Washing a cow is not something a normal person would do for fun. If you show beef as a 4-H or FFA project, you will need to know how to accomplish the time consuming task of washing and blow drying your cow.

The first thing you need is a tame cow. If you don’t have one and you are wanting to wash one, you should probably go get one. 

It should be noted that you can not wash every cow. The cow being used needs to be moderately calm and broke to lead before washing, and especially before using a blower.

Now that your cow has been chosen, you will need the following supplies: Washing/grooming chute, Air Express Blow Dryer, water hose, Mane and Tail Shampoo and Conditioner, two plastic bristle brushes, a sweat swipe, and two foamers (one for shampoo, one for conditioner), a foamer is a device attached to the end of a hose to allow shampoo and conditioner to be sprayed onto the animal at ease.

After leading your cow into the wash chute, use your blow dryer on low setting and blow the dirt out from under the hair to prevent making mud on the skin of the cow. After blowing the dirt out, use a water hose and thoroughly soak the cow with water. Use the foamer filled with shampoo and coat the cow until it is covered in shampoo. You will then need to use a plastic bristle brush. In circular motions, massage the shampoo into the hair. Rinse.

After rinsing shampoo out, use the foamer with conditioner and coat the cow until covered. Brush in conditioner from rump to head. The conditioner will be left on the cow to help moisturize the skin, preventing dandruff. Use the sweat swipe to remove excess water.

Using your blow dryer on high setting, in short and quick up and down motions, start at the top of the neck of the cow ending at the rump. Repeat this step all over the cow until dry or slightly damp. 

Use a different plastic bristle brush, start at the rump of the cow, and comb the hair up and forward (appx. 45 degree angle). Use desired moisturizing and shining products such as show sheen to moisturize the skin and make the hair shine.

Following these easy steps should ensure a clean and shiny cow. Happy Washing!