Livestock

SAE Projects

Important Info For Showman

- Fair Rule/Schedule Change Proposals (See PDF)

- Holtville Prefair on January 24th (Animals must be washed and fitted, showmen must be in Official Show Uniform)

- Register for Fair before it's too late (prices have already conferened)

How to show an animal with Holtville FFA

Get in touch

No one will be a better help than the livestcok advisor for the animal you are interested in showing. See who to contact on the SAE Landing Page

Put in the work

Showing an animal requires significant time each day spent feeding, watering, cleaning, training, and caring for your livestock

Beyond the show ring

You must write thank you letters to your main and add-on buyers; AND complete everything else on this list... or you will not be elligible to show again!

Consider it carefully

Caring for animal is no small task, and it is not for everyone. Make sure you consider your situation carefully and are informed with your animal specific documents

Prepare for fair

Before you can show at the Imperial Valley Mid Winter Fair you must complete YQCA training, register on the fair's website, and write letters to potential buyers (if you intend to sell)

Sign and pay

Before raising an animal with Holtville FFA you must sign the appropriate paperwork and pay for your animal and corresponding fees

Show show show

Once fair comes around, your animal will be moved to the fair grounds and kept there. You will show your animal in various classes and sell him/her (if that's what you would like to do).

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is it expensive?

Answer: Yes and no. When you sign up to show an animal with our FFA chapter, expect to pay for many things. The cost of the animal itself, feed, supplements, medicine, insurance, rent, registration fees, training/show equipment and more. However, it all depends on the animal and your particular circumstances. That being said, market animals that make weight, may be sold at the county fair auction. Bidders are generous individuals who have the showman's best interest at heart. They bid graciously, and give extra add-ons as they see fit. Many students are able to make money through this process, but it's not a guarantee.

Question: Do I have to keep it in my backyard?

Answer: No, but you can. Holtville FFA has two barns for student livestock projects thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. Any Holtville FFA member may keep their fair animals at the school barn for a small rent and maintenance fee. Nevertheless, students who wish to keep their animal at home or somewhere else, also have that choice.

Question: What happens if it gets sick?

Answer: Unfortunately, animals do get sick. If that happens with your fair project the medicine fee will cover treatment for the most common illnesses we see. For more serious cases you will need to contact a large animal vet at your own expense. In the event an animal passes away, members will receive a set amount of reimbursement from the insurance fee, which may or may not be equal to the entire cost of the animal.

Question: Where does it go after fair?

Answer: Depends on the animal you raise, and your own choice. Breeding animals are not eligible to be sold at fair and thus you keep him/her or return them to their owner. Market animals, however, may be sold. Each showman may put 1 market animal up for auction. These animals will be delivered to their buyers after the Fair. Selling market animals is a choice. Any market animals that are not sold by the showman will be kept the student or given back to their owner (if not the student).