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YEAR: 2007-2008
Leader: Independent Contact
Info
Scheduled Meetings: None
| Goals: | To learn as much as you can about your animal. This includes the parts of your animal, how to care and feed, and how to show. And, of course, to have fun! |
| What to expect: | You should have an animal for this project, although it is not a requirement. Steers are usually purchased in November, Goats and Lambs in March, and Calves in May (you can go to an auction or buy directly from the breeder). Although you can purchase your steer later than November and save some money on feed, the animal will cost more and you will have less time to work with it. After members purchase their animals they will learn how to work with them and how to show them. |
| Time Required: | Daily care and feeding of your animal, cleaning of the stall, frequent washing and blow dry, and frequent walking, plus Youth Expo and the Orange County Fair. Lambs also require shearing. |
| Effort Required: | In addition to caring for your animal,
you will be expected to participate in Youth Expo and the Orange County
Fair: YOUTH EXPO (a "learning fair" of 2-3 days) Clean-up day to prepare stalls and the barn at the fair grounds You are responsible for feeding and watering your own animal If you wish, you may make a poster or display Show your animal Showmanship (you and your animal are judged) Market (just your animal is judged) ORANGE COUNTY FAIR (1 week of the 3 week fair) You may make a new poster or display, or use the one from Youth Expo You are responsible for feeding and watering your own animal Show your animal Showmanship (you and your animal are judged) Market (just your animal is judged) Your steer will then go to auction (mandatory for Grand champion) or a private buyer |
| Estimated Costs: | Beef: This project requires a large financial commitment.
If you purchase a steer, it can cost from $500 to $1500 (500-800 pounds -
although you can pay less or much. much more). Feed will cost
another $3-$5 per day or $1000 - $1500 from purchase in November to the OC
Fair the following July. You will also need a show halter (about
$40), a show stick (about $10) and a comb (about $10). You will need
to have access to a blower (OABB has one, or you can purchase for around
$300 new). And you will need access to a stanchion for grooming (OABB
has one, or you can purchase for $300 - $500 new). And you will need
a place to keep you steer.
Calf: If you purchase a calf, it can cost from $100 to $500 (although you can pay less or much. much more). Replacement milk will cost about $50 per bag and you will need about 6 bags. And a bag of calf starter at $10. You will also need a show halter (about $10), a show stick (about $10) and a comb (about $10). You should have access to a blower (OABB has one, or you can purchase for around $300 new). And you will need a place to keep you calf. Lamb: Lambs start at around $300 (at auction you may find some less expensive animals). You can pay much more for a lamb with better conformation from champion stock. Feeding your lamb from purchase in March to the OC Fair in July will cost about $100. A halter will cost around $10. If you want to cover your animal with a "turtle neck sweater", lamb slicks (as they are called) will cost about $10. To groom you should have a stanchion (about $300) and clippers (about $300), but usually one of the senior members has everything you need so you will not need to purchase these items. OABB should also have a pair of clippers. You will also need a place to keep your lamb. Goats: Goats can be purchased for around $300 directly from the breeder. But you can find goats for sale for much less or much, much more. There are a few goat auctions. Feeding your goat from purchase in March to the OC Fair in July will cost about $100. A halter will cost around $10. If you want to cover your animal with a "turtle neck sweater", goat slicks (as they are called) will cost about $10. To groom you should have a stanchion (about $300) and clippers (about $300), but check with one of the senior members - they may already have everything you need so you will not need to purchase these items. OABB should also have a pair of clippers. You will also need a place to keep your goat. |
| Optional: | From November until the OC Fair there are many beef shows around the state. It is good experience to participate in these shows. You will trailer your animal to the show and usually spend 1-2 days there. This is a good opportunity to talk to other people and learn more about raising and showing your animal. |
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