OCONEE COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOL
FFA

LIVESTOCK
Updated as of 08/2017
 HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER TO PARENTS 3
OCONEE COUNTY FFA SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM 4
OCONEE COUNTY FFA BARN FACILITY GUIDELINES AND RULES 5
OCONEE COUNTY FFA BEEF OR DAIRY HEIFER & STEER PROJECTS CHECKLIST 9
OCONEE COUNTY FFA SWINE PROJECTS CHECKLIST 11
BARN CONTRACT 13
BARN AGREEMENT 16
PARENT AUTHORIZATION FOR TEXT MESSAGE COMMUNICATION 18

2
 OCONEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
2721 Hog Mountain Rd. Phone: 706.769.6655
Watkinsville, GA 30677

Dear Parents,

We are pleased that your son or daughter has expressed an interested in participating in this years
Livestock Team and keeping their animal at the Oconee County Barn. With the show season quickly
approaching, it is our goal as their agriculture teachers to keep everyone informed with livestock
information. The Oconee County Barn will be available to ANY STUDENT within the Oconee County School
System. All students and parents interested in keeping an animal at the barn must read the following
handbook and sign the required forms. Please note that by signing the following DOES NOT guarantee
your spot at the barn. Spots at the barn will be assigned once all applications are received and spaces
available have been decided.

Participation in the livestock program is strictly voluntary. Students are NOT required to take part in this
activity, but those who do must be enrolled in an agricultural program of study throughout their high
school career. Participating in the livestock program requires a large time commitment, often 2 to 3 hours
required per day. No other activities can be used as an excuse when living animals depend on the student
for daily feedings, water and exercise. We, as the advisors, will not tolerate neglected animals. Students
are expected to seek veterinary services if the advisor requests it. If a student cannot make the time
commitment, DO NOT participate. This includes students who may have time one semester, and not
another, this animal is your responsibility and other extra curricular activities cannot take precedence.
Advisors reserve the right to disqualify a student from participating in livestock production activities at any
point during the course of the animals time at our barn.

Most students who do purchase animals participate in livestock shows. Just like all other extracurricular
activities, students must be eligible to participate. All stock shows have rules for participation, one of them
being that the student must be passing all of their classes. A students animal is not allowed to attend a
livestock show with another student, they are your sole responsibility. Students MUST be enrolled in an
Agriculture Education course throughout the school year in order to be eligible to attend livestock shows.
In addition, the student or their parent is required to attend every FFA meeting. Livestock information
may be disseminated at these meetings. Weighing, medicating and training will occur at Show Team
Meetings which will be announced. After all of the stock shows have concluded, students will be
responsible for animals removal from the Oconee County School System Livestock Barn.

3
The advisors will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you,

Chelsea Begnaud & John Collins

Oconee County High FFA Advisors

Oconee County FFA

Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs: Livestock Exhibition

(All cost information is approximate and for information purposes only!)

Animal Approximate Feed Costs Time of Insurance Total Estimated

Species Purchase Price Purchase Cost

Breeding $200-$500 $300-$400 June/July $150-$300 $800-$1500

Gilt

Market $150-$300 $300-$400 Oct/Nov $150-$300 $750-$1300

Swine

Show $1000-$4000 $1200-$2500 Mar/April $180-$250 $3520-$8350

Cattle

Prices for breeding animals vary a great deal. More specific information can be provided by the
supervising teacher depending on the breed and time of year.

The most common type of showing with pigs will be the market swine. The season is much shorter
and many times the pigs can be sold for a $1/lb or kept for personal gain.

Students are able to show either heifers, or steers for show cattle. They each have their benefits,
and depending on your use for them following the show, will determine which direction you want
to go towards.

We understand that a large number of our student livestock projects are sponsored by
community members and the above information is irrelevant to those students, but we feel that it
is important that the students understand how much of commitment someone in the community
has made to them and in return they must show that same commitment to their animal.

4
 Oconee County FFA Barn Facility Guidelines and Rules
1. The Ag Barn hours are from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. No unauthorized personnel shall feed or
be at the facility for any reason before 7:00 am or after 10:00 pm without the expressed
permission from the Agriculture Education Teacher.
2. The speed limit at the Ag Barn is 10 mph. All participants must drive and park in the
designated areas only.
3. Do not block any entry into the barns for school vehicles and trailers. Parking is in front
of buildings or on the side of the barn.
4. No pets are allowed on the Ag Barn grounds unless for the purpose of classroom
instruction and prior approval is granted by the Agriculture Education Teacher.
5. The Oconee High School, Agriculture Education Program, FFA Chapter or Alumni, District
Employees, or volunteers will assume NO responsibility for accidents or injuries to
students, parents, visitors, or livestock resulting from the use of the facilities or
equipment, as well as, livestock owned by other persons.
6. Stall/Pen Assignments: The Agriculture Education teacher will assign all stall or pens or
for student SAEP {Supervised Agricultural Experience Program}. These assignments may
not be changed without prior approval of the Agricultural Education teacher. Pasture use
will only be for those students who have a project housed at Oconee High AG facilities
paying pen rent. No student may rotate livestock from an outside facility.
7. No more than 3 projects housed under Oconee High AG facilities. Maximum of 2 projects
per one species.
a. EXAMPLE: 2 pigs and 1 heifer.
8. No sexually intact male SAE will be allowed at the project center.
9. Stall/Pen will be given based on the following priority:
a. FFA members without any facilities at home.
b. FFA members with facilities available other than home.
c. FFA members with facilities at home.
d. Junior FFA members.
e. Additional priority may be given to those members who have successfully
completed of at least one year of previous or consecutive years project center
usage.
10. Fees are outlined below.
a. Pen fees are paid by the animal. 1 pen= 1 animal= 1 fee.
i. Student Barn/Show must keep all fees paid in a timely manner. The only
fees that may be paid out are Barn usage fees. Barn Fees will be $50 per
species, per semester. Therefore, a yearlong project will have a barn fee
totaling $100.
ii. Students must pay for show fee entries at the time of entry. Students may

5
 not charge show entries. Show entries not paid prior to the date of the
show will prohibit a student from showing.
iii. Fall barn fees will be 12 the total balance for that species. Fall barn fees
must be paid by October 1st of the calendar year. Failure to do so will
result in the students animal being prohibited from participating in
livestock shows. Additionally animal/student will be issued an eviction
notice as outlined below.
iv. Spring barn fees will be 12 the total balance for that species or the
remainder barn fees. Spring barn fees must be paid by January 10th of the
calendar year. Failure to do so will result in the students animal being
prohibited from participating in livestock shows. Additionally
animal/student will be issued an eviction notice as outlined below.
v. Eviction Notices for NonPayment of Barn Fees.
1. Fall Eviction notices On October 10th, Oconee High FFA Advisors
will pull unpaid debts on student accounts. If the $50 for fall barn
usage or any show entry fees are unpaid students will have until
October 15 at 3PM to settle the debt. If the debt remains unsettled
the student/animal will receive an eviction notice with requirement
to vacate the assigned barn/premises within the student owned
animal and tack within 3 days of the notice to vacate.
2. Spring Eviction Notices On January 20th, Oconee High FFA
Advisors will pull unpaid debts on student accounts. If the $50 for
fall barn usage or any show entry fees are unpaid students will have
until January 25th at 3PM to settle the debt. If the debt remains
unsettled the student/animal will receive an eviction notice with
requirement to vacate the assigned barn/premises within the
student owned animal and tack within 3 days of the notice to vacate.
** If the date falls on a weekend students will have until the following Monday at 3PM to complete
the requirement.**

11. Pets Household pets such as dogs, cats, etc... are not allowed at the project center.
12. Guests at the barn accompanying the owner of the project must be approved by the
agriculture education teacher. Failure to notify the advisor of a guest will result in
disciplinary action. Under no circumstances should students be alone with another at the Ag
Barn. Immediate family members are allowed to accompany the project owner in barn areas.
13. Student's/Parents shall not modify or damage the project center in any way. This includes but
not limited to, sitting on gates/panels, throwing objects such as rocks, and damages caused
from vehicles. No additions, subtractions, modifications or construction to the project center
shall be made without the approval of the Agriculture Education teacher. Any vandalism, theft
or damages caused by anyone will result in notification to the authorities. Repair costs will be

6
 paid for by the violator. Removal of the project and a lifetime suspension from project
facilities will incur.
14. The student is responsible for safe and efficient use of electricity on the project center
facilities. The use of electrical devices or extension cords must meet NEC and UL electrical
codes. The following guidelines are for use on the project facility:
a. Extension cords must be heavy duty outdoor rated and used after Agriculture
Education Teacher approval;
b. No decorative lighting;
c. Only heat lamps that have been approved by the Agriculture Education Teacher.
15. Due to the limited space we have on our trailers, all students must secure alternate
transportation to validations and shows for their animals. The alternative transportation is to
be used in case of an emergency, in an unforeseen event, or if the trailer is too full. Each
student must communicate their alternate transportation plan to their advisor prior to
housing the animal in the Oconee County AG Facility. Students and parents must complete
the alternative arrangements paperwork to be placed on file with the species advisor. Any
adjustments must be made 1 week prior to stock shows.
**Note: Due to the time and stress it can take to load and unload from a trailer, it is advised that
all projects be kept at the Oconee County AG Centers. If the project is kept at a facility other than
the Oconee County AG Centers, it is the owners responsibility to make arrangements to transport
the project. Examples include, but are not limited to shows, health checks, showmanship practice
and emergencies. If the project is kept at a facility other than the Oconee County AG Centers, it is
not the Advisors responsibility to transport for any reason.**

16. The cleanliness of the project center is the direct responsibility of each and every student who
has an animal project. Cleanliness and proper sanitation has a direct correlation with project
animals health and success. It is also a direct reflection to not only the member but to those
individuals directly related to Oconee High FFA. Workdays will be scheduled and all members
are expected to attend. Failure to attend workdays without an excused absence may result in
eviction.
a. All feces must be disposed of in the manure pit. This includes feces that is
dropped in the barn during animal exercise. Any waste bucket left in front of the
pen must be empty.
b. Feed Bags are to be thrown in the dumpster and NOT in the barn trash cans.
c. The cleanliness of the project center includes your assigned pen(s), community
areas, proper storage of chapter and personal equipment and supplies.
d. All materials, feed boxes, hay barrels must be stored in designated area. Feed and
hay must be contained in a box or barrel that may be locked. Storage in alleyways
will not be permitted.
e. Sand and or other bedding must follow guidelines as outlined by the Agriculture
Education Teacher.

7
 f. Failure to maintain proper cleanliness of the facility may result in disciplinary
action/and or eviction.
g. A cleanup fee of $50 will be levied against members who allow the project center to
become excessively unclean. Student accounts will be charged $50 to their student
account.

Oconee County FFA Beef or Dairy Heifer & Steer Program Checklist
Daily Task

8
 Feed Twice a Day-: Feeding should be 2% of body weight, this divided between two
feedings. So if you have a 900 lb. Steer, then he should be eating a total of 9 lbs. in the
morning and 9 lbs. in the evening. You should keep a regular feeding cycle, feeding at the
same time every day.
Hay: Make sure the animal has hay at all times.
Water: Ensure that your animal has a sufficient amount of water to last it many hours
until you return again. Also, if you wouldn't want to drink it, then change it!
Rinse once a day: The animal should be rinsed off to remove any dirt and create a good
hair coat.
Washout wash rack: Always washout the wash rack after using it, even if it was to just rinse
your animal.
Work and Exercise: Remember this is very important to having a well-trained and
groomed animal.
Turning Out: ALWAYS turn out your animal at night. DO NOT turn you animal out wet
though. If your animal is still wet or damp, dry them off.
Pen: Always clean out your animals pen and ensure that the animals safety and health
will be maintained when your animal is in its pen.
Weekly Task

Washing: The animal should be washed once to twice a week, the more often, the better
hair coat they will develop
Cleaning Ears: The animals ears should be cleaned once a week with alcohol.
Bi-weekly Task

Weigh Animal: Calculate average daily gain to determine how much feed you need to be
feeding your animal.
Monthly Task

Strip Stalls: COMPLETELY clean-out the stalls, strip them to the dirt and add new, fresh
shavings. This reduces the chance that the animals will get sick due to disease living in the
shavings, fungi from old shavings, or coughing and respiratory issues from ammonia.

SPECIFIC CATTLE SHOW TEAM SUPPLIES

Feed (grain, hay, sure champ, filler products, joint products)

Show stick
Original Papers
Feed pan

9
 Hay, Straw, Shavings (this can be purchased upon arrival to Major Stock Shows)
Showboxes
Fly Spray
Wash Bucket (scrub brush, soap/shampoo, conditioner, plastic comb, rice brush, hose &
nozzle, soap foamer, etc.)
Blower: Blower & Hose (bring extra hose clamps!)
Fogger
Clippers & extra blades (super blocking, medium blending, x-block)
Plastic Comb
Scrub/Massage Brush
Metal or Teflon Combs (regular & skip tooth)
2-25 foot extension cords, 1-100 foot extension cord, & 2-3 way adapters
Adhesives
Adhesive removers
Sheen or daily hair care products
Extra spray bottle & Sprayer
Rope halter & Neck tie
Show Halter
Number Harness
Duct Tape
Tool Kit (drill, pliers, screw drivers)
Wire & Zip ties
Scissors
Paper towels, rags, or baby wipes
Long Hose
Thermometer
Iodine
Mineral Oil
Fans & Brackets
End Panels
Stall Mats
Water Buckets
Oconee County High FFA Swine Projects Checklist
Daily Task

Feed: Time and Amount depends on feeding method. Self-feeders ensure that the feeder
is full of feed and is not stopped up. Hand Feeding will be done twice a day. The amount of
feed should be based on the body weight of the animal.
Water: Make sure that the self-waterer is working properly and your animal can get fresh,

10
 clean water.
Washout wash rack: Always washout the wash rack after using it, even if it was to just rinse
your animal or supplies.
Work and Exercise: Remember this is very important to having a well-trained animal.
Pen: Always clean out your animals pen and ensure that the animals safety and health
will be maintained when your animal is in its pen.
Weekly Task

Washing: The animal should be washed once to twice a week, the more often, the better
hair coat they will develop
Cleaning Ears: The animals ears should be cleaned once a week with alcohol.
Bi-weekly Task

Weigh Animal: Calculate average daily gain to determine how much feed you need to be
feeding your animal.
Monthly Task

Strip Stalls: COMPLETELY clean-out the stalls, strip them to the dirt and add new, fresh
shavings. This reduces the chance that the animals will get sick due to disease living in the
shavings, fungi from old shavings, or coughing and respiratory issues from ammonia.

SPECIFIC SWINE SHOW TEAM SUPPLIES

Each student will be required to obtain a 5 gallon bucket with lid to use to hold supplies &
feed at shows. (labeled with name)
Feed
Beef Pulp & Oats
Shampoo/skin product (no oil)
Brush (Scrub & Show)
Whip
Stand-Up Waterer with Nipple

11
 Probiotics
Pump-Up Sprayer
Face Brush with Pocket Clip
Clip-On feeder
Fly Spray (Much can be provided by the Ag Department)
Show Sprays (Final Bloom, Peppy, Show Sheen, Purple Oil, etc)
Waterless Shampoo (Sullivans EZ Clean)
Skin Conditioners (Sudden Impact, Revive)
Towels
Number Clip
Feed Scoop
Wire Cutters/Pliers
Pocket Knife
Pen/Markers
Zip Ties
Pig Paste (helps to reduce and relieve stress while traveling or at shows)
Dewormers
Electrolytes
Heat Lamps & replacement bulbs
Extension Cords
Thermometer
Latex-type gloves
Wet Wipes
Buckets
Extra shavings (Mainly for shows)
Rubbing Alcohol
Iodine
Mineral Oil
Oconee County School System
Livestock Barn Contract
The Oconee County School System Livestock Barn is provided for High School FFA members
raising an animal project that do not have a place of their own to keep livestock.

Failure to abide by the following rules will result in:

1st Offense: Verbal warning *(Excluding Rule number 2 & 3 listed below-1st offense is eviction)
2nd Offense: Written warning
3rd Offense: Eviction of project

1. All Oconee County High School policies will be followed at all times.

12
2. Cruelty to the animals will not be tolerated and is cause for immediate eviction of the
offenders animal by the Ag Teacher. This includes but is not limited to: neglect, abusive
training, malicious actions, using electronic devices without permission or unapproved
drugs.
3. No alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or controlled substance will be allowed. No
persons under the influence of alcohol, tobacco or other controlled substances will be
allowed on the premises at any time. Failure to abide by these rules will result in immediate
eviction of the students animal on the 1st offense.
4. Cleanliness is a necessity. It is your responsibility to keep your pen area along with other
areas you may use neat, clean, and orderly. This includes but is not limited to manure,
trash, can drinks, water bottles, bags and old bedding material. Take your trash with you
when you leave.
5. No pets will be allowed at the barns.
6. Safety for self and the project is the sole responsibility of the student. Any damage to the
facility should be reported to an Ag teacher immediately. The Ag Department or OCHS will
not be held liable for injury, loss, or theft to a project.
7. Animal ownership may not change without teacher approval.
8. Barn hours are 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM each day, unless otherwise noted.
9. Teachers will make stall/pen assignments for each student project. The assignments will
not be changed without teacher approval.
10. The facility should not be damaged in anyway; this includes but is not limited to sitting on
gates or panels, throwing rocks, and damages caused by automobiles.
11. Any accident or safety hazard is to be reported immediately to Advisor/teacher.
12. Students and parents should be extremely selective of guests. Guests are the responsibility
of the student; therefore must follow all project center rules and OCHS rules and
regulations. The barn resident student will be held responsible for any and all actions by
individuals brought into the OCHS Livestock Barn.
13. Radios shall not be played from the vehicle loudly or while feeding your animals. This
facility will not be used for a loitering area or hang out for individuals.
14. Students and advisor must administer medications together or the student must have the
animal viewed by a veterinarian when advised by the Ag teacher. Failure to do so could
affect health of other student projects.
15. As a safety precaution and in the event of an emergency that requires removal of the
animal, or sudden evacuation,, no lock is to be attached to an animals pen.
16. Animals must enter the facility only after visual inspection by Ag teacher for health reasons.
17. Students and family members may not feed, move, water or provide any other care,
regardless of the intent, to help other students projects without permission from the owner.
The ag teacher cannot assess the health and care of the individual animal if others are
caring for it. Please do not make it your business to feed or care for another persons
animal or to complain about the care of the project. You may not be there when they are or
they may come and go at different times than you. The Ag teacher will monitor the projects.
All animals must be removed from project center within 2 weeks following the project show.
Projects not removed will become property of FFA chapter and sold.
18. All exhibitors must have up to date emergency contact information. If it is not your animal,
all exhibitors should have emergency contact numbers listed to call. Do not administer

13
 medication/feed or water to another persons animal.
19. The Oconee County School System contract must be signed by both student and parent.
20. Any evicted project must be removed within three days of notification or the animal will
become the property of the FFA chapter.
21. The facility will be monitored by video surveillance at all times and viewed by Ag teacher(s).
22. Each student will be responsible for providing some type of storage container for their feed
and tack.
23. In the event, you have to go out of town or have someone other than your parents or siblings
(brother/sister) feed your animal please email the advisor with who will be caring for your
animal in your absence.
24. Individual stalls must be kept clean daily. You are responsible for the area in front of your
stall as well. Feed must be kept in a closed container for pest control measures.
25. Feed will be provided by the student, unless arrangements are made with the Ag teacher.
Fans and/or outside panels must be pre-approved by Ag teacher. No cords shall be left in
the alley or hanging for animals to be tangled up or to chew on with potential of
electrocution.
26. All students must be in good standing with OCHS. This means not receiving any discipline
referrals and making up any missed work while at a livestock event.
27. All students must be a member in good standing with the Georgia FFA and currently
enrolled in a OCHS Agriculture class. All projects kept in the school facility must be entered
as FFA projects at all shows.
28. These facilities are for OCHS Agriculture students that do not have facilities to maintain
livestock.
29. Animals must be attended/fed before and after school hours. Animals must be fed every
day.
30. All students must complete daily, weekly, and monthly chores outlined by the Ag teacher.
Checklist is provided.
31. Student barn managers will be chosen by the Ag Teacher in charge of facilities. These
students will help monitor barn cleanliness and animal welfare, assign needed duties,
schedule barn meetings, and assist in communication with the students and Ag Teachers.
32. Remember, this facility is a privilege and if the student/parents cannot work cooperatively
with OCHS &/or staff, the student will be given one verbal warning, one written warning and
the third incident will result in the eviction of the livestock project. No further stalls shall be
rented.

The Agriculture Department, Agriculture Teachers, FFA chapter, or OCSS are not responsible for
any loss or damage to any person, property, or livestock, which may occur on the barn properties.
Students and parents assume all risks, and should consider insurance policies which cover
animal projects and other property. In the event of an emergency/evacuation the owner is
responsible for the animals welfare. The Ag Teachers reserve the right to make decisions
concerning the project center rules/projects & barn in the best interest /residents/ livestock at
any time. These rules will be accessed, reviewed and amended by the FFA Advisors.

14
 Oconee County School System Livestock Barn Agreement
Student Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________

I have read, understand, and will abide by the Oconee County School System Livestock Barn
Contract.

I understand I am responsible for the actions of those I allow to enter the facility with me.

I will maintain my pen and areas surrounding it.

I will maintain a positive and cooperative working attitude with Ag Teachers and other barn
members at all times.

Student Signature :_________________________________ Date______________

Parent Name: _____________________________________

Parent Signature: __________________________________ Date_____________

Personal Contact Information:

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________ State: _____________ Zip: _____________
Best Point of Contact:
Email: _____________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Information:

Parent/Guardian: _________________________________________________________
Relation to Student: ______________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________
Parent/Guardian: _________________________________________________________
Relation to Student: ______________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________

15
Animals:
Please indicate the type of animal and number that you are interested in housing at the Oconee
County Barn.

Animal Type: ____________________________________

Number of Animal(s):______________
Sponsored**: Yes or No

Animal Type: ____________________________________

Number of Animal(s): ______________
Sponsored**: Yes or No

* By signing the above agreement, you are not guaranteed a spot(s) at the Oconee County Barn.
Barn assignments will be given once all applications have been received and space available has
been determined.
**Please refer to the Oconee County Livestock Leasing/Leasee Agreement

16
 Parent Authorization for Text Message Communication: 2017-2018
Students Name: ______________________________________
Parent/Legal Guardians Name: _____________________________________
Employees Name: Chelsea Begnaud & John Collins
Class/Team/Organization: Oconee County High FFA Livestock Show Team

The employee listed above is requesting permission to send communications to your student(s) to
update them on information regarding their class, team, or organization listed above. Please read
the following information and sign below.

Reasons to expect a text message communication from this employee (teacher, coach, sponsor,
director, etc.):
Livestock Show Team Updates, Meetings, etc.
Individual Care for Livestock

Timeframe to expect a text message communication from this employee (teacher, coach, sponsor,
director, etc.):
For the duration of project

Any text message communication between the employee and your child(ren) is expected to be
within the limits of the employees professional responsibilities and to abide by all district policies
as well as state and local laws. Any inappropriate communication via text message should be
reported to the campus principal. If after approval of text message communication, you and/or
your child(ren) may request the employee stop text message communications to your child(ren) at
any time by submission of a written request to the school or resubmission of this form revoking
your authorization.

____ I will NOT allow this employee to communicate through text message with my child(ren).
____ I will allow this employee to communicate through text message with my child(ren). I
understand the text message communication will not be sent to me.
____ I will allow this employee to communicate through text message with my child(ren) and
request to receive the same text message communication simultaneously.

Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: _________________________________ Date:________

Parent/Legal Guardian Cell:_____________________________________________________

Student Cell:____________________________________________________________________

17