing is how well the participant keeps the cow under control and sets the animal’s feet in the correct position/stance. The feet must be set directly underneath the cow, side by side, and its back should align straight with the horizon. The judge also evaluates the handler’s quick response to the cow’s demeanor. This is achieved by using a show stick. The handler uses the stick to scratch the cow’s belly, which keeps the animal calm while standing at attention. The stick also helps set the animal’s feet properly. Judge Spears walked around the ring, made assessments and pointed to each cow representing the winner and runners up. Spears then told the audience and children how each represented, what they could do better and gave accolades to each student for a job well done. And ring man Doug Smith helped keep the rowdy cows in line when they became less cooperative. After the heifers were shown, the steers were judged. When the event was over, there was a break for dinner, and the auction of the cows began. A resale followed for any cows that went unsold at auction. List of winners: Senior showman class: 1. Makayla Bohannan 2. Wyatt Rutherford 3. Shae Dortch 4. Jude Parham Intermediate showmanship class: 1. Denver Schrock 2. Austin Schrock 3. Jason Davis 4. Dawson Cox 5. Rowdy Rutherford 6. Jacelyn Chunn Junior showmanship class: 1. Colbie English 2. DJ Parham 3. Caleb Davis 4. Landon Barrentine 5. Noah Smith 6. Dylan Rolin 7. John Braxton Rhodes Heifer class born December 2013-March 2014 1. Noah Smith 2. Jude Parham 3. Dylan Rolin Heifer class born June 2013: 1. Cole Lowery (black) 2. Cole Lowery (white) 3. John Braxton Rhodes 4. Jude Parham Heifer class born November 2013: 1. Noah Smith Supreme champion heifer: 1. Cole Lowery Reserve champion heifer: 1. Cole Lowery Lightweight steer class: 1. Makayla Bohannan 2. Caleb Davis 3. DJ Rolin 4. Wyatt Rutherford 5. Jacelyn Chunn Medium weight steer class: 1. Denver Schrock 2. Austin Schrock 3. Landon Barrentine 4. Rowdy Rutherford 5. Dylan Rolin Heavyweight steer class: 1. Colbie English 2. Jason Davis 3. Charleigh Parham 4. Shae Dortch 5. Dawson Cox 6. Landon Barrentine Grand champion: 1. Makayla Bohannan Reserve champion: 1. Denver Schrock County bred champion: 1. Denver Schrock Gain per day champion: 1. Dawson Cox 2. Colbie English 3. Jason Davis 4. Charleigh Parham

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Perdido River Farms hosts Escambia County Calf and Heifer Show

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