Reference Library

EDITORIAL

The SHOW RING and
Its Relationship to the "REAL WORLD".

By Glenn Lewis, World Show Chairman

Signals are being sent to the commercial cattle producer that the consumer of our product desires BEEF that has the tenderness, flavor and acceptability of USDA Choice quality grade, but in a LEANER, MORE HEALTHFUL form. The commercial cow-calf producers are looking to the purebred industry for bulls to breed their cows to that produce calves that will ultimately satisfy the consumers desires for our product-BEEF. However, the commercial cow-calf producer also sells POUNDS. Commercial cow-calf producers want bulls that exhibit GROWTH, but not at the expense of FERTILITY, FLESHING ABILITY, STRUCTURAL CORRECTNESS and NATURAL MUSCLING.

Many commercial producers question the value of the SHOW RING and ITS RELATIONSHlP TO THE "REAL WORLD". Many questions are continually asked: "Are the winning cattle in the show ring really functional? Will show winners really survive in the pasture?" Many Texas longhorn breeders are voicing the same concerns by stating, "the cattle in the show ring are not the same cattle that we see in the pasture every day.

Comments were heard at the 1991 World Show from members of our association in regard to how much our breed has changed. As TLBAA World Show Chairman, I CHALLENGE those remarks at every encounter to assure that remarks are made in a positive manner. True, the cattle you see in the ring at the World Show are different from the cattle that you remember from the "good ole days", but the reason is simple. The exhibitors are bringing different cattle to the show.

In years past, the breed may have been characterized as a breed of "wild ole rangy bag of bones" with lots of horn and color; however, our image of Texas Longhorn cattle today has been and should be directed toward a goal that will benefit the Texas Longhorn breed and enable the breed to take its rightful place alongside the other breeds in the total beef cattle industry. The quicker we view our cattle in terms of traits of economic value to the commercial beef cattle industry, the quicker we can rid ourselves of the stereotyped "wild ole rangy bag of bones" with Texas Longhorns and a bad disposition that has been portrayed in cartoons about cattle and the down-and-out cowboy of the West. This stereotyped image damages our credibility and has hampered our progress into the 21st century.The SHOW RING and
its relationship to the "REAL WORLD".

The original dream of the TLBAA Show Circuit, formulated on a sunny spring day at Shawnee Oklahoma, (following in the foot steps of the already proven youth organization, the TLBT) was to bring true economic recognition of Texas Longhorn cattle to the beef industry. The goal was NOT to change the breed, but simply to present our cattle in a show ring atmosphere, creating excitement and promotion for our breed.

The TLBAA Texas Longhorn shows, spearheaded by judges educated as cattlemen, have focused positive, serious interest toward our breed. Listening and practicing the proven scientific facts of animal husbandry as coached by our Brain Trust Council has enabled our members to become better educated as to the proper selection of young calves for show prospects, the feeding and management of our cattle and how to present our cattle in a positive light at major shows throughout the United States.

For the first time in history, Texas Longhorn cattle were exhibited in some of the most prestigious beef cattle shows in the U.S. At many of these shows, it was the first time that Texas Longhorn cattle were allowed to be displayed, housed, exhibited and judged in the same manner as the other beef cattle breeds. Texas Longhorn cattle are no longer freaks of the circus, but recognized members of the beef cattle industry. The state fairs and major livestock expositions at which Texas Longhorn cattle have been exhibited as equals to other BEEF CATTLE breeds has been astounding. Kentucky, Florida, Mississippi, Colorado, Wyoming, California, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Arizona, Oregon and all over Texas are but a few examples. At these livestock expositions, Texas Longhorn cattle have time and time again been the breed with the largest number of entries. The Houston Livestock Show, where Texas Longhorns were exhibited at HALTER for the first time in history, had over 200 head shown. The "Gathering Sale" there topped the market in terms of price, attendance and excitement for the breed.

Our cattle continue to be one of the highlights of these major events. Show managers from fairs and expositions have offered praise and thanks to our Texas Longhorn exhibitors for their participation and professionalism in exhibiting their Texas Longhorns. When attending shows where Texas Longhorn cattle are on exhibit, one quickly recognizes the professionalism of our members. Clean aisles, attractive exhibits, well groomed cattle, friendly people and lots of Texas Longhorn promotional literature.

The exhibitors are carrying the Texas Longhorn message to thousands of people throughout the U.S. All members of the TLBAA should be thankful for the TIME, EFFORT, and MONEY that exhibitors of Texas Longhorn cattle have spent in the breed's behalf. All members profit from this exposure.

At the conclusion of the 1991 show circuit, thousands upon thousands of serious cattlemen and millions upon millions of fellow Americans as well as foreign visitors have seen and now recognize Texas Longhorn cattle as an integral part of the beef cattle industry. The exhibition and re-established appreciation of Texas Longhorn cattle is showing up at the front desk of the TLBAA national headquarters office. TLBAA Director Tim Miller reported at the national convention that inquiries about our cattle and association membership had increased from 20 inquiries per month to as many as 180 - 200 per month. In addition, TLBAA memberships have increased significantly during the same period.

The TLBAA World Show Circuit is only four years old, and while experiencing some growing pains, all members of the TLBAA can he proud of our accomplishments. As the World Show Chairman, I would like to personally express my thanks to the many exhibitors of' Texas Longhorn cattle who have taken part in the show circuit throughout the U.S.

We have strived to provide classes and divisions of cattle so that every member of the TLBAA has had the opportunity to exhibit their cattle to a qualified judge. The TLBAA is unique to other breeds in that there are an equal number of classes for "non-haltered" cattle to enable all members the opportunity to exhibit their cattle.

The Brain Trust Council has recommended the measuring and weighing of cattle at the World Show as well as at some of the other major shows, simply to document our production characteristics for future reference. Additionally, to place emphasis on the economic important trait of fertility, the World Show Committee required all females over 30 months of age to show reproductive capability by having a calf by side and/or pregnancy examination information by a qualified veterinarian on the health papers at the 1991 World Show. The World Show Committee voted and the TLBAA Board of Directors has ratified additional measurements and data collection for bulls at the 1992 World Show. Committee member Carol Dilley has been appointed chairperson of a study group to determine the needed measurements and data collection for females at the 1992 World Show. I'm sure that Carol would appreciate any input by members of the TLBAA in regard to this important part of the World Show.

Our breed simply needs to document where we are currently in terms of size, weight and functionality. The Board of Directors of the TLBAA approved over a year ago to provide the Breed Evaluation System (BES) Program to all members at no charge. This program provides all members the opportunity to record calving performance as well as weaning and yearling performance information on their cattle program. The collection of this performance information will provide an excellent opportunity for each member to take great strides toward genetic improvement of their herd and the breed in general. Other breeds charge a fee for this service. Join in. It's FREE for the asking. Contact the TLBAA Office for more information on the BES Program.

Not all the original aims of the World Show Circuit have been accomplished, but the removal of the stereotyped "ole bag of bones" is quickly coming to an end. The establishment of a show circuit to allow our cattle to be displayed and exhibited along-side other beef cattle breed at major livestock expositions throughout the U.S. has been a tremendous boost to the credibility and image of Texas Longhorn cattle. Our coaches, the Brain Trust Council, should be thanked for the helpful guidance and tutoring as we embark on the road to future success.

The image of Texas Longhorn cattle has changed, but the cattle have not. In reality, the cattle that are being exhibited are not different than they were several years ago. Exhibitors are simply bringing different cattle out of their pastures, cattle that were left at home before. The exhibitors are being educated as to the important economic traits of the beef industry, and they have responded by showing cattle that are functionally useful cattle for all segments of the beef industry.

Remember, we are a member of the beef cattle industry. The positive image of the Texas Longhorn is there. Restaurant after restaurant, meat distributors and retail meat outlets as well as various logos of all types utilize the Texas Longhorn symbol in their advertising and promotion. The visual outline of the Texas Longhorn head means BEEF in all languages. We simply need to capitalize upon what is already there. We can change the stereotyped image of our cattle, improve the beef industry through greater utilization of our present valuable asset-range grass, increase the economic value of our cattle and preserve the destiny of the Texas Longhorn breed all at the same time. This is called "having your cake and eating it, too!"

Texas Longhorn cattle are on the move, but we need to be moving together rather than as splintered groups. We are all partners in a great breed of cattle. Let's remain positive and promote Texas Longhorns for the good of the breed and the benefit of the beef cattle industry.

Watch Out, folks! Texas Longhorns are on the move and are being recognized by serious cattlemen as a breed of beef cattle with something to offer the beef cattle industry. Get on the bandwagon. Join the World Show Circuit and see the good things that are happening throughout the U.S. through the efforts of TLBAA members as they promote our great breed of beef cattle.