|
Young people raising stock for display in the 101st Eastern Oregon Livestock Show, which opens this week in Union, learn a lot about keeping records, budgeting and general problem-solving skills like how to move a 1,200-pound animal off their feet.
The more than 300 4-H and FFA exhibitors who will be involved at Saturday’s stock show junior auction also learn about the narrow profit margins in the livestock raising business. Raising steers, lambs or hogs is not a get rich quick scheme. Particularly not this year.
For example, the cost of a 595-pound steer in January, a traditional starting point for youth projects, at $1 per pound is $595. Add to that the cost of grain to get to stock show of about $400 and hay of about $53. That gives the youth a total project cost of $1,048. At a floor price of 90 cents per pounds for a 1,200-pound finished steer, or $1,080, the net project profit for the young exhibitor is $52.
As anyone can tell you, that won’t buy you much college these days. A college savings fund, buying school clothes or reinvesting in other animals have been traditional ways to use any project profits.
The youngsters are getting a firsthand lesson in how to meet tough economic challenges this year. Feed prices have risen exponentially. The young exhibitors are having to take a close look at the costs and benefits of their projects, which helps prepare them to be successful in business or whatever path they choose to follow in life.
This year’s livestock auction is set to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, and buyers are needed. It’s an exciting, dramatic event that it pays to attend in person for an unforgettable experience. Volunteers and ring stewards are on hand to help buyers with their bidding.
Buyers have two options. First, a buyer can resale the animal to the auction’s commercial buyers at the resale price. That way, he pays only the difference between the resale price and the amount bid, a sum that may be tax deductible. Second, a buyer can have the purchased animal custom-processed for his own consumption.
Buyers are critical. They encourage the FFA and 4-H youth to continue promoting the values of character-building, community involvement, good citizenship and responsibility. 4-H encourages kids to learn by doing and provides many leadership activities and community service opportunities. Kids in kindergarten through 12th grade take part, although many of the livestock exhibitors come from the older ranks. FFA, meanwhile, is for high school students and develops leadership training and opportunities, personal growth and exploration of career opportunities in agriculture and related fields.
Buyers who come back year after year can wear their contributions to the community as a badge of honor. New buyers can join the tradition. It’s a great investment in the community and in the future.
|
Opinion 
