Carrot Top Acres

08/26/2026

Here's to those farm dogs on National dog day.....

08/15/2026

Kids eat free at the dinner buffet.....

08/13/2026

08/13/2026

Smoochies Smoochies says B*k, but really, wheres my cookie?

08/09/2026

Another fair week in the books. On to bigger adventures...

08/02/2026

#5 THE MORNING OF
The morning of an animal show is all about timing, cleanliness, and keeping the animal calm under pressure.

Feed Early: Feed at least two to three hours before the show to prevent a bloated or sluggish look in the ring.

Limit Water: Give enough water to hydrate but restrict heavy gulps right before entering the ring to keep their frame tight.

Wash & Dry: Complete a thorough morning wash to remove overnight stall stains and blow-dry the coat completely.

Apply Products: Apply species-specific hair conditioners, shine oils, or leg adhesives to maximize muscle definition.

Prep the Tack: Pack a "go-box" with clippers, extra halters, wet wipes, and show sticks.
Keep Cool: Set up fans immediately after stalling to reduce heat stress before the midday temperatures spike.

Dress the Part: Change into clean, tucked-in show clothes (usually Western shirts or official 4-H/FFA uniform shirts) right before showtime.

AND DONT FORGET TO HAVE FUN!! YOU WORKED HARD!

08/01/2026

Steps for Preparing Cattle for Fair: #4 Pen Preparation:

The pen should be sanitary, dry, well-ventilated, protected from drafts, with an area that provides shade
and protection from weather. Ensure the area is free from debris, sharp objects, or anything else that could injure
your animal. The ideal temperature for raising calves is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Cattle are most comfortable at a
range between 30 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If the animal is in an outdoor pen or barn that tends to get very
warm in the summer, it would be a good idea to set up a fan to help the animal stay cool in hotter temperatures.

Follow for more tips...

07/31/2026

#3 FAIR STIMULATION:

Introduce noises:
Play a radio in the barn daily.

Add distractions:
Have friends wear strange clothes or carry umbrellas.

Walk on concrete:
Practice leading on multiple different surfaces.

Touch everywhere:
Handle their feet and tail regularly like a judge.