Tip #10 — Grind to Shine: The Ultimate Daily Calf Routine with James Sullivan, Director of Marketing
“Achieving a polished, show-ready calf begins with a consistent daily program 100–120 days before the target show. The key to this routine is daily repetition—both morning and evening—focusing on cleanliness, hair care, and animal comfort.
Morning Routine (5:30–7:00 AM):
-
Bring Calf In – Under fans, away from sunlight, and feed to establish routine.
-
Wash – Blow out dirt, rinse, and shampoo with Sullivan’s Volumizer. Rinse thoroughly, condition with Sullivan’s Hydrator, rinse again, and comb hair down then forward.
-
Brush – Use a Rice Root Brush for 10–15 mins per side, covering all areas.
-
Blow & Work Hair – Blow dry, then apply Sullivan’s Revive or Revive Lite. Comb in, roto brush the body (legs up, body forward), then comb and style. Tie calf under fans in a cool area.
Optional Noon Rinse (12–1 PM):
Repeat brushing and blowing steps for faster results.
Evening Routine (2:00–4:00 PM):
5. Rinse – Blow out bedding, rinse for 15–20 minutes, and comb hair down then forward.
6. Brush – Repeat 10–15 min brushing per side using Sullivan’s Rice Root Brush.
7. Blow & Style – Blow dry, apply Sullivan’s Kleen Sheen, Staggered Roto Brush, style, and tie in a cool space.
8. Feed & Kick Out – Feed around 5–6 PM. Once temperatures drop (8–10 PM), return the calf to its outdoor pen with hay.
Key Tips:
-
Avoid direct sunlight throughout the routine. Try your best to do all these in a cool area.
-
Consistency drives results!!
-
Proper directional brushing and blowing promote healthy hair growth and show-day appearance.
This program is your blueprint to a well-trained, healthy, and visually competitive show heifer or steer!
