Goats 
Goats are primarily for the production of quality meat products, and are raised with the intent to provide a buyer with a quality cut of meat (Note* - Not all animals sold will become food products, but if this is a concern of the student, it is suggested to try and find your own buyer ahead of time, before the KCYS Auction). This is typically a 1 academic year project and it is a goal to earn a profit. 

Typically, if a student is raising a goat project, they will purchase a wether(castrated male) Boer goat. Boer's are the industry standard meat goat.

Lambs
Lambs are also primarily used for the production of quality meat products, but can also be raised with the intent to help develop quality breeding stock(breeding stock other than cows are not currently available as a project), of a specific breed or type of lamb. Lambs are usually a 1 academic year project and it is also goal to earn a profit.

Typically, a student who wishes to show a lamb will purchase a Market wether (castrated male), and usually a Hampshire or Suffolk breed or cross between the two, as these are the premier meat type lamb breeds. 
Purchasing a Ewe (female) may also be an option for the student and these projects will be sold as a market meat product at the KCYS Livestock Show and Auction.

*Just as with any animal though, it is up to the Buyer of the animal to decide what to do with it, and should a student be concerned with this process, they are encouraged to find their own buyers before KCYS.*


COST:
Student's are advised to expect a minimum purchase price of $300-500 for all lamb & goat projects. If a student finds a cheaper animal, they can seek advisement from their Ag teacher on whether it is a good find, but it is the student's sole decision on what animal to purchase. 
Students can spend more money if they choose, though if making a profit is the goal.

Buying:
Advisers can and will help with the purchasing and transportation of animals if prior arrangement are made.  The Advisor will walk students through the buying process and accompany them to sales & ranches, if needed. The student will be shown good & bad characteristics of animals and be advised on which animal would be a quality choice.  The student however, holds the buying power and will be the final decision maker on which animal they purchase. It is advised that at least one parent/guardian accompany the student to purchase their animal so that they are involved with the process and learn some of the same knowledge to assist their students with. 
Please see SALE & SHOPPING dates below for more info.... 

When shopping with your Ag Teachers, we Might stop at a Feed store or Tractor supply on the way home to help you purchase any basic supplies/feed that you might need. If you would like to purchase supplies in advance, please see your advisor or ask a fellow, experienced, FFA member. 


Responsibilities 
As with all student raised animal projects, the students are required to cover all cost, care & maintenance of their animal as needed. These projects belong TO THE STUDENT and it is their Entrepreneurship SAE to be responsible for. 

Daily Care: All lamb & goat projects are to be fed quality feed, AT LEAST once a day(twice a day is normal). Lambs & Goats also require adequate exercise & time out of their stall and should be walked daily. Their stalls must be cleaned REGULARLY. 
Many of our students work together to help out as need, and it is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE for any animal project to miss a meal. We have a strong support system and their is always someone who is able to help as needed. Please see the barn/project rules for details on consequences...  

Supplies: 
Students can buy as much or as little of supplies as needed. Our FFA chapter has a lot of start up items on hand to help anyone who might need it, but students should purchase their own basic supplies. 
Basic supplies for lambs/goats consist of halters (or neck chains for goats), feed bowls/troughs, water buckets, grooming brushes and sealed feed containers to store feed and/or hay. Students are advised to save up at least $100 to purchase most of their basic supplies. This may or may not include the cost of feed & hay. 

Feeding:  
Students should work closely with their Adviser to establish a feeding program. Advisers will provide suggestions for feed and/or any supplements their animal might need, but it is up to the student to make the decisions regarding their animal projects. 

Chapter Supplies: 
Advisers will typically have basic health care supplies on hand for any incidents that may happen, but will advise the students on how to care for issues as they come up (and they will come up...). 
The Chapter also has a plenty of Show boxes & Show team supplies for those who raise animals & attend shows. We never discourage a student from getting their own supplies, but the Chapter's supplies are certainly available as needed, and deemed necessary. 

DEWORMING - 
Lambs and Goats  should be dewormed for internal and external parasites monthly leading up to the show.  The advisor recommends a final deworming 30 days from show so that the animal is ready for the show and for the food supply chain immediately after the KCYS.  
Most worming medications have a 30 day withdrawl period.  

Resources - 
For more information on what it takes to raise a lamb/goat project, please utilize the links below or contact your adviser to set up a meeting. 

http://animalscience.tamu.edu

http://texasyouthlivestock.com/goat/

http://www.texasshowgoatconnection.com/GoatGuide.pdf

http://texasyouthlivestock.com/sheep/

http://www.texasshowlambconnection.com/LambGuide.pdf



SALES & SHOPPING DATES

• Shopping Dates and Price information will be given at the first FFA meeting of the year(September)