FFA Steer

[Simmishowchick]

I am in charge of showing our FFA steer and what I want done, I can't get it done. He is on cement 24/7 and in a pen about the size of my garage with another steer. They are the only animals in the pens and there are 4 pens. I opened 3 of the pens up so that they would have more running room and playing room because our advisor won't let us put up fence for them to go on the grass. I am getting frustrated because he isn't walking the way he used to and it looks kinda funny and he is a great looking steer for our fair. Everytime I want to work with him I can't and I really want to tell her off bc she thinks he is fine and being enclosed in the space is fine, but I seen what it did to the ones prior to him and we don't need that again this year. I want him to be the best he can be, but with her telling me no on everything, how am I suppose to make him better? Any advice on how to confront her or get it through her head what needs to be done?

 

[richburg102]

I am in charge of showing our FFA steer and what I want done, I can't get it done. He is on cement 24/7 and in a pen about the size of my garage with another steer. They are the only animals in the pens and there are 4 pens. I opened 3 of the pens up so that they would have more running room and playing room because our advisor won't let us put up fence for them to go on the grass. I am getting frustrated because he isn't walking the way he used to and it looks kinda funny and he is a great looking steer for our fair. Everytime I want to work with him I can't and I really want to tell her off bc she thinks he is fine and being enclosed in the space is fine, but I seen what it did to the ones prior to him and we don't need that again this year. I want him to be the best he can be, but with her telling me no on everything, how am I suppose to make him better? Any advice on how to confront her or get it through her head what needs to be done?

i would never keep a steer on concrete.......you could maybe go buy some 4x6 stall mats from a feed store...that might help

but if i was you and she wouldnt listen

i would tell her to go show her own steer

 

[vs_cattle]

Tuff situation
I would look around talk to people maybe there is someone who would let you put him in there pasture at a good rate or free If there is no land in you area then go with the stall mats and lots of exersise as much as you can
GOOD LUCK!

 

[Maineshowgirl]

Hey you may try shaving or saw dust. It would have to be really really thick. Like about a feet. If yall have a saw mill around yall, they will sale shaving by the truck load, which is a lot cheaper than buying then in bags. You my also put matts under the saw dust or shaving to help. Plus if you and or your family is paying for the animal and the feed you should be able to do what you see with that animal. Good luck

 

[ilfarmer92]

but if i was you and she wouldnt listen

i would tell her to go show her own steer

Not to say that wouldn't get you in hot water, but that's what me an my prideful self would do.

On a serious note, you need to sit down with her and discuss this. If you have to tell her to read these boards.

CATTLE DO NOT BELONG ON CONCRETE

Plain and simple. If she doesn't understand that, why is she teaching.[/b]

 

[vs_cattle]

I agree,
Cattle are Cattle not anything else they need time to be cattle

 

[richburg102]

but if i was you and she wouldnt listen

i would tell her to go show her own steer

Not to say that wouldn't get you in hot water, but that's what me an my prideful self would do.

On a serious note, you need to sit down with her and discuss this. If you have to tell her to read these boards.

CATTLE DO NOT BELONG ON CONCRETE

Plain and simple. If she doesn't understand that, why is she teaching.[/b]

very well said

even if you went and bought shavings and mats that would just be extra money that shouldnt be spent.

tell her to read the boards and she might the idea

 

[Simmishowchick]

The steer has to be up in the barn. And beleive me, my dad, my boss, people we bought him form and other breeders that have came up to see what I am working on have told her to get him off the concrete. I was planning on talking to her today and she called in sick, like she usually does when our ffa gets busy with stuff. I want to tell her off and whatnot (i know not respectfull or anything) but I am also the secretary and deal with her alot outside of ffa and school. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[ilfarmer92]

The steer has to be up in the barn. And beleive me, my dad, my boss, people we bought him form and other breeders that have came up to see what I am working on have told her to get him off the concrete. I was planning on talking to her today and she called in sick, like she usually does when our ffa gets busy with stuff. I want to tell her off and whatnot (i know not respectfull or anything) but I am also the secretary and deal with her alot outside of ffa and school. Thanks for all the advice.

May I ask who paid for the steer, who is paying for the steer, and who is spending time with it.

Obviously your the one spending time with it, time you could be using on many other things. This is where things get touchy, seeing that you are so close to her. I have seen many great FFA students come and go because of a bad experience with one advisor. If she does not see it your way, the best way you could represt FFA on a national level would be to suck it up and show the steer anyway. It may be hard, but you will be showing the better mind set.

From what you said, it doesnt sound like she will ever see if your way. Just remember that this is one steer out of thousands in the US. From reading your posts, I can tell this isnt your first one and it definitly won't be your last. Good luck and hang in there.

 

[Ryan]

Have you tried talking with someone above her? She may not like it, but you could talk to the principle or someone of that nature. Show them the circumstances and the consequences and then have them talk to you advisor with you present.

 

[Simmishowchick]

I spend the time with it. Though she has a problem because I am never able to clean the pens with the other people in the chapter because they schedule on times I have track practice or track meets. I am not going to miss them for that. The FFA pays for everything, unless I buy something he really doesn't need like a different soap or conditioner or something of that nature. Last night I kinda went behind her back and opened all the gates back up. At least, even if it was for last night, they get to run around and have fun in a bigger space.

 

[*Cowgirl*]

I spend the time with it. Though she has a problem because I am never able to clean the pens with the other people in the chapter because they schedule on times I have track practice or track meets. I am not going to miss them for that. The FFA pays for everything, unless I buy something he really doesn't need like a different soap or conditioner or something of that nature. Last night I kinda went behind her back and opened all the gates back up. At least, even if it was for last night, they get to run around and have fun in a bigger space.

Going behind your advisor's back is generally a BAD idea.