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Ebenezer Middle School
Livestock Handbook
Table of Contents
Letter to Parents...... …………………………………………….…...Page 2
Animal Project Cost ……………...... ………………..…….……………………………………….Page 3
Livestock Project Checklist...... …………………………………………….…………………...Page 4
Livestock Show Team Contract ………………………………………………….….…...... Page 5
Show Team Agreement………………………………….…………………………………….….…..Page 6
Show Dates and Locations ………………………………………………………………………….Page 7-8
Ebenezer Middle School FFA
1100 Ebenezer Road
Rincon, GA 31329
Dear Parents of students interested in showing a livestock animal,
We are pleased that your son or daughter has expressed an interest in participating in this year’s Livestock Team. With the show season quickly approaching, it is my goal as an agriculture teacher to keep everyone informed with livestock information. We understand that not everyone has a property or facility to accommodate livestock or ability to haul livestock. However, at this time, we are unable to provide students with a location to keep their project. I hope that we can work with you and community members to find a place for your child’s project if you are not able to keep it at your house.
Students can start shopping for their livestock animals as soon as they would like. I have resources to help students find their animals. Email me or have the students see me to discuss potential places to get quality show animals. If you already own an animal that you would like to show, that is great! Please keep in mind that if you intend on showing in the county fair, the deadlines for registration will be soon approaching (Sept. 15th).
Participation in the livestock program is strictly voluntary. Students are NOT required to take part in this activity, but those who do must be an FFA member or show through the 4H. Participating in the livestock program requires a time commitment. Animals may take up 2 – 3 hours a day. No other activities can be used as an excuse when living animals depend on the student for daily feed, water and exercise. Advisors are not tolerant of neglected animals. Students must be responsible and parents play a vital role.
I will be glad to answer any questions you may have. I look forward to a successful and exciting show year!
Thank you,
Ms. Ashley Sapp
Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor
Ebenezer Middle School
Animal Projects Cost
(All cost information is approximate and for information purposes only!)
Animal Species Approximate Feed Costs Purchase Total Estimates Purchase Price _ Cost
Breeding Gilt$200 to $500$300 - $400 June/July $650 - $1200
Market Swine $150 to $300 $300 - $400 Oct/Nov $600 - $1000
Show Cattle $1000 to $4000 $400 - $600 Mar/April $2200 - $5600
Market Goat$75 to $500 $300 - $600 Mar – Aug $500 - $1500
Rabbit$5 to $75 $100-$300 Any time $100-$500
Chicken $5 to $50 $75 - $200 Any Time $100-$300
Prices for breeding animals vary a great deal. More specific information can be provided by the supervising teacher depending on the breed and time of year.
Showing Livestock Supply Resources
Other Resources
EMS FFA Livestock Projects Checklists
Daily Task
•Feed Twice a Day- You should keep a regular feeding cycle, feeding at the same time every day.
•Hay- Make sure the animal has hay when needed. (Cattle – all times, Goats – 3-5 times per week)
•Water- If you wouldn't want to drink it,then change it! Clean water is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!
•Rinse as often as possible (goats, cattle, pigs) - The animal should be rinsed off to remove any dirt and create a good hair coat.
•Work and Exercise- Remember this is very important to having a well-trained and groomed animal. You must put in the hours of working with your animal in order for it to work with you in the ring.
•Pen- Always clean out your animal’s pen and ensure that the animal’s safety and health will be maintained when your animal is in its pen.
Weekly Task
•Washing- The animal should be washed once to twice a week, or as often as possible.
•Check animal’s health. Make sure there are no visible, obvious issues with your animal. If you see anything call your Ag teacher or vet IMMEDIATELY!
Monthly Task
•Strip Pen - COMPLETELY cleanout the pen and replace any shavings or bedding.
Ebenezer Middle School FFA
Livestock Team
Contract
Failure to abide by the following rules will result in:
1st Offense - Verbal warning *(Excluding Rule number 2 listed below-1st offense is removal from team.)
2nd Offense - Written warning
3rd Offense–Removal from show team/ animal taken
1. All Effingham County and EMS policies will be followed at all times.
2. Cruelty to the animals will not be tolerated and is cause for immediate removal from the show team and, if need be, animal taken by the Ag Teacher. This includes but is not limited to: neglect, abusive training, and malicious actions.
3. Cleanliness is a necessity. It is your responsibility to keep your pen area along with other areas you may use neat, clean, and orderly. This includes but is not limited to manure, trash, can drinks, water bottles, bags and old bedding material. If you would not like living in it, neither would your animals.
4. All students must be in good standing with EMS. This means not receiving any discipline referrals and making up any missed work while at a livestock event. If you cannot take care of your school work, then you cannot miss school for livestock shows.
5. Attend FFA scheduled health checks or attain own health papers for your animal prior to first show of each season.
6. Students will be responsible for submitting your own entry forms prior to the due date.
7. Avoid cursing, arguing, and horseplay in the barns and show ring. You are representing EMS and Effingham County.
8. Wear appropriate show clothing in the ring: jeans or khakis in good condition (no holes), collared shirt, no cut off sleeves, and boots or other closed toe shoes.
9. You will be responsible for purchasing all supplies necessary for your project, including feed, washing supplies, dietary supplements, etc. Some of the larger equipment necessary (goat stand, blower, clippers) are available from the school.
10. All students must be a member in good standing with the Georgia FFA or the Georgia 4H.
11. Display a positive attitude and good sportsmanship any time you represent the EMS FFA Livestock show team.
12. PARENTS – Encourage your child to accurately complete and turn in registration paperwork and other forms on time, and provide positive support for you child and the entire EMS Livestock show team.
13. The Advisor has the right to deny student’s participation in FFA Livestock shows if their animal is obviously underweight, underfed, in poor health, or in poor physical or mental condition that diminishes their show appeal, threatens the health of other animals, or brings discredit to our organization.
Ebenezer Middle School Livestock Show Team Agreement
Student Name: ______Date: ______
I have read, understand, and will abide by the Ebenezer Middle School Livestock Show Team Contract.
I understand I am responsible for my actions regarding my livestock project.
I will maintain my pen and properly care for my animal.
I will maintain a positive and cooperative working attitude with Ag Teachers and other livestock show team members at all times.
Please circle one
YES or NO
Student Signature ______Date______
Parent Signature______Date______
Animals:
Please indicate the type of animal and number that you are interested in showing.
Animal Type: ______
Number of Animal(s):______
Livestock Show Dates
September
10th– ABAC Sigma Alpha pig show – Perry, GA
-Oglethorpe Co. Jackpot hog show – Lexington, GA
-10th annual ware co. farm bureau jr. market goat show –Waycross, GA
17th– Atlantic Coast Classic Goat Show – Sylvania, GA *****
24th– Flint River Pork Classic – Bainbridge, GA
-The Last chance market goat and lamb show – Tifton, GA
-1st annual Briar patch classic market goat show – Eatonton, ga
15-25th– Gwinnett County Fair
October
1st– Ogeechee Pig Bowl – Statesboro, GA
6-8th– Georgia National Fair Show (Goats, Cows) – Perry, GA *****
13-15th– Georgia National Fair Show (Pigs) – Perry, GA *****
17th-21st– Effingham County Fair *****
18th– Effingham Fair Goat Show *****
19th– Effingham Fair Pig Show *****
20th– Effingham Fair cow show *****
21st– Augusta State Fair Goat Show
22nd– Augusta State Fair Cow Show
November
5th– South Effingham FFA alumni goat show – Fairgrounds *****
February
18TH – ECHS FFA Alumni Ham Jam
22-25th – Georgia Junior National Livestock Shows (Cattle, Pigs, Breeding Does) – Perry, GA
Any questions, concerns, or need help? Here are some folks that can help!
Ms. Sapp – OR (912)401-4571
Webb’s Animal Clinic –(912)826-1830
Effingham Animal Hospital – (912)826-5251