Why do these two sides of the industry feel so far apart?

Because in a lot of ways—they are.

As an industry, we’ve spent years selecting breeding stock for traits that win in the show ring—hair, bone, shape, and presence. Those traits don’t always translate to the commercial world, where efficiency, longevity, and profitability matter most.

And that’s okay, because these aren’t competing systems. They’re different systems with different purposes.

The Commercial Side:

The commercial livestock world is built on reality. Efficiency. Cost control. Production. Animals that perform and generate income. These are the cattle, sheep, and goats that feed people and keep operations running.

That matters.

It’s not just important—it’s essential.

The Show Stock Side:

On the other side, you have the show stock industry.

And no—it’s not always practical.

But it was never meant to be.

Show stock is about development, education, and exposure. It’s the front door to the livestock industry for a lot of people—especially kids.

Stock shows bring in new people who may have never stepped foot in agriculture otherwise.

They teach responsibility, discipline, work ethic, and integrity. And that might be the most valuable thing this side of the industry produces.

Where the Gap Happens:

Problems start when we try to judge one side by the standards of the other. If you look at show stock through a strictly commercial lens, it won’t make sense. If you look at commercial stock through a show lens, it won’t either.

They’re playing two different games.

Show stock has also become a place for creativity and experimentation. It’s where people push genetics, try new ideas, and build something that stands out. In a way, it’s part livestock… part art.

That doesn’t make it wrong—it just makes it different.

Respect Goes Both Ways:

There’s a lot of time, money, and dedication behind what you see in the ring. Just like there is behind a good set of commercial cattle.

Neither one happens by accident. And neither one deserves to be dismissed.

The reality is, the commercial industry benefits from the show side more than it sometimes realizes.

Because without it, fewer kids get involved.

Fewer kids means fewer future producers.

And that affects everyone.

Takeaway:

This doesn’t have to be “circus vs. practical.”

It can be both.

One feeds the world.

The other brings people into it.

And if we’re smart, we’ll learn to appreciate what each side does well instead of trying to tear the other one down.

Because at the end of the day, we’re all in the same industry.

What part of the industrydo you spend your time in and why? I'd love to hear what your feing are about the other side. Reply to this newsletter or leave a comment below.