Show Cattle SAE s General Information & Expectations for the Show Team A Few Facts about Showing/ Raising Beef Cattle SAE s CATTLE ARE A YEAR LONG PROJECT AS WELL AN EXPENSIVE PROJECT! (Including all summer and Spring Break) A year-long commitment is expected for all those involved. On average, Plan to spend about $2,500 5,000 to buy the animal plus another $2000-3000 in feed for 1 year. Must be fed twice a day and at least 5 hours a week extra to wash and walk the animal, especially while halter breaking. Estimated time: 1 hour in morning and 1-2 hours in the evening to walk, wash, and feed. Cattle feed is $12-$15 per bag and an individual animal can eat about a 1/3 to 1/2 a bag per day depending on the project type. No animal is to be purchased or brought to the barn without approval from the Agriculture Science Teacher (AST) sponsoring cattle. With the way Frisco ISD SAE animals projects are supervised, communication and cooperation are important. We, as advisors and sponsors, cannot help you if we don't have an open line of communication. We need to know what is going on with the animal as well as know if you have questions and concerns. We are here to guide you but cannot do so that if you don't let us know your needs. On the same note, it s important that you follow our instructions so that you can be successful with your project. Success with your project is based on putting in the hard work and following the plan that is set forth by the advisors. Please trust your species sponsor is doing what is best for your project and doing the best to meet that specific animal's needs for growth and success. Project Types: Heifers Heifers are a breeding animal and can be a 1 or 2 year project. They can be any of the major breeds and must be registered. We would normally purchase them between April and July, but can be purchased up through October possibly. Purchasing them late will cause you to miss quite a few shows while trying to get them halter broke. Heifers can be carried to different local shows on approved weekends along with the Collin County show, the State Fair of Texas, Ft. Worth, and Houston shows. They DO NOT make sale at any of the shows, but heifers will be bred after the first year and will calve towards the end of their second year. Heifers may be purchased starting in the spring through the fall of the year due to state validations schedules. Steers Steers are a market animal and will only be shown for 1 year and the goal is to get their weight between 1150 to 1350 pounds for the designated show. Steers do not have to be a registered breed and need to be purchased by mid-june. State Validation in is at the end of June. Steers will cost about the same as heifers at $2,000-4,500 or more to buy a calf and another $2,000-3,000 to spend in feed.
Steers will not go to as many local shows due to the fact that traveling causes them to lose weight and we need them gaining at all times. They will go to one or two local shows for experience, then Collin County show, and either Ft. Worth and/or Houston. The age of the calf will be determined by what show the student wants to show at. Steers should be about 15 months old at the time of the final show. They can make sale at County and POSSIBLY make $1,000 or so to help recoup some costs, they will then carry the steer to Ft. Worth or Houston and hope to make sale. If they make sale there, they should break even with the opportunity to make $2,000-10,000. This is hard to do though, recouping your investment is not a guarantee and may be very difficult to obtain. If you plan on taking a steer to Ft. Worth or Houston, the animal should preferably be a breed that grows hair extremely well. Please ask your project advisor s help when selecting a steer for the project year. Steers will be purchased in late spring through mid-june of the year due to state validation. Commercial Steers The student will buy 3 market steers at market price. This normally costs about $1,000 to $1,500 per steer, and you feed them feedlot rations that normally cost about $2,000 for the year. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) requires that the students submit their desire to complete in June of each year. They must have their name submitted in order to compete in the show and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is limiting the number of people who can enter the show. We must get the paperwork in early to make sure they are entered in the show. The goal is to spend as little as possible on steers and feed while getting the most weight gain. The steers are purchased in August, and do not need to be halter broke or washed. They are feedlot animals. The downside is that the student doesn t get to really treat the animal like a pet, or go to any of the local shows. Animals must be weighed biweekly to start then weekly toward the end of the project to maintain an accurate level of gain. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commercial steer show expects the student to keep track of feed and vet bills. The record book for the show is a big part of the project and can affect the outcome of the student s placement in the show. The record book is a great deal of work and must be an accurate show of expenses. The steers are graded on how well they performed and gained, if they are not at the correct weights they will not make much money. Each student takes a test on the cattle industry and the student is interviewed about their project. After all requirements are met, the student will sell the steers based off of their grade which may help them to break even. They will then receive money based on how well the steers performed their record book, test and interview. In the end, the student could make about $1,000-1,500 profit with potential to do better, such as extra cash, a computer, and grand prize is an F150 truck.
Costs: The following table will be helpful in determining the total estimated financial costs. Please remember, these are only estimated costs and do not reflect the actual expenses you could incur in raising a beef cattle project. Type of Project Average Cost of Project Length of Project Feed & Supplement Costs Health Care Costs (Possible) Hoof Trimming Show Supplies & entry fees Heifers $2000-4500 Unless leased 2 years $2000-3000 Monthly $120-150.00 $500 plus $ 35-50 per trim $800-$900 With hotels and 4 major shows Market Steer $2000-4500 11 month to 1 year $1250 to $1500 $150 to $200 $35-50 per trim $250 Commercial Steers $4000-5000 per pen (3 steers) 6 months $2000 $150 to $200 N/A 300-400 Hotels for HLSR and entry fees Average Cost per bag is around $12.00 per bag rough cost per month is about $120.00 to $150.00. County Entries $35.00 per head and $15.00 for bedding. Major stock shows will average $75.00 to $100.00 for entries, parking and other fees this is not including hotels. Supplies: All supplies should be your school colors or navy blue with your name tagged on it. 1. Show halter and lead Leather halter 2. Show Stick Show sticks should be as tall as the student 3. Feed buckets 4. Feed container 5. Water Bucket- Extra large & sturdy 6. Shampoo/ soap for washing Mane and Tail, Suave, Bright lights and Mrs. Stewarts Bluing for calves with white hair 7. Rope Halters and neck tie 8. Hay bag/hay net 9. Brushes and combs 10. Appetite Express 11. Probiotics
Supplies for daily use can purchased at Tractor Supply, Gebo s or Sullivans (online store). Show supplies can be purchased at the stores listed, but tractor supply and gebo s may not carry all show supplies. Barn Expectations 1. Phones should be put away in the barn. You are dealing with animals and if you are watching your phone you may not be aware of your surroundings and could possibly get hurt. 2. Follow all instructions from your species advisor. Ask questions if you need help; make sure to stay in contact with advisors so that you know what is going on. 3. Clean up after yourselves at all times. a. Pens should be cleaned DAILY b. Water buckets should be cleaned Weekly c. Sweep the allyways before you leave each night. d. Keep the area around your tack box clean and swept up 4. Do not enter any pens unless asked to and do not go to the other barn unless you have been invited Daily Maintenance and Care: All animals that are part of an SAE must be cared for on a daily basis, it is not acceptable to allow the animal to be neglected or without food. Proper feeding and care will allow the animal to grow consistently and do well when it is time to show. Below are requirements that need to be followed for the Cattle barn as well as maintaining a healthy and cared for project. Feeding: Each animal should be fed twice per day and have fresh clean water available at all times. 1. Feed twice a day and consistently. Feeding requirements are given so that the specific animal's needs are met and they will attain the desired condition or finish. a) Heifers & steers feed as much as they will eat in a 30 minute time frame b) Be sure to always feed fresh feed, and remove any feed that was not eaten. 2. Hay is critical the diet of cattle. A slab of medium quality hay daily will help keep calves on feed by reducing the chances of digestive upsets. Hay is your insurance measure when feeding cattle. At the first sign of any digestive problems, increase hay while reducing concentrate. Calves should have free access to hay. 3. Water should be available at all times. The water available should be clean, cool and fresh. Water buckets should be cleaned regularly so that the water does not become tainted or nasty which can reduce consumption. 4. Cattle should be dewormed every 3 months and it is the student's responsibility to worm them and keep track of the schedule. 5. Students are expected to keep track of how much their animal is being fed on a daily basis, what brand/product they are feeding, and the weight of the animal. a. Weigh your animal at the same time during the same and same day each week. (For example every Saturday at 4pm) b. Weigh your feed and record the weight on your project board. c. You will be expected to record Average daily gain of your animal. Pen & Barn maintenance: It is the student s responsibility to maintain stalls, equipment and surrounding areas. 1. Pens must be cleaned daily. 2. Manure should be removed from the pen and placed in the manure pit in between the barns.
3. Water tubs MUST be dumped in wash racks not outside of pens. If there is feces in the water bucket, water should be removed from the bucket then any feces placed in the manure pit. Do don't wash the feces down the drains in the wash rack. 4. Keep feed, tack and hay area clean and manageable at all times. 5. Fans, Frisco ISD does not have to supply these for you, but they can be made available upon request. 6. Each student is expected to complete chores at the barn to maintain a clean and neat environment. All FISD beef cattle show students are expected to help maintain the barn and facilities. 7. Placing of trash in trash cans and dumpsters. Trash Cans should be emptied when full not left for others to take out. Feed sacks need to go directly to the dumpster when empty. 8. Empty wheelbarrows after use. 9. All students are expected to pay stall fee for the year. Stall fees are 100.00 per student. Grooming and Washing: Animals should consistently be groomed. Below is a typical routine, but can be changed to meet the needs of the animal. 1. Depending on the animal their coat/ hair should be cared for on a daily basis. Daily brushing, especially in summer helps promote hair growth. 2. Wash a minimum of 1 time weekly with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly. Rinsing daily promotes new hair growth and helps train the hair and is required for all steer and heifer projects projects. 3. Begin by blowing all the dirt and debris out with a blower. After washing or rinsing, brush all of the hair in the correct direction removing all curls and allowing the hair to lay properly. 4. When the animal is dry, mist with show sheen and comb and blow in. Use an oil product, pink oil or Revive, to keep the hair from drying out. If the hair is blown consistently it will begin to train and will become easier to manage. Working with your Animal: You will need to work with your animal daily to be successful. That means bonding with them with they come in and sitting with them and reading to them or just talking to them. This allows the animal to get used to the student as well as they learn to realize that you feed them and are how they will get food. Pen Assignments: 1. No purchasing or housing of animals at the Ag Barn without approval from the AST. 2. If there is limited space in the barn, student may be restricted in the number of animals per project season at the Ag Barn. 3. Animals will be approved by the AST based on students past performance and the availability of pens. 4. Students will be assigned pens prior to bringing a project into the Ag Barn. 5. Students may not move animals or expand pens for any reason. 6. If locks are placed on pens the AST should know where the key is or have the combination. 7. Animals may be moved to other pens by AST only, to help accommodate other projects in the Ag Barn. 8. The grass turnouts will be used based on a rotational schedule. No student is guaranteed a turn out or it's full use during the year.
Student Expectations at the Stock Shows 1. No headphones while in the show barn, staging arena, or walking around. You are dealing with animals and you need to be able to hear. Also be mindful of where you are standing. 2. Follow all instructions from your species advisor and act promptly at the show. Sometimes it is hurry up and wait, but when we say do something, do it immediately. 3. Clean up after yourselves at all times. 4. No hats or headwear in the arena or while showing. 5. Be sure to pack enough feed for your animal. 6. Make sure you pack shampoos, conditioners, and show sheens and other items you will need at the show. EXHIBITION OF ANIMALS 1. Student responsibility to exhibit an animal a. High school students MUST be enrolled in at least one (1) semester of agriculture classes as well as a member of a Frisco ISD FFA chapter or a junior member of a school's FFA and meet those specific requirements b. Students will be responsible for helping prepare for all shows they will attend and make sure that they are there to load and unload their animal. c. Student is responsible for washing animal prior to clipping and showing. d. Students will be required to help shear and clip their own animals. AST will set up times for clipping and the animal should be ready at the assigned time for clipping. If a student chooses to have a person outside FISD, they must be approved to be at the barn by the AST. 2. Stock Shows a. County livestock show: i. All forms must be filled out correctly and money turned in by the specified date to the AST. ii. Sign up for and complete a concession stand duty time during the week of the County show as well as have an adult work at the corresponding time. iii. Help during the setup time to set up the display and move in necessary equipment for the show. iv. Students are also expected to complete any requirements from their campus AST, ie Syndicate Gala tickets, concession, clean-up after show. v. If student is failing, he/she will not be allowed to show. If student is ineligible, animal is ineligible. vi. Student will also be expected to pay for their portion of bedding and hay while at the show. vii. Students are expected to help load and unload animals and tack as well as setup at the show. viii. It is not AST s responsibility to keep track of your grades. Eligibility requirements will be followed and students should notify the AST of grades. ix. Each student is required to care for his/her own animal while at the show and are expected to stay at the show until released from the AST. x. Students are expected to abide by all FISD policy and procedures while at the show. Dress code must be followed. b. Major stock shows i.e. (Houston, Ft. Worth, San Antonio, San Angelo, Austin) i. AST s will help haul and transport animals ONLY to Fort Worth and Houston. ii. Student must pay all fees on time or they will not be allowed to show. Fees include: Validation fees and Entry Fees.
iii. Student will also be expected to pay for their portion of bedding and hay while at the show. iv. Student is required to care for his/her own animal while at the show. v. Students are expected to help load and unload animals and tack as well as setup at the show. vi. Student will be required to dress appropriately for the stock show. vii. Student will be required to be at the show at a designated time. viii. Student can only leave the show with the permission of the AST. ix. Student is required to know date and time of the show and the class that they show in. x. The student is expected to abide by all FISD policy and procedures while at the show. Dress code must be followed while at the show xi. Students and their families are responsible for any and all hotel and travel costs for shows that are out of the FISD daily travel range. In these cases a parent is expected to transport their student and stay with them for the duration of the show. Failure to complete the expectation set forth may result in a student loss of attendance at a show. Dates for Shows: Collin County Junior Livestock Show: January 7-13, 2018 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo: January 18-22, 2018 heifers and January 30- February 2, 2018 Steers Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: March 8-12, 2018 Heifer and March 12-16, 2018 steers ( you will need to book hotels in january for this stock show) All Jackpot shows will be on a TBD basis. We will try our best to give a month's notice if not more for these events. The cost for these is typically $20-25 per ring and happen on various weekends throughout the year. They are good practice for both the student and the animal. Offences Any offense of rules or any action that is derogatory to the FFA, the FFA Advisor or FISD will be handled by the discretion of the FFA Species advisor. The disciplinary actions taken will be varied with the severity of the offense and are at the discretion of the sponsor. Expulsion from the barn and/or dismissal from the FFA are possible consequences to any rule violation or action that is deemed derogatory and will be handled at the discretion of the FFA advisors. Once animal is purchased or brought to the FISD facility the student will need to begin to work with the animal. Below is an estimated timeline on what needs to happen and when. All animals are different so things may need to be adjusted to meet the needs of the student and the animal.
Weeks 1-2 Training: Students should sit in pen a minimum of twice daily for at least 10-20 minutes in the morning and 30-60 minutes at night. This should be done while the animal is eating. This will help with the bonding process and getting the animal used to you. If animal is halter broke, start the grooming process. Remember to blow the dirt from the animal first, and then brush the hair up and forward during summer to remove ratted hair or hair that is shed. At first there should be an established routine of daily rinsing, and combing the hair forward in front of fans. Spray sheen on the animal to help replace oils that are stripped from the skin. For best results: Rinse daily, and wash twice a week with soap and conditioner. This can be modified due to schedules but should be discussed with your species sponsor. Feeding 1 st establish a baseline. Place 3 scoops of feed that the steer has had from previous owner in bucket, if he eats all of it add more over a 45 minute time frame, or until he stops showing interests. This will be your baseline. For example: If he eats a total of 5 scoops in 45 minutes and stops eating then you will start feeding him at 5 scoops. You will need to calculate how many pounds that is. Week 1 feed him a mixture that is 80% from his original owner and 20% of your feed. Week 2 should be 50/50 mix of feed You should be started on a growing ration from either Linders, Purina Honor Show Chow. Do not feed pellets or range cattle feed, do not add salt, do not add mill, do not add creep feed for steers Hay should be given freely After two weeks, weigh your steer. This is your baseline Weeks 3-4 Training: Continue with bonding. Then begin working with the calf. Start slowly. Try rubbing and scratching the animal while moving quietly. This should allow the calf to become familiar with your mannerisms. Begin scratching around the top (back) or tail head of the animal, not the head or face. Administer a parasiticide. Treat for external flies (stable, horn, face flies). Week 3 should be 80% your ration and 20% from the breeder. Week 4 Steers should be on full grower ration. Heifers should be on a heifer developing ration that is 14-18% protein. Hay should be given freely At 4 weeks, weigh your steer. Month 2 Training: Start the Halter breaking process The advisors will help with this process to ensure that you are properly working with the animal and process will be beneficial to all involved. Remember: Never work alone when first breaking cattle to lead. Always have a Steers: From this point on, you should add feed to the steer s diet as he cleans it up. If the steer consumes 6 scoops in less than 45 minutes, add another 2 scoops, if he continues to eat it all add more. Be sure to weigh your steer weekly, or every two weeks to keep an accurate track of their
helper in case the calf becomes unruly. Training to lead- Begin to rinse the animal once you have the leading down daily gain. He should be gaining between 2-3 lbs a day. Heifers should be gaining weight, and look full with deep stomachs and wide rib. You should not see ribs, or hip bones with heifers. Be sure to look for signs of diarrhea, or lack of appetite. Month 3-6 Training: Begin working with the animal on show techniques. Administer a parasiticide. - month 5 or if parasites are found with fecal exam. By now your animal should be used to a routine of washing/rinsing/and getting blown dry. Your animal should be able to lead without any problems. Continue Feeding regiment determined previously Steers: Be sure to weigh your steer weekly, or every two weeks to keep an accurate track of their daily gain. He should be gaining between 2-3 lbs a day. Heifers should be gaining weight, and look full with deep stomachs and wide rib. You should not see ribs, or hip bones with heifers. Be sure to look for signs of diarrhea, or lack of appetite Late October Continue Normal routine of rinsing and washing regimen Animal should also be used to being worked with on a regular basis Steers: Start adding 1 scoop of flaked corn to the steer s diet. You will also begin making the transition to a finishing ration from Linders, or Purina. Monitor for scours, diarrhea, or lack of appetite Heifers: A heifer s diet should be very steady and predictable at this point. Typically she is filled out with a big stomach and wide across the back with lots of roundness to her ribs. She should be eating about a 5 gallon bucket of feed or little less each feeding. Heifers will only get feed additives as needed or seen. Ask your species sponsor before adding anything to her diet Mid- December Continue Normal routine of rinsing and washing regimen Animal should also be used to You should be completely on a finishing ration. Steers: Start adding 1 scoop of fast fat to the steer s diet. Increase flaked corn to 2 scoops. Introduce cooked corn to the diet of the steer. 2 parts water to 1 part corn Heifers: A heifer s diet should be very steady and predictable at this
being worked with on a regular basis point. Typically she is filled out with a big stomach and wide across the back with lots of roundness to her ribs. She should be eating about a 5 gallon bucket of feed or little less each feeding. Heifers will only get feed additives as needed or seen. Ask your species sponsor before adding anything to her diet Notes: Feeding all depends upon the individual animal. We are wanting steers that are in the 1100-1200 range at County Fair in January and pushing mid 1200s to 1300s at Ft. Worth. By Houston we want them at 1350-1400. Feed additives, and changes should all be ran by the species sponsor, and some of it is dependent on weather. Also, NEVER feed range cubes, range pellets, or add salt when feeding show steers. Lastly, follow complete instructions about adding, or taking away hay. Other beneficial things: Appetite Express is great for when animals travel, or enter situations that they may not eat in. Probios helps to keep an animal s stomach in balance. Hay helps to remedy most situations.
Parent information Parent/Guardian name: Email: Phone: Secondary emergency contact: Phone: Email: What do you feel comfortable spending on a show animal this year? Agreement This agreement is to ensure that all parents and students are aware of the time, labor, and financial obligations that are required to raise a show animal. This acknowledges that parents and students have read and agree to the rules outlined in the Frisco FFA Show Cattle Information Packet and the FISD Project Center Guidelines. All show animals must be fed and watered twice a day with a ration that is approved by your sponsor, and the pens cleaned daily. All animals must be groomed daily which included being washed, rinsed, and hair worked according to the schedule approved by your sponsor. All animals should be trained appropriately and students should follow the outlined care guide. In the case of sickness the specie sponsor may advise that a vet is necessary. The family is responsible for any veterinary bills that the animal may accumulate while at the barn. Failing to comply with any of these requirements is grounds for dismissal from the FISD barn facilities. Your signature acknowledges that you have been informed of the expectations and agree to follow them. Thank you. Student Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: