Get major show steers and heifers ready: State steer and heifer validation scheduled for June 20th, 2015
Every year, hundreds of show steers and heifers get validated for state competitions in Texas. The validation process for state competitions for steers and heifers in major shows are scheduled in individual counties AFTER the selection of a State Validation Committee. For Hopkins County, the validation committee selected the June 20th, 2015 date for Heifer and State Validation from3:00 to 6:00 PM at Dairy Health Services in Sulphur Springs.
All state exhibitors interested in showing a heifer or steer at any state competition, either member of FFA or 4-H must present the animal for validation in this date, upon prior notification to the FFA mentor or extension office (for 4-H exhibitors) and paid for the state tags (steers only). Because a previous arrangement had to me made several months ago for the purchasing of state tags, no walk-ins will be allowed (for steers only). Texas is privileged to have the largest junior breeding heifer program in the nation. However, the sheer size of Texas, diversity in counties and beef breed associations has created some challenges for effectively and fairly managing the program. Because of numerous breed divisions offered, there are inconsistencies in how breed associations record purchase and transfer information.
Heifer Validation is being initiated to ensure a level playing field for all junior breeding beef heifer exhibitors and to present a unified approach to verifying breeding beef heifer registration papers, ownership and physical possession. Further, history has proven collecting DNA hair samples during validation has added integrity to market animal divisions. Therefore, both Texas 4-H and FFA have implemented a statewide electronic verification process in addition to requiring the physical validation of breeding beef heifers. An electronic verification process will ensure that ownership has been transferred by the respective ownership deadlines. The verification process along with the added physical validation component will allow for certifying exhibitor ownership, possession, heifer identification (tattoo/brand) far in advance of each respective major livestock show. State heifer validation animals do not get an ear tag but get check for proper animal identification and appropriate registration paper (must be under exhibitor’s name or validation will be rejected). The cost of state validation (heifer and steer) is $10.00 for each animal.
For more information contact your school Ag teacher or the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 (4-H members).
