As a 4-H or FFA member, you’ve dedicated countless hours to raising your show animal, and the county fair is your chance to shine. Whether you’re showing cattle, pigs, lambs, chickens/ducks/turkeys or goats, success in the ring begins well before the fairgrounds open. At Reiterman Feed, we’re proud to support young exhibitors with top-quality products like Purina Honor® Show feeds, Formula of Champions, Show Rite, Linder and Sunglo Show Feeds, designed to help your animals look and perform their best. Here are our top six tips to prepare your animal for a winning county fair performance, packed with practical advice to make your 4-H or FFA journey both successful and rewarding.
1. Prioritize Animal Wellness for Peak Performance
The foundation of any winning show animal is its overall wellness. A healthy, comfortable animal is more likely to perform confidently and impress the judges. Start by ensuring your animal always has access to fresh, clean water, hydration is critical, especially during the hot summer months when fairs often take place. Feed your animal fresh, high-quality feed twice daily to maintain consistent nutrition. At Reiterman Feed, we recommend Purina Honor® Show feeds, Formula of Champions, Show Rite, Linder and Sunglo Show Feeds, which provide balanced nutrition tailored to show animals. For pigs, Sunglo Show Pig Feeds offer elite nutrition to enhance health and show-ready shine, trusted by all exhibitors.
Keep your animal’s environment clean with proper bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, to reduce stress and prevent disease. Airflow is key! Ensure proper ventilation in barns, particularly during extreme weather. In summer, use fans to maximize airflow and keep your animal’s body temperature cool. During colder months, maintain enough ventilation to prevent respiratory issues without causing drafts. Regularly check and clean their living space to spot issues early, such as soiled bedding or water contamination. A comfortable animal is a happy one, and that translates to a confident presence in the show ring, ready to showcase your hard work.
2. Build Endurance Through Conditioning
Show animals need stamina and poise to stand out in the ring, much like athletes preparing for a big game. Conditioning builds endurance and helps your animal move gracefully under the judge’s scrutiny. Start early by walking your animal for 5-10 minutes once or twice a day, gradually increasing to 20-40 minutes as the fair approaches. This strengthens their muscles and gets them accustomed to handling, which is essential for showmanship classes where presentation is critical.
Incorporate showmanship practice during these sessions. Practice setting up your animal, holding the halter or show stick correctly, and guiding them smoothly around the pen. This builds trust between you and your animal, making show day less stressful for both of you. Regular conditioning also helps maintain an ideal body condition. For show pigs, Sunglo Show Pig Feeds & Linder Show Feed provide balanced formulas to support energy and condition, ensuring your animal is ring-ready. Consistency is crucial, stick to a schedule, and you’ll see your animal’s confidence grow.
3. Focus on Skin and Hair for a Polished Look
A shiny coat and healthy skin can set your animal apart in the show ring, making them stand out as a top contender. Start a grooming routine early, washing your animal one to three times a week with species-specific shampoos available at Reiterman Feed. For example, use a mild livestock shampoo for cattle or pigs to clean without stripping natural oils. After washing, apply conditioning products or oils to enhance coat shine and skin health. Purina Honor® Show feeds, such as Honor® Show Fitter’s Edge® & Formula of Champions include nutrients to support skin and coat health, while Sunglo Show Pig Feed and Linder Show Feed are formulated to promote vibrant hair and skin condition for show pigs.
During hot summer days, rinse your animal daily to keep them cool and comfortable, which also supports skin health by preventing irritation or dryness. Regular grooming isn’t just about appearance, it’s a chance to bond with your animal and check for skin issues like dryness, cuts, or irritation early. A well-groomed animal not only looks great but also feels great, boosting their presence and confidence in the ring. This attention to detail can make all the difference when judges are evaluating closely. At Reiterman Feed you are able to purchase all the skin & hair coat products needed from Sullivan Show Supply and Weaver. We keep full shelves year round and the show trailer full during show season.
4. Optimize Feed Efficiency for Top Performance
Nutrition is the backbone of a winning show animal. Feeding a consistent, high-quality diet ensures your animal reaches its full genetic potential. Provide fresh feed daily, and avoid piling new feed on top of old to accurately monitor intake. At Reiterman Feed, we carry Purina Honor® Show feeds like Honor® Show Fitter’s Edge® & ⅓ Pro Grower from Formula of Champions for growing cattle or our own house blend, Power Play 18 for your show pigs, which is designed to support growth and show-ready condition. Sunglo Show Pig Feeds offer elite nutrition with added probiotics for gut wellness, helping your animal thrive under show stress.
Feed your animal at the same time each day to promote consistent eating habits. If your animal is housed with others, consider feeding them nose-to-nose to mimic social feeding, which can encourage better consumption. Work with the experts at Reiterman Feed to tailor a feeding plan to your animal’s specific needs, whether you’re aiming for muscle development, weight gain, or a fuller appearance. Proper nutrition ensures your animal looks and feels its best, giving you confidence as you step into the ring.
5. Monitor General Health Closely
A healthy animal is a competitive animal. Regularly observe your animal for signs of illness, such as reduced feed or water intake, lethargy, or unusual behavior. Early detection is critical to addressing health issues before they escalate and impact performance. Build a relationship with your local veterinarian to establish health and vaccination protocols tailored to your animal’s needs.Purina Honor® Show feeds, Formula of Champions, Show Rite, Linder and Sunglo Show Feeds are formulated to support overall health, with balanced nutrients to keep your animal in top form. For pigs, Sunglo Show Pig Feeds include probiotics to maintain digestive health, especially important during the stress of show season.
Keep detailed records of your animal’s weight, feed intake, and any health concerns to share with your vet. Regular checks, such as monitoring for lameness or respiratory issues, can prevent small problems from becoming big ones. A proactive approach to general health ensures your animal is in peak condition when it steps into the ring, ready to showcase your hard work.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
No one expects you to know everything, showing animals is a learning journey, and even experienced exhibitors seek advice. Reach out to your 4-H or FFA advisor, the breeder you purchased your animal from, or the knowledgeable staff at Reiterman Feed for guidance. Whether you’re troubleshooting a health issue, adjusting feed rations, or seeking showmanship tips, asking questions is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are no stupid questions when it comes to your animal’s well-being or your success in the show ring.
Join online communities like Purina’s Honor Roll® program or follow Reiterman Feed on social media for additional resources and tips from experienced show enthusiasts. Networking with other exhibitors can lead to valuable advice, such as finding a skilled hoof trimmer or learning new grooming techniques. By seeking help, you’re building a support network that can make your county fair experience more successful and enjoyable.
Conclusion: Set Yourself Up for Success
Preparing for the county fair is about more than just winning ribbons, it’s about building skills, resilience, and a strong work ethic that will serve you throughout your life. By focusing on your animal’s wellness, conditioning, skin and hair, feed efficiency, general health, and seeking help when needed, you’re setting the stage for a rewarding experience. At Reiterman Feed, we’re here to support you every step of the way with top-tier products like Purina Honor® Show feeds, Formula of Champions, Show Rite, Linder and Sunglo Show Feeds, trusted by state and county fair show competitors.
Visit us at Reiterman Feed to explore the brands of show feeds we offer. Let’s work together to make this county fair season your best yet. Here’s to shining in the show ring and creating memories that last a lifetime!
Have questions about preparing your show animal? Stop by Reiterman Feed in Mt. Sterling, Ohio or give us a call to speak with our experts. Share your county fair success stories with us on social media and tag @ReitermanFeed for a chance to be featured!
