The Tanbark Trail

THE TANBARK TRAIL

Whether at a local or national level, from the first shows ever held — up through today, shows have been a means for breeders to promote their cattle to other breeders. It is an important part of marketing that can also be the fun part of dairy farming. One of the most important programs connected to showing is the All-American contest. The winners are selected based on the current year’s show winnings from national shows or any of 30 qualifying shows in the U.S.  Being named All-American is a great honor and adds to the pedigree value of the animal and her family.

The Year 2020

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the board and staff of the association, have been having discussions about the current show season. With the number of fairs and shows being cancelled, many are asking, “What would it take to put together a new All-American qualifying show in 2020”? The Brown Swiss board of directors, show committee, and staff have set the following requirements that must be met to hold an additional All American qualifying show in the 2020 show season.

1. A written request must be submitted to the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders’ Association and must be approved prior to the event.
2. While it is not required that a judge be from the approved Brown Swiss judges list, it is highly recommended. In order to be an official judge in the All-American contest, the judge must be on the approved list.
3. The show must meet and follow the Show Classes and Guidelines set forth by the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders’ Association. The Code of Ethics set by the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association (PDCA) must be met.  PDFs of these regulations can be found on our website at: https://www.brownswissusa.com/Programs/Shows/tabid/140/Default.aspx.
4. The show must be an open class show, not just a Junior show. A minimum of 40 head must be shown. The headcount alone will not qualify the show. The final decision to add a show for the 2020 show year will be made by the Board of Directors.
5. Registration papers need to be in hand at check-in and identification verified.
6. Following the show, in a timely fashion, the official show results must be sent to the National Office.
7. It is also very important that the show officials follow the current guidelines and recommendations of health authorities and governmental entities, as well as do their part to ensure that members, associates, and partners stay safe and healthy.