Table of Contents:
Cover
1
Table of Contents
2
Why Show a Livestock Animal
3
Choosing an animal
4
Rules and Responsibilities
5-7
Shows
8
Schedule
9
Supplies / Vendors
10
*Enclosures:
-Responsibilities Acknowledgement Form
-Clinic flyer
-Healthcheck form
-Effingham Fair Entry Form
-GA National Fair Entry Form
-Recordbook for your species
Why Show a Livestock Animal?
Whether you choose to show a goat, heifer, hog or steer, there are a multitude of benefits of raising
and showing livestock animals.
 Very few FFA livestock projects are economically profitable. However, neither is paying for
band lessons, taking them to summer recreation programs, buying bicycles and paying for
other youth activities. But if a parent's goal is to invest in their child's development as a
person, learn responsibility, set goals and gain knowledge of livestock production, then FFA
livestock projects are profitable investments in their child's future.
 Keeping livestock shows in proper perspective is important. They are not cow shows, swine
shows or goat shows, they are "Student Shows!" The animal is simply the ticket for the
youngster to participate.
Following are "Life Skills" that FFA livestock project students gain:
 How to get along with people. A large number of people in society quit or lose their jobs
because they cannot get along with others. FFA students who show livestock are around
people they have never met but have similar interests. They learn to communicate with these
people.
 Sportsmanship. At a livestock show, there is only one Grand Champion. However, there are
many winners. FFA students who show livestock for any period of time usually experience
the extreme high feeling of an exceptional effort and the extreme disappointment of a project
that didn't turn out as well as was expected. Normally, win or lose, the competitors in the
show ring ( the FFA students ) can be seen after the show talking and enjoying life together.
 Responsibility. Feeding and daily chores in a FFA livestock project teach responsibility. Top
feeders follow the time clock in their daily efforts. This is a good habit to start at a young age
and may reap youngster’s substantial benefits in a career later in their lives.
 Attend to details. Most young people take care of major items in a FFA livestock project like
fencing, feeding, etc. However many times it's the little things that make a different: keeping
water tanks and feed troughs clean, working on grooming and showmanship several months
before the show, keeping pens clean and close observation for sickness and disease. Paying
attention to details is beneficial in almost everything we do in life.
 Decision making. Decision making is never easy at any point in our lives. FFA livestock
projects require several key decisions be made: selection of project animals, selection of
feeding method, care and management decisions, fitting and grooming techniques, etc.
 Goal setting. For every successful FFA livestock project, there is usually a good plan. Most
details and plans for the project on selection, feeding and management of the project have
been planned well in advance. Goal setting is important for everyone regardless of future
endeavors. Are FFA livestock projects successful? We may hear some negative things about
them but these projects are a long way ahead of whatever is in second place in helping teach
our young people to adjust to life. Next time you are at a livestock show, study the kids
instead of the animals. You will notice that most classes have several winners, not just the one
standing in first place.
Showing livestock is a very rewarding experience. It’s hard to list the many benefits obtained
from participating on our livestock show team. The best advice: talk to students who have raised
and shown animals before and find out about their experiences!
Choosing an animal
When deciding whether to show a goat, a hog, a heifer, or a steer, there are several
things to keep in mind:
 How much room does the animal require?
 How much feed will it eat?
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How much time can I devote to training?
What equipment is necessary?
How long is the show season?
Can I borrow the animal or do I have to buy it? How much will it cost?
If you are unsure about the answers to some of these questions, talk to your parents
about the resources available to you and then to your advisor about which livestock
animal is best for you. There are several resources that you can use to learn more
about showing livestock:
 Iowa State University Extension webpage:
www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/projects/livestock
 SEMS FFA Website: www.effinghamschools.com, choose school site: South
Effingham Middle school, then under clubs, click on FFA
 GA Agriculture Education website: www.gaaged.org
 GA 4H livestock website:
http://georgia4h.org/livestock/state_livestock_show.htm
 Each fall, the FFA Advisors host a goat clinic and a heifer/steer clinic to help
prepare you for the upcoming shows
 The advisors have several videos on showmanship, care and feeding, and
fitting and grooming animals for show which are available to you to borrow
Rules and Responsibilities
Advisor: As your advisors, we are dedicated to your success, the success of the livestock
team, and the welfare of the animals that represent our team. As your advisors, we will
 Provide advice when possible in the selection of show animals, feed, grooming
equipment, and other necessary purchases
 Advise students and parents concerning proper feeding and housing for animals
 Provide instruction and recommendations to help students properly groom animals
for show, train their animals prior to show, learn animal anatomy and facts
necessary for showmanship, and exhibit their animals successfully in the show ring
 Provide students with entry forms for all school sponsored livestock shows
 Plan and conduct health checks for livestock animals (1 first semester, 1 second
semester)
 Provide Livestock Logbook and SAE Recordbooks to students. Assist students with
record completion.
 Tag animals for state shows (goats-fall, hogs, steers, heifers-spring)
 Provide transportation for livestock exhibitors to and from out-of-county schoolsponsored livestock shows
 Ensure that all students who are competing have followed the rules and guidelines
set forth in this manual
o The South Effingham Agriculture teachers reserve the right to dismiss any
student from the Livestock Show team based on eligibility, behavior, or
improper care of animal
Students: As members of the South Effingham FFA Livestock Show Team, students will
conduct themselves in a way that brings pride to our team:
 Treat animals ethically at home, in the barn, and in the show ring
 Attend FFA scheduled health checks or attain own health papers for your animal
prior to first show of each season (fall and spring)
 Submit entry forms for shows by due date (see Show Schedule)
 Read and follow all show rules and regulations for each show in which you
compete
 Follow all school and county student rules at all FFA show team events including
anytime the student exhibits their animal as a representative of SE FFA
 Follow all rules and regulations as set forth in this manual
 Work with fellow show team members and advisors to maintain cleanliness in the
livestock trailer, barns, and other work areas
 Arrive on time to all shows and team meetings, remain in the areas designated by
the advisors, and leave only when dismissed by the advisor
 Follow all instructions from any county FFA advisor, show coordinator, or judge
 Avoid cursing, arguing, and horseplay in the barns and show ring
 Wear appropriate clothing at all times while representing the show team at
livestock events
 Wear appropriate show clothing including: jeans or khakis pressed and in good
condition, collared shirt, and boots
 Assist fellow show team members before, during, and after show
 Complete and submit to your Ag. Teacher Livestock Logbook by the following
deadlines (SEHS students may count this as their SAE project if they are enrolled
in an Ag. Class):
o Goats: November 9
o Hogs (fall semester): November 9
o Hogs (spring semester): March 1
o Heifers: March 1
 Note: The Livestock Logbook is different from the SAE Recordbook from last
year! Students will still be provided with a Recordbook for their species and have
the option of completing and turning it in for competition at Perry if they choose;
however, only the livestock logbook is required
 Remain eligible with school to participate in extracurricular activities (attendance,
grades, discipline)
 Obtain supplies necessary to show your animal (see Supplies)
 Display a positive attitude and good sportsmanship at any time you represent the
South Effingham FFA Livestock Show Team
Parent Responsibilities: To help promote teamwork, good showmanship, and success,
your assistance as a parent of the livestock show team is very important and valued.
Please help us and:
 Review show team guidelines, show rules, and school rules with your child
frequently.
 Encourage your child to accurately complete and turn in all registration paperwork
and other required forms, including livestock logbooks, on time.
 Avoid use of tobacco, alcohol, and profanity at all FFA livestock events.
 Support the decisions and instructions given by FFA advisors, show judges, and
other officials at all FFA and livestock events.
 Provide positive support of your child and the entire FFA livestock team.
Parent and Students: To ensure the safety, health, and show readiness of their animals,
students and parents of the South Effingham FFA Livestock Team will:
 Find and purchase the livestock animal(s) you wish to show by required deadline
(see show schedule for deadlines of different species)
 Provide proper shelter and pen for animal
 Provide adequate feed and water for animal at all times
 Transport or arrange transportation for livestock animals to health checks, show
clinics, and livestock competitions
 Ensure livestock animals are healthy by providing vaccinations, de-worming on
schedule, and all other healthcare, including emergency care that may require
veterinarian assistance.
 Monitor animal weight gain and adjust feed accordingly to ensure animals will be
at market weight in time for show (market weights are listed in show rules for each
show)
 Submit all registration forms and other important documents on or before the
deadline set by the FFA advisors
 Review all show rules, age and weight guidelines, registration deadlines, check-in
information, health requirements, and other pertinent information.
 Arrange for the sale of animal, privately and ethically slaughter animal, or continue
to care for animal after the livestock animal exceeds show weight or age.
Other Key Rules/Responsibilities:
1. Students are responsible for caring for and monitoring their show animals on a
daily basis. Advisors have 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, threatens their animal’s health, or brings discredit to our
organization.
2. Parents may be asked to leave school or county property or any FFA sponsored
event for misconduct, aggressive behavior, or any behavior that brings discredit to
our organization.
3. Students who choose to attend livestock shows outside of the designated school
shows must follow all school, FFA, and show team guidelines as they still represent
our organization.
4. It is extremely important to understand that the health and welfare of your animal is
your responsibility and the advisor will in no way be liable for your animal’s
health, emergency care, housing, transportation, slaughter, etc.
By working together as a team, caring for the health and welfare of your animals, and
dedicating your time to practicing, studying, and grooming for exhibitions, the South
Effingham FFA Livestock Team is sure to have a smooth and successful year!
Shows:
School-sponsored Livestock Shows:
1. Effingham County Fair, October 17-21, Springfield, GA.
a. Registration deadline: September 15 (entry form enclosed, turn in to your
advisor on or before deadline)
2. GA Jr. National Fair, October 6-16, Perry, GA
a. Goat deadline: July 10 (Ag. Teacher turns in)
b. Heifer deadline: September 1 (You register online)
c. Hog deadline: September 1 (You register online)
3. Effingham County FFA Alumni Hog Show, Date To Be Determined, Springfield,
GA
a. Registration deadline not yet available
4. GA Jr. National Livestock Show, February 22-26, Perry GA
a. Heifer deadline: September 23 (Ag. Teacher turns in)
b. Hog deadline: November 30 (Ag. Teacher turns in)
Other available livestock shows for students:
 Coastal Empire Fair, Savannah, GA
o Gilts: October 29th, registration deadline: October 5
o goats, heifers: November 5th, registration deadline: October 11
o register online at www.coastalempirefair.com by midnight on deadline date
 GA-Carolina State Fair, Augusta, GA
o Goats: October 21
 Registration deadline: September 23
o Heifers: October 15
 Registration deadline: September 23
o Registration forms can be found at www.georgiacarolinastatefair.com/
 Two Rivers Pig Jig, Sylvania, GA
o Hogs
o February (date not yet available)
o Registration forms can be found at www.georgia4h.org
 MooMoo Classic, Sylvania, GA
o heifers
o January (date not yet available)
o Registration forms can be found at
http://www.ugaextension.com/screven/4H/ScrevenCountyMooMooClassic.h
tml
*Note: this is not a complete list. For the most up-to-date FFA Livestock Show schedule,
visit www.gaaged.org, click on Livestock Calendar.
Another great website: www.georgiashowring.com
Schedule
May-July
Purchase/borrow animal(s) that you wish to show (goats for fall, heifers
for year-long, hogs for fall)
July 10: deadline for goats for GA National Fair
September
September 1: deadline for heifers/steers/hogs for GA National Fair
September 15: deadline for Effingham Co. Fair
September 23: deadline for heifers for GA Jr. Livestock Show (Feb)
September 23: deadline for goats and heifers, GA-Carolina State Fair
October
cleanup day for Effingham fair (TBD)
October 5: registration deadline, gilts for Coastal Empire Fair
October 11: registration deadline, goats and heifers for Coastal Empire Fair
October 6 – 16: GA National Fair
October 15: GA-Carolina State Fair Heifer Show
October 17 - 21: Effingham Fair
October 21: GA-Carolina State Fair Goat Show
October 29: Gilts, Coastal Empire Fair
November
November 5: Goats and Heifers, Coastal Empire Fair
November 9: Livestock Logbooks due for hogs and goats
November 30: registration deadline, hogs for GA Jr. Livestock Show (Perry
in Feb)
purchase hogs for spring show season
January
Health check for new hogs and update health papers on heifers.
February
February 22-25GA Jr. National Livestock Show
Alumni Hog Show (TBD)
find buyers or homes for animal after show season has ended (end of Feb).
March
March 1: Livestock Logbooks due: hogs, heifers
Supplies
*Required Supplies:
All students: boots, jeans, belt, and button-down collared shirt for show ring
Water bucket and feed bucket
shampoo, sponges, brushes for washing and cleaning animal
old towels for general cleaning purposes
Goat exhibitors: lead and chain, brush, rope halter
Hog exhibitors: show whip or stick, brush
Heifer/steer exhibitors: show comb, leather halter, rope halter, show stick, neck rope
*Other supplies you may wish to have:
Hose, baby powder, hoof dressing (goats, heifers, steers), clip for exhibitor number (or
safety pins)
Vendors:
B & S Farm Supply – Springfield
Tractor Supply - Rincon
Webb’s Farm Service – Springfield
Lovett’s Trading Post – Rincon
Sullivan Show Supplies: www.sullivansupply.com
Nasco Farm & Livestock: http://www.enasco.com/farmandranch/
Showstoppers: http://www.vittetoe.com/showstopper/showpig.htm
South Effingham FFA Livestock Show Team
Responsibilities Acknowledgment Form
Student Name: __________________________________________ Grade: ________
Address:
___________________________________________________________
Student Phone: _____________________ Parent Phone: _____________________
STUDENTS:
I understand that participation on the South Effingham FFA Livestock show team is a privilege that requires
hard work, sportsmanship, and dedication. This privilege may be revoked by the FFA advisor if I fail to follow
any of the above guidelines or in any way discredit the South Effingham FFA.
Student Signature: _____________________________________Date: __________________
PARENTS:
I understand that by participating as a member of the South Effingham FFA Show Team, my child and I are
responsible for the health, welfare, and transportation of our animals. I also understand that maintaining a
high level of discipline and teamwork is crucial to our teams success and will help encourage my child to
observe the guidelines listed above and stated by their advisors. I understand that failure to follow these
guidelines may result in disciplinary actions as deemed necessary by the FFA advisors.
Parent Signature: ____________________________________Date: _______________________
Advisor:
As your advisor, I am dedicated to your success and will work with parents and students to promote the
success and safety of the South Effingham FFA Livestock Show Team, and the welfare of the animals that
represent the show team.
Advisor Signature: ____________________________________Date: _______________________