Download BCTAL FFA Beef Heifer/ Steer Projects

BCTAL FFA Beef Heifer/ Steer Projects
There are many commitments to raising a calf SAE project. Time and
money are a large part of these commitments, so we want you to be fully
prepared before making the investment. This is not to discourage any students
from showing cattle, because it is a fun and very rewarding project. We just want
you to be informed of the commitment you will be making. We will figure out a
way to get show cattle to the Ft. Worth Livestock Show in January and the Tarrant
County Junior Livestock Show in February. You are more than welcome to take
your animals to jackpot shows on your own with your own travel means, as long
as proper pest management techniques are followed before and after the show,
and use of the school equipment for these shows will be checked out at a $5 cost
for clippers and blowers.
Selection
We will be purchasing calves by May of this year. Steers and heifers are
weaned about 6-7 months old, depending on the breeder. Steers reach correct
weight for slaughter between 14-20 months and heifers reach puberty between
14-16 months. Steers are normally exhibited between 16-20 months old and
heifers can be shown up to 24 months old. You need to determine the breed you
are interested in. There are 3 types; British, Exotic, and American (short hair
cattle which are the more common heifer breeds than in steers). We will set up
times to look at prospect animals.
Time Commitment
Cattle are more of a family project. In most cases, this is due to the time
and commitment put into the project. You will be responsible for halter breaking
the calves during the summer. This will take many hours of tying and working
with the calf with a show stick. You will have to train them to lead and stand
properly. Everyday, the animal should be rinsed off to remove dirt and create a
good hair coat. Calves should also be fed twice daily, exercised, cleaned, brushed
and practice being shown. Due to the full capacity at the barn, stalls will need to
be kept clean daily. You will also be responsible for barn duty in cleaning the alley
way in front of the stalls.
Feed
Calves should be feed twice daily at about 3% of their body weight. For
example, 600 lb steer needs 9 lbs. of feed in the morning and evening. This would
be 18 lbs of grain a day. Ideal weight for showing is 1100-1300 lbs. By show
time you will be feeding about 36 lbs of feed a day. The animal will also need to
supplement with hay daily. There are also many show supplements to add a little
more to the calves. That gets very expensive. It is not required but can help the
animals in their development process. If you go out of town over the summer, it
is your responsibility to find someone dependable to feed the animals. Whatever
feed we decide to use needs to have at least 12-14% protein, 5% fat on steers,
and 2.5% fat on heifers, and 15% fiber with free choice grass hay.
Sale
Steers will sell at the county show unless you are taking it to the Houston
Livestock Show on your own. TCJLS show sells 16 steers but the range of sale
during the 09-10 year was from $1250-$5400. So, the average sale for steers at
the 2009 Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show was $2575.00 and $2377.00 in
2010. Your family will be expected to be very involved in the fundraising process
of the BCTAL FFA Backers. Heifer exhibitors will need to arrange for Artificial
Insemination or natural mating process with a breeder. Then you can sell the
offspring when it is weaned, or start your own herd if you have facilities
elsewhere. You will also be responsible for the sell or relocation of your animals if
you no longer are showing.
Estimated Cost
Equipment
Comb
Rice Root Brush
Massage Brush for washing
Leather Show Halter
Rope Halter
Neck Tie
Show Stick
Exhibitor Harness
Feed Pan- for show
Water Bucket- for show
Show day sprays
Hanging Feed Trough For Sewell Center
Monthly Wormer
Hoof Trim every 6 weeks- $35 each time
Rent- $15/ month + $50 deposit
Shavings
Minimum Entry Costs
Total Estimate:
Feed:
Avg 11.25/bag
3 months at 600 lbs is 10 bags/ month
3 months at 800 lbs is 15 bags/ month
3 months at 1000 lbs is 18 bags/ month
3 months at 1200 lbs is 22 bags/ month
12 months about 195 bags of feed
Hay: $50 round bale x 12
Purchase of animal on average
These costs are just estimates
Total Estimated Cost:
Estimated Cost
19.50
19.50
3.95
35.00
4.00
5.95
19.50
14.50
10.95
10.95
100.00
20.00
50.00
175.00
230.00
150.00
70.00-200.00
$900.00-1000.00
Heifers per year
About 2000
Steers 10 months
About 1600
400.00-600.00
$1000-3000
$3500-6500
This signature page must be returned to BCTAL FFA by April 30, 2013
I have read and am understand the time and commitment in purchasing a
heifer/steer project for the 2012-2013 school year. I know the policy for using the
Birdville Animal Facilities and will abide by all rules and regulations or removal
from the premises can be possible after all actions are taken. We are ready to
invest and purchase a steer or heifer (circle one). We are interested in
________________________________ breeds.
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Student Signature
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Date
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Parent Signature
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Date