June 9, 2011 - While many FFA and 4-H members have already started this season's show projects, others are already preparing to buy their market show animals for the upcoming show season. But before showmen can enter the ring, there is a lot to be considered.
Show projects, small and large, should be viewed as a family investment, as they require both time and money. --File photoEven with rabbits, which Monkres considers the least time-consuming, a family will have to put in at least eight hours a week cleaning cages, feeding and ensuring their health. Larger show projects can take up to 20 hours a week, individually.
"If you do market show animals, it has got to be a family commitment," Monkres said. "It is hard for a kid to be able to do what it takes to get really good by themself. Not saying that they can't -- but, if you let your child buy into an animal project like that, even if it is not market, if it is breeding or whatever, that is your commitment too.
"I have heard parents before say, 'well that is your animal I'm not going to do anything with it, you got to go and do it your self,'" he continued. "Well, the way they are now, kids have got to have a little bit of help if they are going to be involved with anything. Somebody, some time or another, is going to have to dump some feed out for them, get them up and exercise them. I'm not saying do it all for them -- you see that end of the spectrum too -- they go and do everything for them. It takes a family commitment if you really want to get good at those sorts of things. It is not going to be a one-person job."
Because the project will affect the entire family, Allen suggests the family make the decision together.
"I believe the entire family needs to consider what species of animal they have room for, and what species they would enjoy being around," Allen said. "If the project will be housed in a small area, then a small project would be appropriate. If you have the space for a larger project, then that would be appropriate. The time does not necessarily increase with the size of the animal. All species must be fed, watered and cared for at least twice daily, with more time put into grooming, teaching the animal to show, and other care."
On top of being a time-consuming commitment for the family, costs associated with a show animal go beyond the initial purchase price. Other financial needs include veterinary care, feed, transporting the animal when necessary, as well as show fees.
"You can start out with no investment; in our county (Lamar County), for example, Pilgrims has donated broilers for as many years as I have been teaching here. They were doing it before then," Monkres said. "They donate the broilers to the students and all the students have to be out is their entries, which is $25 at our county show, which at each county show it is different, and their feed. You think how much is a chicken going to eat, but for chickens, 25 of them it can be pretty substantial, how much money you are going to have to put in feed. You are going to have to start out with a broiler-starter, something that is real high-protein, that stuff is about $25, $30 bucks a sack."
"There are animals priced from low to high, for all species," Allen said. "Usually, an exhibitor can get a better quality animal for a higher price, but that does not mean it will win. Feed costs have climbed significantly in the past few years. Projects can range from around $300 for a market rabbit project carried through completion, to several thousand dollars for heifers and steers."
When animals are worked with and taken care of properly, a child can show just about anything they want successfully.
"I think what is right for each individual child and family is what the youth should show," Allen explained. "Many people have the perception that a small animal like a goat or lamb would be best for a small child. However, a heifer that is worked with daily and is very gentle could be just as good a project for a family that enjoys cattle more than other species."
Once a family has decided what kind of animal their child will show, Allen suggested a series of questions they should consult with their advisor about, including what characteristics to select for in the particular species. Will the advisor be able to help with transportation to and from shows? How much should a good project cost? What age should the project be at time of purchase, and does the project have to be a registered animal?
"Advisors can usually recommend reputable breeders to purchase the animals from," Allen said. "As long as the family has knowledge of quality animals, and what to select for, they should be able to select a project on their own. Many times there is an animal that a child just likes better than another, and that is the one they will likely do the best with. An exhibitor who has no knowledge should have someone assist them with their first purchase."
"Get somebody that is involved," Monkres added. "Normally, you want to get your ag teacher or Extension agent to go with you with you to select. When you select, that determines a whole lot on where you are going to place. You have got to have a quality animal if you are going to have a chance to be at the top of the class."
Families of children wanting to take part in show animals are encouraged to discuss their options with an advisor, such as an agriculture teacher, county Extension agent or 4-H director.
