Show Animals

[keestan31]

My daughter is 4 and completely obsessed with any and all animals so I thought it would be fun to try and get her involved with show Livestock. I know absolutely nothing about how all this works or where to start so I am looking for some pointers and help from you guys. Any information or tips on where to start and what to expect would be great.

[PapaBear]

if you are interested in angoras, my FIL raises some good show goats in Mason. I can put you in contact with him if you'd like.

[dmk]

Contact your county extension office. At 4 she is too young to show in 4H. But some counties have a clover kids program. They go to meetings but don't do animal projects. If you have the space I'd think about maybe just picking up a cheap goat or something small just to have her work with it.


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[hogslayer78]

I might be wrong but I'm thinking you have to be 8 yrs old to show 4-H. Both of my boys show FFA, but I'm thinking to show 4-H it is 8 yrs old. They can join earlier but can't show

[keestan31]

I might be wrong but I'm thinking you have to be 8 yrs old to show 4-H. Both of my boys show FFA, but I'm thinking to show 4-H it is 8 yrs old. They can join earlier but can't show

Ok that makes more sense because I was reading the same that they couldn't show until 8 but could join earlier. I was wondering what they would do if they joined earlier but couldn't show.

[brianlg31]

Some of the counties are doing Bucket calves now for the clover kids. Don't know any details because it started after my kids graduated but still being a 4-H Rifle Coach I still get all the emails.

[Robert]

Pig or goat easiest and cheapest way to go

[adam_p]

Ok that makes more sense because I was reading the same that they couldn't show until 8 but could join earlier. I was wondering what they would do if they joined earlier but couldn't show.

We did public speaking and stuff like that at the 4H meetings. I wish I'd have taken it more seriously. Its a good program if you have a good chapter.


Pigs have gotten expensive if you want to contend consistently.

[Walker]

Let her start with rabbits. Cheap beginner animals

[Bucksaw]

Call your local county extension agent and ask what level of 4H participation she is eligible for. 4H and Jr. FFA require that they be 3rd grade, but in Nacogdoches County we have a breeder rabbit show for all school aged children through the 2nd grade.

[hogslayer78]

There is nothing cheap or easy about any of it. Just like anything else these days, it's all about money. Do it for the experience and anything above that is a plus. Pigs and goats have gotten ridiculous as far as what you have to pay to compete. Not as much in your small county shows but your majors(San Antonio, Houston, Ft Worth). You can get a cheaper animal and some turn out pretty good sometimes, but a decent major show hog is $1000 minimum.

[keestan31]

Thanks for all of the info guys I am going to contact my local 4-H and FFA. I thought she was still too young to compete but I got into a conversation with a guy today and he was telling me they were starting at 3 now which sounded crazy. I knew you guys would get me the right information. I am going to go ahead and contact the 4-H and FFA anyways to find out what all is available in our county.

[RLHoward]

If your around Kleberg County the end of January . Come watch are pee-wee goat and pig show . They start at 3 years old . It's pre 4-H .

[keestan31]

If your around Kleberg County the end of January . Come watch are pee-wee goat and pig show . They start at 3 years old . It's pre 4-H .

So some groups do start at 3 man that seems pretty early but I guess the earlier you get them involved the better.

[txarcher]

So some groups do start at 3 man that seems pretty early but I guess the earlier you get them involved the better.

Most of the pee wee shows that I'm aware of don't actually require that the animal be the project of the kid showing it. They're more to generate interest with the little kids by letting them get in the show ring with an older kid's animal.