Page 29 - September 2022 Parker Co. 4-H Connection

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO PAY?

Harder to Answer but I'll Give it a Shot

I reached out to different breeders and
people in the show industry to ask Beef - You should be ready to spend
what bottom dollar in the livestock at least $2,000 for a heifer or a
show industry would be, and below are steer.
the amounts I received. Market Poultry - Broilers are going
to be anywhere from $1.50-$2.00,
Yes, you might very well be able to find Turkeys $6-$7. You need to factor
something cheaper than what's listed in the number of birds you
below but at least you can have a have/need to buy. Poultry feed is
general idea of the price points of also very expensive and market
these projects. Please keep in mind, I birds eat a tremendous amount of
asked about bottom dollar, most of feed.
these prices reflect lower quality
animals. I hope this gives you a better idea of
the lower end price points of livestock
Rabbits - Easily spend anywhere projects. Also, please understand,
from $25/rabbit up to $150/rabbit. most breeders are all about supporting
Goats - If you're looking for a show youth but they also have to make a
goat you need to be prepared to living and cover their costs as well. It's
pay at least $700, and really and the nature of the beast.
truly they're going to be closer to
the $800-$1,000 for that lower-
middle of the road, show quality
animal.
Sheep - very similar to goats, you T H E L I V E S T O C K S H O W I N D U S T R Y A N D T H E
need to be prepared to pay at least C O M M E R C I A L L I V E S T O C K I N D U S S T R Y
$700, but reality is, $1,000 really is
the average. are not the same
Swine - I was told that it is very
difficult to find a lower end show
quality hog for less than $800. Also T H E F A S T E R Y O U C O M E T O T E R M S W I T H T H A T ,
keep in mind, swine feed is one of T H E M O R E Y O U ' L L U N D E R S T A N D T H E P R I C E
the most expensive livestock feed P O I N T S O F T H E L I V E S T O C K S H O W I N D U S T R Y
on the shelf.

28 PARKER COUNTY 4-H CONNECTION / SEPTEMBER