I will be raising a show steer for ffa I need advice on everything about them.?

Question

I am going to be getting a steer for ffa in november and have looked at some books and stuff but I need to know what to feed, how much to feed, what the cost of the project is and how much they will sell for. I could use advice on anything I can get thanks marissa

Answer 1

feed them alot get them fat. the more they way the better they sell for. and it usually cost around 500 to 1000 dollars for eveything for the steer. but if your steer places high then you usually get around 25,000 for them.

Answer 2

You will need to feed him 3% of his body weight a day.... say, if he weighs 1000 lbs, you will feed him 30 lbs of high quality  feed per day. We split this into 2 feedings per day. We like Moormans brand. He will weigh approx 500-700 lbs when you get him. He will be approx 1100 lbs at sale time (depending on what time of year you do your shows)

Feed will be approx 8-9 dollars a bag... depending on your area.

It is an expensive project. Some states sell good... Texas is a high selling state...(if you win)

You will not usually make a profit.... it is a "c**p shot, or gamble"

it will be a great project... have fun & GOOD luck!

www.moormans.com

Answer 3

For your first time I recommend getting someone (your FFA teacher) to help select a good steer for you that you can get at market value.  DO not run out and blow money on a high quality calf from show bloodlines.  Just get a good old fashion stocker that looks good.  The most important thing is to spend time around the calf daily.  For feed to find out how much its gonna cost you, you need to check your local feed supplier.  Check on good horse quality hay also.  You need to look at the price of good high protein sweet feed and mineral supplements.  I highly recommend using some kelp to mix in with the feed or better yet find a fertrell dist near you and use their supplements.  They will cost a bit more but it will really put a good shine on the coat and he will look really healthy which of course will help your standings.  As for the amount of feed you need it mostly depends on how much quality grass you have available for him to feed on.  The more and better grass you have for him the less feed and hay you need to buy.  

The best bet is to make friends with someone who has shown cattle before and get them to help

Dont get wrapped up to much in your first year, just use it to learn and gain experience.  Try to go to a few shows before you take your steer to your first show and spend time in the back watching what everyone is doing and make notes of what people are doing a good quick job and ask them questions.

Good luck

Answer 4

Here are a couple of PDF sites that will tell you everything about raising that show calf.  The price it will sell for will depend how well your calf shows and places in the competition.

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publicati...

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn/PD...