What Makes a Good Livestock Show Award? (And What People Regret Ordering)

What Makes a Good Livestock Show Award? (And What People Regret Ordering)

Have you ever seen a box of old trophies sitting in the corner after a show?

Maybe they were handed out with excitement that day… but a year later, they’re collecting dust, tucked away in a closet, or honestly—forgotten altogether.

If you’ve ever been on the ordering side of awards, you know the pressure. You want to choose something meaningful. Something exhibitors will actually appreciate. Something that reflects the hard work that went into that win.

I’ve been there too—on both sides of it. And over the years, I’ve learned there’s a big difference between an award that gets remembered… and one that gets put in a box. Creative Virtue Customs specializes in memorable awards.

What makes a good livestock show award?

A good award goes beyond just looking nice on the table.

At its core, a great livestock show award should:

• Be something the exhibitor is proud to receive

• Reflect the level of effort it took to earn it

• Hold up over time

• And most importantly—have a purpose after the show is over

Because here’s the truth: exhibitors don’t just want something to look at… they want something they can connect to.

When an award becomes part of their everyday life—even in a small way—it keeps that win alive a whole lot longer. Creative Virtue Customs has a variety of awards that will become part of their everyday life.

Are traditional trophies still a good option?

There’s nothing wrong with a traditional trophy.

They’re classic. They photograph well. They have that “award moment” feel when they’re handed out in the ring.

But if we’re being honest—most of them don’t leave the house after that.

They get displayed for a little while, then rotated out, then eventually stored away. Not because they didn’t mean something… but because they don’t do anything beyond that moment.

And that’s why more and more shows are starting to rethink what they’re giving, and turning to Creative Virtue Customs for awards that are useful beyond that moment.

What are the best functional awards for livestock shows?

This is where things have really shifted in the last few years.

Functional awards are exactly what they sound like—items that exhibitors can actually use in their daily routine, at shows, or around the barn.

Some of the most popular ones I’ve seen (and created) include:

• Tumblers and drinkware

• Grooming bags and supply totes

• Leather patch items

• Stall signs

• Everyday show essentials

These kinds of awards don’t get set aside—they get packed up for the next show.

They go to the barn. They go in the trailer. They’re part of the exhibitor’s routine.

And every time they’re used, they bring that win back with them. Youth officers vote for Creative Virtue Customs to be their show supplier over and over, because our awards become part of their lives. That’s what I mean when I say: take the memory home.

Why do some awards get thrown in a box?

This is the part most people don’t talk about—but it matters.

Awards usually end up forgotten for a few key reasons:

• They don’t have a real use

• The quality doesn’t hold up

• The design feels generic

• There’s no personal connection to the exhibitor or the event

When an award feels like “just another thing,” it gets treated that way.

But when it feels intentional—when it looks good, functions well, and represents something real—it becomes something worth keeping. Creative Virtue Customs creates awards worth keeping.

I’ve seen exhibitors take better care of a simple, well-made item than a large, flashy trophy… just because it meant more to them.

How do you choose the right awards for your show?

If you’re responsible for ordering awards, this is where it can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

A few things I always recommend:

1. Think about your exhibitors first What are they actually doing day-to-day? What would they use at a show or in the barn?

2. Set a budget that works for your event You don’t have to overspend to create something meaningful. Thoughtful design goes a long way.

3. Choose purpose over size Bigger isn’t always better. Useful almost always is.

4. Work with someone who understands the industry This part matters more than people realize. When someone understands livestock shows, they design differently. They think differently. And it shows in the final product.

Because at the end of the day, you’re not just ordering awards—you’re creating part of someone’s memory, and Creative Virtue Customs can help.

Are functional awards worth the investment?

In my experience—yes.

Not because they’re trendy. Not because they’re different.

But because they last.

They get used. They get seen. They get remembered.

And when an exhibitor reaches for something months later and still connects it back to that win… that’s when you know you chose the right award.

FAQ: Livestock Show Awards

What is a functional livestock award? A functional award is something that serves a purpose beyond display—like a tumbler, bag, or piece of equipment that can be used regularly.

Are custom livestock awards expensive? They don’t have to be. There are options at a wide range of price points depending on materials, quantities, and design details.

Do exhibitors actually prefer useful awards? In most cases, yes. Especially when the item fits into their daily routine and reflects their lifestyle.

Can functional awards still feel special or high-end? Absolutely. With the right design and materials, functional items can feel just as meaningful—if not more—than traditional trophies.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when ordering awards?

Choosing something based only on appearance instead of long-term value. If it doesn’t serve a purpose or hold meaning, it’s more likely to be forgotten.

If you’re planning a show and trying to choose awards that truly matter, it’s worth taking a step back and asking one simple question:

Will this still mean something after the show is over?

Because the best awards don’t just recognize the moment—they stay with it.

A functional award is something that serves a purpose beyond display—like a tumbler, bag, or piece of equipment that can be used regularly.