{"id":4841,"date":"2014-04-11T11:40:48","date_gmt":"2014-04-11T19:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/lincoln-adams\/?page_id=4841"},"modified":"2014-04-11T11:40:48","modified_gmt":"2014-04-11T19:40:48","slug":"market-livestock-profitibility","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/lincoln-adams\/market-livestock-profitibility\/","title":{"rendered":"Market Livestock Profitability for 4-H & FFA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before he retired, Tom Platt designed a calculator to help youngsters and their families evaluate the economics of 4-H and FFA market livestock projects is available. It should be used as a planning tool prior to beginning the project, and again to evaluate the project after it is completed. CLICK HERE<\/a><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Planning for your market livestock project<\/h3>\n

by Sara M Smith<\/h5>\n

As we all are aware the basic costs of living has increased significantly in the past few years and many individuals have also faced difficult economic times during this time.\u00a0The cost to raise agriculture commodities (corn, hay, potatoes, wheat, cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats) has also risen significantly in the past few years as equipment purchases\/upkeep, feed, and fuel prices continue to rise.\u00a0With these increased prices and depressed livestock prices, producers are experiencing a very tight profit margin and profit losses in the livestock industry.<\/p>\n

So what does that mean for youth looking forward to being involved in a market animal project \u2014It means two (2) things:\u00a01) Youth and their parents cannot expect to pay the same amount for a project animal, feed, equipment, etc. as you paid 20 years ago, 2 years ago, or even a year ago.\u00a0The cost to produce those product, be it a animal, feed, or equipment, has increased\u2014so expect to pay more for them; and 2)\u00a0Youth need to set down with their parents, leaders, and\/or advisors and identify their resources, goals and production\/show alternatives for being involved with a 4-H\/FFA market animal project.\u00a0Both youth and parents need to develop a plan for purchasing and raising a market animal that fits into their budget.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t want to be accused of saying that the only reason to take a 4-H\/FFA project animal is to make money\u2014there are many important life skills that can be developed\/learned from raising a food animal\u2014responsibility, leadership, compassion, etc.\u00a0However, in addition to these life skills, sound financial decision making is a critical life skill youth need to develop for future economic and personal success and satisfaction.\u00a0Today, U.S. consumer debt is at an all time high and delinquency on credit card debt in American is at shocking rates.<\/p>\n

For these reason\u2014I challenge parents, exhibitors, and leadersadvisors to evaluate and review economic goals and financial losses or gains.\u00a0Tom Platt, former WSU Extension Educator from the Lincoln\/Adams\/Spokane Area, developed an Excel spreadsheet youth can use to calculate expected expenses and income.\u00a0The electronic publication, Youth Market Livestock Profit Calculator, is designed to help youth livestock producers and their families evaluate the economics of 4-H and FFA market livestock projects.\u00a0It should be used as a planning tool prior to beginning the project and again to evaluate the project after it is completed.\u00a0Even if parents or another person purchases feed or parts of the projects, calculate those expenses against your income.\u00a0In addition, calculate what your animal was \u201creally\u201d worth using the \u201ctrue market value\u201d (the turned or floor value)\u2014that is the price most<\/strong> of our livestock producers are receiving for the animals they are producing to feed the world.\u00a0This will help everyone recognize the real world value of food animals and of the \u201cgenerous gift\u201d you are receiving when you sell your animal through the 4-H\/FFA program.<\/p>\n

Click HERE<\/a> for The Youth Market Livestock Profit Calculator<\/p>\n

Related:<\/p>\n

Working with Youth Who Market Livestock<\/h3>\n

Resource developed by WSU Extension Educator, Susan Kerr, on the very human youthful challenges and considerations when young people become involved in a livestock market project.
\nCheck out the following new fact sheet from WSU Ext. Publications:
\nFS112E, Preparing Youth for the Sale of their Market Livestock Project.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Sarah M. Smith<\/a>
\n<\/em><\/strong>Extension Regional Specialist–Animal Sciences
\nWSU Grant-Adams Extension
\nPO Box 37, Courthouse
\nEphrata, WA 98823
\nPhone: (509) 754-2011, Ext. 413
\n(800) 572-0119 (toll free in Washington)
\nhttp:\/\/grant-adams.wsu.edu<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/animalag.wsu.edu<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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