Evaluating Rate of Gain
The first thing I look at in March is rate of gain. Has my animal been consistently adding weight since winter started? Are they growing the way I expected based on my feed program? If you’ve been keeping records (which I highly recommend), this is the time to compare numbers.
But even if you haven’t tracked everything perfectly, you can still evaluate progress visually. Has their frame filled out? Are they developing the right muscle in the right places? Are they getting taller, wider, stronger — or just softer?
Consistency matters more than quick spikes. Slow, steady growth usually wins the long game.
Adjusting Feed: Muscle vs. Fat
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in the past is overcorrecting too fast. If my animal looked a little behind, I wanted to immediately pour on the feed. If they looked a little heavy, I’d cut back hard.
March is not the time for extreme changes.
Instead, think about what you’re trying to improve:
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Need more muscle? Look at increasing protein quality and overall energy balance.
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Starting to get too soft? You may need to tighten up calories slightly and focus on lean growth.
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Lacking bloom or finish? Sometimes it’s not more feed — it’s better feed.
The goal is to build the kind of weight that helps your animal in the ring — not just more pounds on paper.
When to Increase or Back Off
This is where honesty comes in.
If your animal is behind where they need to be for show season, March is a good time to thoughtfully increase feed — but do it gradually. Sudden changes can upset digestion and stress your project.
On the other hand, if they’re starting to get too fleshy or lose that athletic look, don’t panic. Back off slightly, not dramatically. Small adjustments make a big difference over time.
I always remind myself: I’m managing a living animal, not a machine. Their body needs time to respond.
Learning to Read Condition Correctly
This is the part that separates good showmen from great ones.
In March, I spend time running my hands over my animal more than just looking at them. Feel the rib shape. Check the shoulder. Evaluate the hip. Ask yourself:
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Is there enough muscle expression?
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Can I feel too much fat covering my work?
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Does their body condition match where they should be for their age and show date?
Sometimes an animal can look great in certain lighting but feel different when you handle them. Trust your hands just as much as your eyes.
And don’t forget to compare your animal to your goal, not someone else’s project. Every show animal is on its own timeline.
March Is About Direction
If winter was about building a foundation, March is about refining it. This is the month where small adjustments matter. It’s the time to lock in your feeding program, stay consistent, and make sure you’re headed toward the version of your animal that you want walking into the ring.
Remember — progress doesn’t always mean dramatic change. Sometimes it just means steady improvement.
Take the time this month to really evaluate your project. Be honest with yourself. Adjust with intention. And trust the work you’ve already put in.
We’re getting close to show season — and the decisions you make now can make all the difference when you’re standing in the ring.
From one showman to another: stay consistent, stay patient, and keep working.
