Grand, Reserve and Supreme Champion: How Championships Are Decided

The champion drive is the most visible moment of a livestock show. After the classes are judged, the winners come back to the ring to compete for the top awards. The process is simple in outline but differs in the details, so read your fair book before the show.

The path to a championship

1. Class winners. Each class has a first-place animal. In market classes, classes are usually split by weight.
2. Division or breed champions. Class winners compete within a group, such as a weight division, a breed or a sex.
3. Grand champion and reserve grand champion. Division winners return to the ring, and the judge selects the grand champion and the reserve grand champion. The reserve is the runner-up and is often the animal that would take the title if the champion were disqualified.
4. Supreme or overall champion. At some shows, champions from different species or breeds compete for a supreme award. This is less common and works differently from show to show.

What judges look for

For a market animal, the judge looks at the same things as in a market class: muscling, finish, structure and balance, with the best animal of the group coming out on top. For breeding animals, the judge considers structure, breed character, reproductive soundness and overall quality. Showmanship may count toward an overall award at some shows.

Presentation matters, too. Animals that walk quietly and set up well make a judge's job easier.

How championships affect the sale

Grand and reserve champions often receive special attention at the premium sale. Many shows sell champions first, and buyers may bid more for them. The award can mean a significantly larger check, but it is not guaranteed. Read the sale rules to see how champions are handled.

Championships and rare breeds

At a show that organizes championships by breed, a rare breed champion is chosen against animals of the same breed. At a show with a single division for several breeds, the judge may compare animals of different breeds, which can be hard on a heritage animal bred for different traits. Some shows hold separate heritage or rare breed championships, which gives these animals a fair chance.

If you are showing a rare breed, ask:

• Is there a breed champion in my breed?
• Do champions from my division advance to an overall championship?
• Is there a heritage or Other Breeds champion?
• How does the sale handle those champions?

How to be ready

1. Know the schedule. Be at the ring when called, and be ready to return for the drive.
2. Keep your animal fresh. Offer water, shade and a short rest between class and drive.
3. Keep your composure. Show as well in the drive as in your class.
4. Congratulate others. Handle wins and losses with grace.
5. Say thank you. Thank the judge, your advisors and buyers.

Common mistakes

• Letting your animal get tired or hot between class and drive
• Forgetting to check when you are due back
• Reacting poorly to a placing

Keep going

Learn about the rest of the show in How Breeding Classes and Market Classes Work. agriculture.directory helps you find vets, feed and supplies. For a light read about fair culture, farm.fm has Ten County Livestock Shows That Lost Their Minds.