My kids showed pigs 20-25 yrs ago. They loved it. I was always ready for it to be over each year, but ready for it to come around the next year. A lot of kids show pigs.

FFA= Father Feeds Animals

THIS^^^
My boys did FFA at Frisco high (2006_2010) each year and worked hard at it. Their hogs always made sale and they put some money in their pocket. Cattle is too expensive and the risk is high if you dont make sale. Youll be upside down real fast.

Don't make sale. Heck, load that puppy up and drop him by sale barn. Bringing good money even a one upper.

It is my understanding that. They now pool the money from the sponsors. Thus no huge payouts to the winners.

Steers are only good for burgers and maybe a decent steak after their show careers, but a good heifer can become a great momma for many years. Many breeders will offer to buy back a heifer after they're shown...

Never raised them but folks I have talked to that did and now discourage the raising of them say the feed inputs are just too much with steers etc.

I’ve seen a bunch go cheap and where probably tossed in a pen of like weighted @ feedlot.

Stick with the rabbits.

Have her build an ag mechanics project. Dosent eat, dosent die. A win, win.

But don't name them.

I would think that if she could show some feral hogs she would be able to win some showmanship trophies. Hamps and Durocs would be easy compared to the ferals.

Daughter unit raised goats and a pig. During highschool and really enjoyed it. It was a pretty good experience all the way around. She also held a couple officer positions and the experience was a real learning opportunity for her as well.
As said before, heifers are typically leased with a goal to calve during the project.
Steer can get real expensive. This is from 7 years ago so prices may have changed. I think $3500 was the entry point but the animal will not win any ribbons. Around 6-7K she can begin to compete locally but if you want to compete at state level shows you are looking at the 12-15K range. If you want to win at state level shows you will be looking at a 20K plus animal.

Pigs and Goats are around $400

These projects take a significant time investment. You can expect to invest about $2-3K in club fees, barn fees, show fees and feed / medical.

Thanks everyone.

Obviously we have a bunch to discuss here, because this won't be a parent taking care of the animal scenario (unless it involves cooking it).

On the other hand. Expensive, but less than rehab.... .

(Edit to add....rehab was a joke. But being busy does help to keep them out of trouble.)

I was hesitant about it but in the end, we had some great times, she learned a lot and made some great lifelong friends.
To me, it was money well spent.

I did FFA in high school, and enjoyed it. Best ROI is going to be poultry. It is much less time intensive and easier from a standpoint of pretty hands off. Just feed, feed, feed, and keep the pens clean.

Another one you could ask is Dave on here with the Equestrian Center for Handicapped Kids. Don't remember his online THF handle. My Ranch , before I sold, Donated a 6 month Registered Longhorn Bull Calf and The Young Man showing Him, hauled Him around Texas showing the Dude. Won a few Ribbons I heard. . Think instead on eating the little dude after showing, He was pastured somewhere on a Ranch up North living the Life. .

PS,
Ask Dave about His Trailer Episode when He and His Lovely wife first showed up to haul the calf from the Ranchito. Took 2 trips. One of my Bulls.

The kindness on THF!!!!!!!!!

Are bobwhite quail an option in the poultry class?