AAOK
Well-known member
Can you make money with a Junior Project? Isn't that what it's all about? I was not raised in an Ag family, and hadn't heard of a livestock show until I was in my mid 20s. When my kids first started in 4-H, I was lead to believe that ALL of these "projects" were designed to better prepare my children for the real world. Everything I can think of from the Illustrated Talks, to the Dress Review, Talent Contests, AND LIVESTOCK had a real world economic agenda. When FFA rolled around, the main concern was making sure that all things lead to a meaningful and positive Supervised Agriculture Experience Program. It was all about record keeping, and making money; teaching young adults responsibility, economics and basic business practices.
Here is a quote off the FFA website:
Information provided in this record book will be valuable for transacting SAEP-related business, assessing learning experiences and growth of the SAEP, and reporting SAEP achievements when applying for employment and FFA degrees, awards, and scholarships.
Our younger daughter received her State FAA Degree, American FFA Degree, and was also awarded the SE District Star Farmer. I knew nothing about these awards, but understood it all had to do with having a profitable business, and maintaining good, accurate records. Her business was nothing great, but by the time she graduated(1999), her records showed a $24,000 net worth. This little business was Beef Production, more specifically, raising and selling Show Calves. $24K is certainly no great wealth to amass over a 4 year period, but it does prove to me that most, if not all these Junior projects have the potential of profitability. It's all a mater of the goal set forth at the beginning.
By the way, we all had a lot of fun too!!!
