As show season approaches, you need to be sure you have everything you need to load your show box into your truck and trailer. No matter what animal you are showing, it is critical to triple-check your packing checklist before you leave home and are stuck without essential supplies.
If you want to be prepared for show day, explore our livestock packing list for cattle, goats, sheep, and hogs. We have included indispensable supplies and equipment needed to keep your animal looking great and performing well.
What Is In Your Show Box?
While show box equipment and supplies vary by show category, there are a few things that all livestock exhibitors must have. If necessary, bring along more than one show box or kit to separate supplies for you and your animal. Whether you are staying overnight or just during the day, consider bringing the following items:
- First aid kit
ANSI A+ First Aid Kit, Plastic Case
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- Safety pins (for exhibitor numbers)
- Shavings for bedding
- Feed pans/tubs, feed scoop, and plenty of feed
- Probios can be used to promote normal digestion, especially in stressful environments.
- Banner (includes animal name, exhibitor’s name, weight, breed, sponsor)
- Show clothes (long-sleeved button-up shirt with a collar, jeans or pants, belt, and boots)
- Hair accessories if you have long hair
- Extension cords and power strip
- Rain gear and rubber boots
- Lawn chairs and small table
- Broom to keep your area clean
2-In-1 Squeegee Plus Broom
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- Buckets to bring in freshwater
Little Giant, Flat Back Plastic Bucket, 20 qt
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- Fans to keep your animal cool
High Velocity Floor Fan, 20 in.
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- Rake or shovel to remove droppings or shavings from the pen
Little Giant, Plastic DuraFork Stall Fork
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- Wheelbarrow to remove droppings and shavings to the designated waste area
- Water hose and spray nozzle
- Bath towels and rags
- Stiff brush to clean feeders and waterers
- Pocket brush
- Pen, pencil, and notepad
- Camera
- Soap and scrub brush
- Entertainment (cards, books, etc.)
- Cooler with cold drinks
Igloo Playmate Elite Cooler, Red, Holds 30-Cans, 16-Qt.
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- Snacks
- Blow dryer
- Clippers, clipper blades, and blade lubricant
- Hammer, wire, nails, zip tie, pliers, duct tape, scissors, and a staple gun
Bringing the required paperwork (membership papers and registration papers) is especially important for all of your livestock animals. Be sure to bring your registration and health papers for your animal in a folder. If possible, print the show rules, entry forms, schedules, and other paperwork that can keep you organized.
Above all, check your show requirements to ensure you are following the rules at all times. Show rules may include restrictions on certain equipment. For example, fans may be limited in quantity and size. In addition, some shows may have certain equipment at the showgrounds, meaning you will not have to bring as much.
No matter what type of equipment you bring into the venue, ensure your show equipment is organized neatly in your designated area and away from public aisles. Keep livestock housing areas neat and safe to convey a pleasing image of animal agriculture to the public.
Now that you know the essentials to bring along, here are the supplies and equipment you will need for cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats. There may be similarities between livestock classes in the equipment necessary, but there are also some vital differences. Do not wait until the last minute to pack your show box. Plan in advance to determine if you need to replace or repair any equipment.
First Aid
In addition to a first aid kit for yourself, you will need a first aid kit for your animal. While there may be first aid stations at the fair, it is helpful to bring your own kit to ensure you have everything you may need. Here are some important items to bring along for unexpected injuries or illnesses:
- Thermometer
- Latex gloves
- Roll of cotton
- Cling wrap
- Gauze pads
- Sharp scissors
- Tape
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Antibacterial powder (approved for your species)
- Bloat medication
- Flashlight
- Veterinarian’s phone number
Consult with your veterinarian to determine if you are missing anything from your show box. If you will be bringing along medications, read the label and practice safe storage to ensure the medication remains effective.
Cattle
Want to set yourself up for success at a cattle show? Check out these show box must-haves:
- Show halters that improve the look of your animal and help you lead
- Show stick to position your animal’s feet and help them relax
- Stall mats
RB Rubber, 3/4 in. Rubber Stall Mat 4 x 8 ft.
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- Exhibitor number harness
- Topline brush is good for grooming the topline and train the hair to stand.
- Scotch combs are used to comb the hair of cattle.
- Curry combs are used to remove dirt and dust from your animals.
- Brushes can remove dead hair from the cattle.
- Adhesives for leg, tail, and body and adhesive remover can help your cattle’s hair remain in place and give it a fuller appearance.
- Touch up paint adds dimension and fullness to an animal’s appearance
- Reconditioning spray nourishes and restores your animal’s hair coat.
Hog
Excited to show off your hog-showing skills? Make sure you have these show day essentials in your box:
- Driving tool (cane, whip, stick, etc.) to guide or drive your pig
- Small pocket brush to remove dirt and shavings and keep pigs clean
- Spray bottles to keep hogs cool and shade to prevent heat stress and sunburn
- Pig boards to separate animals and guide show pigs to the ring.
- Oil or powder if coat dressing is permitted. Oil can be used to improve the luster of the pig’s skin and hair.
Lamb
If you want to showcase lamb at the next fair, invest in the following equipment:
- Adjustable show halters provide comfort for your animal and the lead gives you more control over its movement.
- Whitening shampoo is used to whiten and brighten stains on sheep
- A wool card can be used on the wool below the knees and hocks of the lamb after shearing. Wool should be pulled in an outward direction and trimmed with hand shears.
- Muzzles can keep sheep from eating bedding and help them make weight with a muzzle.
- Blankets, tubes, and socks can be used to keep lambs clean after shearing and before showtime. Use a blanket with a mesh rear for ewe lambs to avoid urine stains.
- Hoof trimmers are used to trim hooves once a month and a week before show day to give them time to heal.
- Fly spray is used before, during, and after to prevent fly strike in sheep.
- Fitting stands keep your animal secure while you trim hooves, shear, and groom your animal at a comfortable height.
Goat
Ready to start your journey showing meat and dairy goats? Consider having these items in your goat show box:
- Show halters with leads can help keep your goat calm and allows you to lead them with their head up.
- A fitting stand raises the animal off the ground, secures their head, and allows you to prepare them for the big moment.
- A blanket or tube protects the animal’s hide from sunburns, fungus, dirt, and other environmental elements.
- Goat hoof trimmers can keep your goat’s hooves neatly trimmed.
Shop for All Your Livestock Show Supplies at Wilco
Missing something from your show box? Looking for extra gear to be prepared for any situation? It’s never too early to shop for your livestock show items. Shop at Wilco Farm Stores for all your livestock show supplies and equipment. Aside from extensive training, being prepared with the right equipment for your showing is essential.
Let us know what is in your livestock show box. Use #mywilcolife on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and tag Wilco stores.
