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Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions and we have answers! Below are some frequently asked questions about starting projects, financing and more about the basics for your first project.


Questions for Beginners

What type of animal should I raise?
Picking an animal to raise is a decision that can only be made by you. Each project will come with a certain amount of time that you must devote, responsibility and a specific cost. First consider if you have the facilities to raise the type of animal you want. You should not try to raise an animal in facilities that aren't specifically designed for that animal, you could put them or yourself in a dangerous situation. If you have both the facilities and the finances for a project the most important thing to consider is if you have the time to give to this project and if you will like showing this species of animal. The information below shows the basic time requirements to raise an animal, however this does not include the additional time it will take to practice for the show ring at the fair.

Market Swine Project: At the beginning of a swine project most pigs eatfrom a free feeder which can make this project the least time consuming.The free feeder and access to an automatic water dispenser makes it possible for the owner to check on the project once a day to clean, make sure the animal is safe and has adequate food and water. Later in the project it is possible you will need to pan feed the animal twice a day like other large enterprise projects.

Market Sheep/Goat Project: Requires a moderate amount of time. Throughout the project you will need to feed the animal twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. During these times you will also need to check the animal for health, safety and clean water.

Market Steer Project: Requires the most attention of the four large animal market projects. Throughout the project you will need to feed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. During these times you will also need to check the animal's health, safety and clean water like the other projects. When raising cattle it is important to keep their coat thick and in good shape as you will need a full coat to fit the animal to its best potential at the show. To do this take the extra time to rinse, dry and brush the animal as often as possible depending on the conditions of your facility.

Who pays for an enterprise project?
The exhibitor is responsible for paying for their project and everything related. This includes the purchase of the animal, feed, bedding, equipment, medical expenses, entry fees and potentially pen fees. Although most students do not have a few hundred dollars available to start a project there are several options available to help students finance their projects.


Family & Friends: Family and friends can be very helpful when you are looking to fund a project. For example if you were to get just 50 dollars from a few relatives you will have funded a swine or small animal project. Another option is to get a loan from a family member for the project. If you do take a personal loan create a simple written agreement on how you will pay them back at the end of the project. (In this case make sure you have a buyer lined up so you can estimate the amount of return on your project before you take a loan.)

Local Businesses: Don't be afraid to write a letter to a local business. Your parent's business or your neighbor's restaurant could be your next sponsor. Companies who sponsor your project can likely use the cost as a tax write off for their business and can make your project part of their philanthropic efforts this year. You can even offer to advertise their business on your pen at your school farm or the fair as part of the sponsorship.

Loans: Some high school agriculture departments and 4-H clubs have loan funds for their members. Talk to your leader or adviser about the best way to apply for a loan and to see how you can qualify. If you don't have this option consider starting a loan fund at your club or chapter, this could benefit you next year and many exhibitors like you in the future.

Fundraising: Do fundraising for your first animal, you can do this with your friends or as a part of a club or group. Fundraising can be a large undertaking so ask an advisor or parent to help you organize the event.

How long will I have the project?
Depending on the species you chose you could have a project anywhere from 30 days for small animals up to nine months for large animals when raising market projects. Breeding animals you could have for the life of the project or until you decide to sell them. Below is a short guide for how long you will have your fair animal. You should also check the ownership requirements for your county fair, most fairs require that you purchase your animal at least 60 days before for large animals, 120 for cattle, and 30 days before the fair for small animals.

Cattle: 7-10 months
Sheep, Swine and Goats: 2-3 months
Small animals: 1-2 months

Do I have to be in 4-H or FFA to raise an animal?
No, you do not. While there are many advantages to being part of a 4-H club or an FFA chapter you do not have to be a member to raise a project and show it at the county fair or a jackpot.  To show without a club or chapter you will show as an Independent at the fair; jackpot shows do not classify by 4-H or FFA affiliation, each exhibitor is classified as an independent. However, it is recommended to join a club or chapter for the resources they provide. This can include guidance from an advisor or group leaders, available pen space and even other students your age to practice and study with just to name a few.

Jackpot Questions

What is A/B show format?

A/B Show Format is where two shows for a species are hosted by one organization in the same weekend. The shows have the same class breaks but different judges and therefore potentially different placings for each class.  Exhibitors are encouraged to show in both shows. A/B Format allows exhibitors more experience and practice with the travel and lodging expenses of only one show. For exhibitors who are a member of the Calfiornia Junior Livestock Association the A/B Format also provides the opportunity for double points towards their membership.

A and B shows can be scheduled in different ways, including:

Back-to-Back Format: Show A is started and completed in its entirety, then show B is started and completed in the same day.

Separate Format: Show A is started and completed in its entirety on the first day, then show B is started and completed on the next day.

Staggerd Format: Show A is started for a period of time determined by the show, then show B is started. The two shows run concurrently so exhibitors can move from show A to show B with a short period of time between, readying their animal only once. There is possiblility for an exhibitor to have an animal in each of the shows at the same time. For example, if you bring two lambs that are twenty pounds different in weight you may find you need to be in class 4 of show A and class 1 of show B, depending on how they are staggered, these classes may be going at the same time. Check the rules of the individual show to see what is an accepted action to take when this is the case.

For all formats it is important the judge for the B show to never see the results of the A show since the outcome of each show should be based on the designated judges decision only.