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Every project, to be successful, requires time. When I began this project I made the commitment to make sure my steer was fed and watered twice a day, every day, seven days a week - no exceptions! Because I had showed steers before I knew how much time and work it takes to raise a show animal. Before I bought my steer, I planned where I would keep him, what kind of ration I would feed him, and began to break him to lead. Once again, all of this takes time and effort. I planned a feeding schedule. Begin with a morning feeding at 5:30 a.m. and night feeding at 5:30 p.m. When he gets used to eating grain then I will give him free-choice grain so he can eat all he wants. This requires the help of my parents to keep the feed in front of him while I am in school. This has worked well for me in the past so I will continue with this schedule. Before the December weigh-in, I will tie him up and lead him to water and back each day. This gets him used to the halter and being led. It also has worked well for me with my other steers. They actually begin to enjoy the time I spend leading them to water. As it get closer to fair time, I will begin to wash and blow him , work with the show stick and teach him to stand and hold his head high, and I will clip his hair and get him all fancied up - ready to show in competition. This will take a lot of extra time for the couple of weeks before the show. (Three to four hours a day.) The more time spent, the better the steer shows. At the fair, after my steer is weighed in and settled down, I will wash him and clean him up so he looks good. The next day is spent washing, blowing, clipping, combing, and getting fancy for the market class competition. (3 hours prepping and 30 min. showing.) The following day is spent repeating the preparation getting ready for the showmanship competition. (2.5 hours prepping and 30 min. showing.) The third day is similar as I get him ready for the auction. (2 hours prepping and 30 min. selling.) I want him to look good and sell high. All of this takes a lot of time and energy during the fair. Most of my activities and other commitments are family and ranch related so it is a natural balance with my project. I am lucky to live on a ranch where feeding, watering, and other chores are done daily. This makes my project easier because I'm already there helping with the other chores and when I can't be there, someone else can step in and help. Finally, my parents, siblings, and FFA advisor are awesome. They will support and help me as needed and when I ask. My parents will help me develop a feeding ration and help monitor weight gain. They will be there to feed when I can't be home and they will help and advise me along the way. My FFA advisor will answer any questions I have and give advice. I can do most of the work myself, but it is nice to have support and encouragement.