In this episode of DairyVoice, host Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires, continues his series The Evolution of the Great Cow and talks with Joan Seidel of Pennsylvania, Rory Timlin of Ireland, and Brent Sayles of Ontario.
Holstein show fitters, also called clippers, are skilled individuals who groom dairy cattle using specialized clippers, brushes, and adhesives to highlight their best features for competitions like the World Dairy Expo, focusing on creating level toplines, smooth body coats, and well-styled legs and tails, with techniques involving blow-drying against the hair and clipping in precise patterns to enhance breed conformation and overall appearance for judges.
All three of these fitters are well-known in the industry, but have unique experiences to share. They discuss their many years on the show circuit, what excites them about their jobs, and some of the herds they have worked with around the world. All three share some of the coolest show moments from their past.