EBENEZER MIDDLE
SCHOOL
LIVESTOCK HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
1
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
2
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
3
Animal Projects Cost
(All cost information is approximate and for information purposes only!)
Animal Species
Approximate
Purchase Price _
Feed Costs
Breeding Gilt
$200 to $500
$300 - $400
Market Swine
Show Cattle
$150 to $300
$1000 to $4000
Purchase
Total Estimates
Cost
June/July
$650 - $1200
$300 - $400
Oct/Nov
$600 - $1000
$400 - $600
Mar/April
$2200 - $5600
Mar – Aug
$500 - $1500
Market Goat
$75 to $500
$300 - $600
Rabbit
$5 to $75
$100-$300
Any time
Chicken
$5 to $50
$75 - $200
Any Time
$100-$500
$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
https://www.sullivansupply.com/
http://www.thewinnersbrand.com/
http://www.jefferspet.com/pages/livestock
https://www.valleyvet.com/c/livestock-supplies.html
http://www.tractorsupply.com
Other Resources
http://georgia4h.org/livestock/calendar.htm
http://www.gajrlivestockfoundation.org/calendar.htm
http://www.gaaged.org/livestock/
4
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
5
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: ______________
6
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
7
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
8
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 – [email protected] OR (912)401-4571
Webb’s Animal Clinic – (912)826-1830
Effingham Animal Hospital – (912)826-5251