Raising longhorn as an ffa project

[BrandonF]

Well darn. Ill have to tell him to look at other breeds then. Any suggestion as to breeds that tend to be more docile? We like the looks of brahmans, but have no clue about them either. Before he told me what he was wanting to do, I was looking at dexters. I've read they are pretty easy going, and there size appeals to me.

Brahmans, like many other American breed of cattle, can be more on the wild side. All breeds will have their wild ones, but continental breeds, IMO, seem to be more docile.

I was always partial to Herefords. They make excellent momma cows and are typically easy going.

Brahmans get very big and can be very hard headed, and plain wild, so if you son isn't built like a linebacker, find something smaller for his first project.

[Rack Ranch]

Brahmans are the least docile of all breeds as a general rule. Hereford is one of the most docile breeds and would have a place at county and Majors showing in the British division. However, we are past the deadline for Texas Steer validation for this year so his only option at this time would be to raise a heifer which has ownership deadline in November. If you need help finding one, PM me and I'll help you out.

Well darn. Ill have to tell him to look at other breeds then. Any suggestion as to breeds that tend to be more docile? We like the looks of brahmans, but have no clue about them either. Before he told me what he was wanting to do, I was looking at dexters. I've read they are pretty easy going, and there size appeals to me.

[JANSLEY817]

Brahmans, like many other American breed of cattle, can be more on the wild side. All breeds will have their wild ones, but continental breeds, IMO, seem to be more docile.

I was always partial to Herefords. They make excellent momma cows and are typically easy going.

Brahmans get very big and can be very hard headed, and plain wild, so if you son isn't built like a linebacker, find something smaller for his first project.

Well he is a big ol boy, but i don't wanna put him into anything wild. Where would one go to look for animals suitable for showing?

[Texastaxi]

Maybe you should start him off with a pig, or a sheep, or a rabbit?

[jomw10]

If you are interested in Dexters, let me know. I have some steers and calf bulls for sale..
You can show Dexter at the Houston Rodeo.

[BrandonF]

Well he is a big ol boy, but i don't wanna put him into anything wild. Where would one go to look for animals suitable for showing?

His ag teacher will know where to find anything you want.

If you really want to be competitive be prepared to spend around $4,000-$7,000 on a calf depending on the breed you go with. In that price range you could be competitive at most any show you go to. At least 10 years ago when I was showing this was the case. My first heifer I ever bought in 8th grade I spent $1,000 on. I never won anything with her, hell I don't think I even placed in anything lol, but she was my most memorable project and probably my most favorite project.

[AgHntr10]

Talk to him tonight and then talk to his ag teacher tomorrow.

Showing livestock is a very expensive hobby, but extremely rewarding for your son and you. Its a 365 day chore that requires a lot of hard work and dedication and long hours spent with your animal. If he really shows interest in a steer/ heifer project, find a way to make it happen for him. He will forever appreciate it. I know I sure did.

This right here. Raising a show calf isn't just turning it out in the pasture. Plan to feed and water twice a day everyday(whos going to do that when you go on vacation?). Halter break it and teach it to walk/show. Depending on what and where he is going to show it may need to be washed and blown to train the hair everyday. On top of feed(6-10lbs a day easily) you will have vet bills, hooves will need to be trimmed, halters, show stick, blower, grooming chute, clippers etc. Now a lot of this you may be able to borrow but you and him both need to understand what all is involved before jumping in blind.

That being said I loved every minute of showing and hope my daughter has an interest in it when she gets older. Good luck!

[Bearkat]

Many of options to show. Greatest organization and experience he could every have no matter what he shows. My son is the Texas FFA State President. The best experience he and us as a family could have ever had. Yes it cost money. And we didn't win a lot but lessons learned at every show. He and my daughter started showing at 8 years old. Showed pigs, goats, rabbits, heifers, ag mechanics throughout the years. Learned from all. It is a family affair.

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[JANSLEY817]

His ag teacher will know where to find anything you want.

If you really want to be competitive be prepared to spend around $4,000-$7,000 on a calf depending on the breed you go with. In that price range you could be competitive at most any show you go to. At least 10 years ago when I was showing this was the case. My first heifer I ever bought in 8th grade I spent $1,000 on. I never won anything with her, hell I don't think I even placed in anything lol, but she was my most memorable project and probably my most favorite project.

Dang I didn't realize I was going to need to buy a giraffes' A** haha.

[JANSLEY817]

Many of options to show. Greatest organization and experience he could every have no matter what he shows. My son is the Texas FFA State President. The best experience he and us as a family could have ever had. Yes it cost money. And we didn't win a lot but lessons learned at every show. He and my daughter started showing at 8 years old. Showed pigs, goats, rabbits, heifers, ag mechanics throughout the years. Learned from all. It is a family affair.

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Not going to lie, I think Im just as excited about the adventure as he is.

[ChickenWilly]

FFA made a huge impact on my life , my high school years wouldn't have went as well as they did for me if I hadn't been in ffa and showed cattle. It's not about winning a bunch of money at all but the experiences, friendships you make, and responsibility you get out of it all are what it's all about. I really hope my little girl gets into it. If for no other reason but because I miss it lol I never had an expensive calf and I had just as much fun as the kids that did if not more. Y'all won't regret it one bit! Good luck!

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[Rack Ranch]

I wish this statement were true in all cases but it isn't. The Ag teacher at our local school is a pig guy and cant give you much advise beyond that project. Sure, any of them can find a steer, but as far as finding you a good one and a good price? First of all he has to know if he's looking at a good one and getting them bought is only the beginning. Having traveled all over the state working on steers and heifers I have plenty of stories I could tell.

His ag teacher will know where to find anything you want.

If you really want to be competitive be prepared to spend around $4,000-$7,000 on a calf depending on the breed you go with. In that price range you could be competitive at most any show you go to. At least 10 years ago when I was showing this was the case. My first heifer I ever bought in 8th grade I spent $1,000 on. I never won anything with her, hell I don't think I even placed in anything lol, but she was my most memorable project and probably my most favorite project.