Livestock projects enable members to gain skills in animal husbandry and responsibility. There are numerous types of livestock projects for members to choose from. Below is a list of the projects and the objectives for each.
Beef
- select, feed, and house a market steer
- select cattle based on breed characteristics
- fit, show, and market a steer
- feed, breed, winter, fit, and show cattle
- evaluate a carcass
- manage a herd
Goat (Dairy, Meat, Utility, Novelty, and Pygmy)
- demonstrate proper goat management and practices
- develop goat fitting and showing skills
- promote goat products and the goat industry
- select a quality project animal
- feed care for an animal properly
- select animals suitable for their use in harness or as pack animals
Llama/Alpaca
- select, feed, and care for a llama
- fit and show a llama
Sheep
- select, feed, and house a market lamb
- select, care for, fit, show, breed, and market sheep
- fit and show a lamb
- evaluate a carcass
- control insects and parasites
Swine
- improve swine care and management by following good health, nutrition, and handling practices
- educate youth about the relationship of food safety and animal well-being
- prevent drug residues
- ensure a wholesome pork product
- promote consumer confidence in the swine animal well-being and pork products
Helpful Links:
2024 Spring Memo to Livestock Members
Livestock Judging Contest Results
Practice Livestock Judging Card
Calculating Pig Gain and Fair Weights
- Livestock Judging Resources
- Judging Beef Cattle and Oral Reasons 101
- Judging Meat Goats and Oral Reasons 101
- Judging Sheep and Oral Reasons 101
- Judging Swine and Oral Reasons 101
- Learning Through 4-H Judging Leader Guide
- Teaching 4-H Oral Reasons
- Livestockjudging.com – contact our office if you would like an account to access classes of all species to judge.