Project Areas
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
This website was created by the University of Illinois Extension to help youth learn more about beef, dairy, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, forage, and meats.
Animal Science Anywhere: A Stomach at Work – Michigan 4-H (PDF)
Animal Science Anywhere: Basics of Biosecurity – Michigan 4-H (PDF)
Animal Science Anywhere: That’s MY Apple! – Michigan 4-H (PDF)
This activity introduces youth to the importance of accurate animal identification and the basic requirements for animal identification. Note that there are some Michigan-specific references in this activity, but they could easily be swapped out for current state regulations elsewhere, if they are different, and fair requirements.
Learning Resources from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture
This searchable library of activities features free and low-cost activities for a variety of grade levels and in a wide selection of agricultural areas.
Connecting with the Public through a Positive Image – University of Idaho Extension (PDF)
Feed Labels – University of Idaho Extension (PDF)
Animal Feed Lesson Plan: See, Touch, Do – US Food & Drug Administration
This activity explores animal nutrition and the relationships between feed ingredients in livestock diets.
Livestock Judging, Note Taking, and Oral Reasons – University of Idaho Extension (PDF)
Washington Specific Reference Material
Animal Agriculture – Washington State University Extension
Relying on traditions of excellence and combining modern technology with current advancement in scientific research, the WSU Extension Animal Ag Team delivers educational programs and resources to aid livestock producers develop practices to respond to new opportunities, challenges and demands.
Includes information on WSU’s Carcass Show Service, meat judging in 4-H and FFA, and judging contest official packets.
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
At the Interface Between Livestock and Predators: Reducing Depredation through Livestock Husbandry
At the Interface Between Livestock and Predators: Reducing Depredation through Livestock Husbandry includes the following learning modules: Biomes and Habitats; Food Web; Predator Identification; Risk Assessment and Mitigation; Service-Learning and Application. This curriculum uses experiential learning and inquiry-based strategies that assist in emphasizing the importance of learning-by-doing. Learners interact with other learners and their environments to help foster the development and acquisition of new knowledge and skills. The curriculum is structured such that learners participate in activities focused on specific concepts; reflect on their learning through sharing, processing, and generalizing; and finally, apply new knowledge and skills in authentic settings.
From Higher Education Institutions
Blue not Flu – Iowa State University Center for Food Security and Public Health
Bring Home the Blue, Not the Flu! Preventing Disease in Animals and People
Welcome to the “Bring Home the Blue, Not the Flu!” courses!
Animal agriculture is important to our economy and is an important part of 4-H and FFA. Working with and exhibiting animals is a great experience! Not only do you gain knowledge about animals, but you also develop responsibility, good sportsmanship, and confidence.
However, there are diseases that can be spread between people and animals, whether on the farm or at a fair. These courses were created to teach you how to keep yourself and your animals safe and healthy so that you can continue to enjoy showing and teaching others about animal agriculture.
The resources on this page can be implemented in various ways. Suggestions include incorporating into a classroom curriculum, use in 4-H projects in animal or human health, preparation for FFA contests, use in competitions between clubs or chapters, or requiring completion in order to show at local or state fairs/exhibitions.
Bulletin from 2021 on how to keep animals healthy during a heat wave and their water consumption needs.
Breeds of Livestock – Oklahoma State University
Welcome to the Breeds of Livestock website presented by the Department of Animal & Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University. This site is intended as an educational and informational resource about breeds of livestock throughout the world.
Animal-U – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
A collection of learning resources on various livestock areas. Youth can earn certificates upon completion of the currently available animal courses.
Being prepared during cold, winter weather will help your livestock winter a little easier.
Dos and Don’ts: Staying Healthy Around Animals – Michigan State University Extension (video)
Just like people, animals also have the ability to spread bacteria, viruses and parasites to other animals and people. When being around animals, you can stay healthy if you remember these few, simple steps.
Basics of Animal Biosecurity – Michigan State University Extension (video)
Biosecurity is the procedures used to protect humans and animals against diseases or harmful biological agents. By practicing good biosecurity protocols, you will help protect both the people and animals in which you come into contact with.
Note that the volume of this video gets louder at the end around 1min15sec.
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
Livestock Judging Terminology – Livestock Judging.com
A large, detailed glossary of terms used in livestock judging.
Livestock Judging Scorecard from Livestock Judging.com (PDF)
Livestock Judging Score Calculator from Livestock Judging.com
Includes link to an application on both the Google Play store and the Apple App Store.
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals
YQCA is designed as an annual education and certification program focused on food safety, animal well-being and character awareness for youth ages 8 to 21 producing and/or showing pigs, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, and poultry.
The program has been designed by extension specialists and national livestock program managers to ensure it is accurate, current and relevant to the needs of the animal industry and shows and is appropriate for youth.
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
National 4-H Livestock Curriculum Collection
National 4-H Plants, Gardening, & Agriculture Curriculum Collection