Importance of Livestock Shows under Indian Context
Showing livestock is one of the most fun and rewarding activities a young person can do. Most realize this, that’s why they do it. However, the benefits of showing livestock is something that often gets overlooked or is not realized until later in life. When I think about the benefits of showing livestock the first one that comes to mind is responsibility. Raising and showing livestock requires a lot of time and dedication and the responsibility a young person learns from this is incomparable to any other youth activity. However, according to a study conducted at Texas Tech University that examined the perceived benefits of competitive youth livestock exhibition, responsibility is not at the top of the list for participants. This is probably due to the fact that there are countless benefits for youth development associated with showing livestock.
Below are the six benefits of showing livestock generated from this study listed in order:
Building Social Relationships.-
Showing livestock helps youth develop lifelong friendships and social contacts that aid in the fulfillment of career goals as well as the simple need for companionship.
Building Character.-
Showing livestock builds character by teaching responsibility, confidence, sportsmanship, and how to deal with loss. Character developed through showing livestock promotes growth from a child to a successful adult.
Family togetherness.-
Showing livestock is not only a youth activity, it is also an activity for the whole family.
Exposure to Competition.-
Showing livestock allows youth to participate in competitive events while exposing them to winning and losing.
Exposure to cultures. –
Livestock shows are hosted all over the country. Showing livestock exposes youth to diverse cultures through exposure to different cities and the diversity of people that accompany livestock shows.
Knowledge and care of animals.-
Showing livestock teaches youth about animals and how to care for them.
This is particularly important, if youth are interested in pursuing a career in an animal-related field.
Events where livestock are exhibited and judged comparatively based on certain breed specific visual characters are known as livestock shows. Animal Husbandry Department of Punjab State organizes such shows regularly every year (Singh et al., 2018). These are usually held in every district of the state. The main aim of these shows is to strengthen various vocations asoociated with livestock. These shows act as a source of insipiration to budding livestock farmers. At the same time, these are worthy of providing newer experiences and noesis to senior farmers. The young farmers can imbibe such characters as patience, responsibility, self-confidence, team spirit etc. from such shows. During these livestock shows, competitions are usually organized for buffaloes, cattle (exotic, zebu and crossbred), horses, camel, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs and poultry (chicken, duck, turkey etc.) in various categories. The animals are evaluated on the basis of external features visible to the eye and their behaviour in the ring. The animals topping in the category get suitably awarded. Livestock farmers, other farmers, animal traders, milkmen, officials of Dairy Development Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Milk Cooperative Society, other Cooperative Societies, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana and other entrepreneurs associated with livestock farming participate in such shows. The farmers and general public from other states also take part in such events with great fervour. Livestock farmers are the major beneficiaries of such events (Robin, 2009). The farmers who visit these shows are able to acquire the knowledge of characteristic features of a high producing buffalo/cow or a breeding bull. These farmers do not face major problems in future whenever they are engaged in purchasing similar animals. There are certain occasions when a particular person faces a dilemma whether to start a commercial dairy farm or not. The farmers standing in exhibition ring of livestock show alongside their best animals become a motivating sight for such persons. This way, these shows trigger a spark in the mind of hesitant persons for starting a new venture in dairy farming. The monetary value of animal that has been exhibited in a regional, state or national level livestock show gets increased significantly. Such animals are also responsible for raising the worth of their herdmates. If any animal gets first or second rank, its monetary worth gets skyrocketed automatically. Whenever a livestock farmer brings his animal in the ring, it is but natural that he compares his own animal with that of others. If somehow, his animal appears to him a little bit weaker in comparison to others, he will automatically make his mind to manage the animal in a better way and bring the animal to the show next time with full preparedness. Better the management better will be the outcome in such shows. Better management will also bring heifers in heat earlier. This way they can produce more milk in their lifetime. The same farmer will, then, start keeping records of even minute things. Thus, livestock shows help the farmers in inculcating habit of record keeping. The farmers who already possess the knowledge of best characters of a milch animal or who can easily identify the best breeding bull buy such animals from other parts of the country. They bring those animals to these livestock shows for competition. When the animal gets one of the top ranks, the self confidence of those farmers becomes limitless. These livestock shows are also beneficial to the experienced judges who perform their duty with full honesty and unbiasedness. They are able to judge the animal in different categories with minute details. Thus, they can develop the habit of scrutinizing anything in detail. Livestock show is a very good place for the budding judges to learn many things. Usually pictures of previously top ranked animals help a lot in comparative evaluation of animals. Working with experienced judges also helps in acquiring many newer things. Livestock shows can help in the identification of top ranked animals in various categories. The list of such animals can be helpful in some other way in future. Similarly, list of progressive farmers can also be prepared from the records of such shows. The officials of the Animal Husbandry Department should keep track of the top ranked animal in each category. This will help in the genetic evaluation of that particular animal. Animals with high genetic make-up can be exploited fully through artificial means. This will make the whole dairy business of the state more viable economically. Livestock shows also have a few more advantages that can’t be analysed so easily. These shows help to develop social bondings among many farmers. The young farmers draw benefits out of these bondings in future. These shows also influence the behaviour of young farmers. These shows help them in developing habits of hard working, responsibility, decision making etc. At the same time, farmers also experience gentle behaviour whenever the animal is unable to fetch top honours. The farmers also learn alternate or newer management methods employed by other progressive farmers. Thus, livestock shows bring newer ideas for the farmers. The livestock shows are also helpful for different companies associated with animals like those who deal in veterinary medicines, fodder seeds, fodder crop agronomic implements, animal management implements etc. These companies get huge clientele at one spot for advertising their products. Thus, livestock shows bring something for all categories of people associated with livestock farming. We should encourage all types of farmers to participate in such events.
Working with livestock teaches young people several life skills and valuable lessons that will set them up for success in the future.
Responsibility
One lesson that most people associate with raising livestock is responsibility. The animals rely on a caretaker to provide them with the proper nutrition and daily care. Caring for show animals teaches the importance of consistency and attention to detail. Young people provide their livestock with the exact amount of feed, exercise and grooming to ensure they are looking their best.
Personal values
Growing up around livestock helps young people to build a solid foundation of values. Raising livestock gives kids a reason to wake up every morning knowing that there is another life reliant on them. Through the long hours, youths learn the value of hard work and how it helps them achieve their goals. Working and training animals teach patience as we cannot verbally communicate with them. The one-on-one time young people spend with their livestock teaches them how to be compassionate. Kids learn to respect their animals which motivate them to provide the best care possible. The relationships youths build with their livestock will help them mature and create meaningful connections with others.
Competition and sportsmanship
The show ring can teach several life lessons and introduces young people to competition. Healthy competition teaches resilience and perseverance which prepares youths for real-life situations. Exhibiting livestock teaches kids the importance of sportsmanship. They learn at an early age how to win and lose gracefully. Aside from competing against others, showing livestock teaches young people how to be internal competitors with themselves. They focus on making their animals better than they were the day before, which challenges kids to become better versions of themselves.
Financial sense
It’s no secret, showing livestock is an expensive hobby. Young people raising livestock learn about investments, how to keep track of expense records, and how to finance their project for the upcoming year. These are valuable skills that most people don’t learn until adulthood. Kids involved in the financial aspect of their project will be better prepared when they enter the workforce and will be more financially stable in the future.
Leadership
Not only are youths a leader to their animals, but being involved in showing livestock can present several leadership opportunities. Youth organizations and breed associations are great options for young people to become leaders, improve their experience, and grow in the industry of their involvement. In addition, several of these organizations provide youths with opportunities to learn more about their livestock projects with workshops, conferences, and conventions. A large percentage of young people who grew up showing livestock will become the agricultural leaders of the future and hold careers in agriculture.
Relationships
The saying “the best part of this industry is the people” rings true to many youths exhibiting livestock. The relationships made showing livestock can be one of the greatest assets gained. Families grow closer together as they work alongside each other every day. In addition, the friendships made are built off of shared common interests and the competitive nature in the show ring. The relationships made showing livestock are lifelong and extend way past the show ring.
Showing livestock requires a lot of hard work and dedication but is rewarding in many ways. Raising livestock teaches several life skills and lessons that cannot be learned anywhere else. As kids get older, they will be thankful for those summers spent with their animals, the memories made, and the friendship that will last a lifetime.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
