Welcome to the Pleasant Acres Beef Project

     Welcome to the Pleasant Acres Beef Project.  Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about our project.  We hope this will give you a better understanding of what you can expect if you join our project. 

Who can join the project?

 Any member can join the beef project.  However, it is probably the most demanding of all projects you can join.  Because of the animals’ size, the length of the project and cost involved.

 Members must be 9 years of age to show at the Santa Clara County Fair but are typically teenagers when they join this project and own their first steer.  We suggest members either raise a pig or a lamb before attempting this project.  When the animals are purchased they weigh 400 to 600 pounds and at market weigh 1,000 to 1,300 pounds.  We suggest that if members are interested in the project, before they join, they should attend some of our practice meeting.  This way you can get a better understanding of what the project is really like.  Current members will typically let you work with their steers and you can ask questions so you can see for yourself what the project really involves.

What does it cost to have project?

 The initial cost of a steer is anywhere from $1,000.00 on up.  Most individuals can purchase a good steer for around $1,500.00.  It then costs about $100.00 per month to feed him. Beyond that you will have additional cost for basic tack.  The cost for basic tack is very hard to determine because there are several things that are needed.  Some of these items may be shared with other members, borrowed or the beef project owns them.  A rough estimate would be somewhere in the range of a couple hundred dollars for the things you have to have.  This would include feed pans, water buckle, brushes, tools, halters, show stick, show supplies and alike.

Where do I keep them?

 If members do not have room to keep cattle at home, Pleasant Acres has a contract to keep animals at Emma Prusch Park.  Prusch Park is located where Highways 280 and 101 meet.  To keep animals there members must sign a contact with the park and adhere to their rules, as well as, pay an annual fee of approximately $25.00 per animal.  Contracts are approved on a case-by-case basis and also depend on space availability.

What kind of time commitment will I need for this project?

 As with all large animal projects of Pleasant Acres, once you have decided to join the project you must sign a “ Beef Participation Agreement”.  This agreement lays out an outline of the projects and minimum requirements of participation you must meet.  See the “ Beef Participation Agreement” for more details.

How long will I have a steer?

Although members are only required to own cattle for 120 days (4months) before fair most will have them for 9 to 10 months.  Most members will purchase their animals somewhere between October and December because that is when most of the sales are and because of their size.   Once most members have their steers we will start having practice a minimum of once a month.  Practice may be more often depending on how halter broke the animals are and the needs of members.  See “Beef Participation Agreement” for more details.

How often do I need to feed and clean my steer?

Cattle need to be feed twice a day preferably 12 hours between each feeding.   They need to be fed grain and hay at each of these feedings everyday.   They also need clean water and a fresh dry bed each day as well. When weather is bad and things are muddy, steers need to be bathed when weather permits to remove excess dirt and mud.  During the summer cattle need to be rinsed daily to keep them cool and promote hair growth.

Should I go to jackpot shows? 

Jackpot shows are a great practice run for both members and steers.  At most of the shows members can participate in both market and showmanship classes for money and prizes.  It is also an opportunity to actually fit your animal for the show, along with being able to show in front of a judge.  In many cases, this experience will also help your steer learn to deal with lots of noise and commotion.  Most jackpot shows are from January though April and are located all over California. 

What tools or equipment do I need to be in the project? 

 *** Items are owned by project

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