Projects in agricultural fields allow youth to expand their understanding of where the food we eat comes from while growing their knowledge of food production. Youth gain an appreciation for food systems and life cycles, learn about innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, and explore nutrition and safe food handling and storage practices.
The 4-H Beekeeping Project helps youth learn about bees and how to be a beekeeper. This project offers hands-on experience with keeping a hive, as well as a foundation for learning about bees and nectar before youth obtain their hives.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Learn about important pollinators and their role in the ecosystem
- Understand the role of honeybees in food production
- Gain an understanding of honey bees and the workings of their hives
- Discover how to safely handle and manage bees and hives and understand what equipment a beekeeper needs to in order to do so
- Develop an appreciation for bees and their importance to healthy living
- Learn about wax and honey production and how humans use these products
- Be able to identify plants that attract bees and the importance of pollinator gardens
4-H Beekeeping Curriculum
Available through the Extension office or online.
Level 1 – Learning About Beekeeping Digital Download
Beekeeping can be a lifetime hobby for lifelong learners. This manual, Learning About Beekeeping, introduces bees and beekeeping and is intended to prepare learners to set up their own hive.
Level 2 – Working with Honey Bees Digital Download
This manual, Working with Honey Bees, is for youth who have completed Level 1 and feel ready to start a beehive. Activities in this manual help youth as they acquire a colony and learn how to care for their beehive throughout the year. It also introduces basic beekeeping operations resulting in the production of extracted, chunk or cut comb honey.
Level 3 – Advanced Beekeeping Digital Download
Level 3 – Advanced Beekeeping is for a young beekeeper who is experienced and knowledgeable in the basic care of a beehive. This manual includes more detail on some things you have already learned and introduces more advanced beekeeping topics: increasing the number of your honey bee colonies, increasing honey production, producing special kinds of honey, managing disease and more about bee societies.
Beekeeping Facilitator’s Guide
This facilitator’s guide provides guidance and assistance for facilitating a beekeeping project. The curriculum is divided into three manuals with the supporting facilitator’s guide. The 4-H Beekeeping curriculum is for youth who want to learn about bees and beekeeping. Beekeeping offers many hands-on, educational experiences, from learning about bees and nectar to raising bees and producing honey.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
Coming soon!
For adult helpers and club leaders
Coming soon!
State 4-H Beekeeping Project Resources
Coming soon!
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Illinois 4-H – Exploring Beekeeping Spark Activity: Leaping Pollen (PDF)
This activity shows how a charged balloon behaves like the charged bee body making pollen leap from a flower.
4-H Essay Contest – Foundation for the Preservation of Honeybees, Inc.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Yakima County 4-H Entomology Project
Apiary Registration – Washington State Department of Agriculture
All beekeepers, backyard or for a business, need to register their hives each year. All money collected helps fund research projects with the Washington State University and other entities.
WSU Honey Bees + Pollinators Program
WSU’s Honey Bee + Pollinators program is pioneering solutions to help save the bees and our global future.
Washington State Beekeepers Association
Beekeeping and Asian Giant Hornet – Washington State Department of Agriculture
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
Honey Bee 4-H Project Book – Florida 4-H
This book was designed to introduce you to one of the most social insects on the planet, the honey bee. Honey bees do more than make delicious honey for us to eat; so come discover for yourself! You don’t have to be a beekeeper to participate. You just need to be curious about honey bees. Follow the “Beeline” through each section on your own or with the help of your leader. Some activities you can do by yourself, but most were made for you to participate with a group of friends.
- 4-H at Home: Pollinators – National 4-H, Colorado State University Extension (PDF)
- Wild Spartans: All About Honey Bees with Ana Heck – Michigan State University Extension 4-H (video)
From Higher Education Institutions
- Welcome to the Bee Hive – Honey Bee Extension at Purdue
- How to Start Beekeeping – Iowa State University Extension (YouTube playlist)
- Two Bees in a Podcast – University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab
- University of Minnesota Beekeeping Instructional Videos
- University of Minnesota Beekeeping Reading List
- Pollinator Planting – Michigan State University Extension
- Bee Vet Resources
- Keep Bees Alive
Resources related to Varroa and Varroa associated diseases.
Michigan State University Extension Pollinator Champions Course
Become a champion for pollinators. Pollinator Champions is a free, self-paced online course offered by Michigan State University. The course is packed full of videos, articles, and fun activities to guide you through the amazing world of pollinators and pollination.
Is Beekeeping Right for Me? Course – Michigan State University Extension
Have you ever wondered if beekeeping is right for you? This online course provides an introduction to honey bees, covers the time required, physical demands, and financial resources of beekeeping, and suggests ways to help all pollinators.
- How Bees Help Make Apples – Michigan State University Extension (video)
- How Bees Help Make Pumpkins – Michigan State University Extension (video)
- Cabin Fever Conversations: Wild Bees with Kelsey Graham- Michigan State University Extension (video)
- Pollinator Stewardship in Orchards- Michigan State University Extension (video)
- Getting Started with Beekeeping- Michigan State University Extension (video)
- Beekeeping Around the World: China with Dr. Zachary Huang- Michigan State University Extension (video)
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
In the 4-H beef project, you can select from a breeding animal or a market animal. Breeding animals allow you to start your own herd while market animals produce meat products for people.
4-H Beef manuals and project books provide an interactive curriculum for youth that is hands on and grounded solidly in subject matter. Youth identify breeds, halter break a calf, show a steer, recognize a healthy animal, and select feed ingredients. Challenges youth with activities related to leg structure, oral reasons, feed ingredients, behavior, parasites, and ethical issues. Youth will develop life skills while exploring beef science!
Please note there are age restrictions on this project area:
Youth must be 8 by October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for:
- Competitive situations, such as livestock shows or sales
- Enrollment in large animal projects, including Beef, Dairy, Goat, Horse, Sheep, Alpaca/Llama, and Swine
- Enrollment in shooting sports projects
- Enrollment in projects using motorized vehicles
- Enrollment in food preservation projects
Cloverbuds, 4-H youth ages 5-7, may participate in a number of age-appropriate activities, though they may not participate in competitive events.
If you have questions about eligibility please, contact your county 4-H coordinator.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Learn basic principles of animal science through the owning, raising, and care of one or more animals
- Select cattle based on breed characteristics and feed, winter, house, and care for for the market steer, as well as potentially breeding the animal
- Fit, show, and market the steer for auction
- Evaluate a carcass
- Manage a herd, if more than one animal is raised
4-H Beef Curriculum
Available from the Extension office or online.
Youth identify breeds, locate parts, judge, halter break a calf, fit a steer, show a calf, recognize a healthy animal, select feed ingredients and shop for beef and beef by-products.
Challenges youth with activities related to leg structure, oral reasons, feed ingredients, behavior, nose printing, parasites, fitting, ethical issues, beef carcass composition and retail meat cuts.
Selection and judging, feeds, careers, health, reproduction, and meats and marketing encourage more in depth learning.
Selection, breed identification, parts identification, handling, grooming, showing, budgeting, identifying parasites, controlling fleas and spaying activities are featured.
This curriculum is designed as the guide for a project facilitator. The activities and background information in this curriculum will help youth develop the requisite knowledge and skills associated with raising and showing beef cattle. Activities are youth centered and include opportunities for the application of knowledge and skills at three different levels of experience: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
C0728E – Market Livestock Record
Worksheets for keeping track of costs and returns on 4-H market livestock projects.
C0729E – Breeding Livestock Record
Worksheet for keeping track of costs and returns on 4-H breeding livestock projects.
C0914E – Animal Science Record
Sheet that records inventory, expenses, and income from an animal science project.
C1054E – Producer Affidavit & Market Beef Health Record
Youth producers will record all relevant health information for their market beef on this form. A sample form includes instructions for completing the form.
C1113E – Supplemental Animal Affidavit & Health Record
A supplemental sheet to go with the 4-H health forms for individuals that need to record more treatments, etc.
PNW614 – Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest
The comprehensive resource for anyone who manages livestock on pastures in the Northwest, this 208-page book offers pasture managers information and tools to enable their pastures and their livestock to reach their maximum production potentials
EM3125 – Advanced Livestock Science 4-H Member Manual
NEEC20594 – Livestock Judging Guide
PNW669 – Judging Beef Cattle and Oral Reasons 101
For adult helpers and club leaders
FS048E – Meating the Grade: Raising Market Ready for 4-H Beef Projects
A poster, 17 in. x 23 in., that shows the outward parts of beef cattle anatomy.
PNW614 – Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest
The comprehensive resource for anyone who manages livestock on pastures in the Northwest, this 208-page book offers pasture managers information and tools to enable their pastures and their livestock to reach their maximum production potentials.
EB1460E – Washington Steer of Merit
EM4789E – Teaching 4-H Oral Reasons
Teaches leaders how to help 4-H members give oral reasons for judging items and exhibits. Emphasizes knowledge and gives steps for oral reasoning process.
State 4-H Beef Project Resources
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Cows give a lot to humans. Learn what goes into taking care of them.
Animal Science Anywhere: Examining Growth Hormones in Beef – Michigan 4-H (PDF)
This website was created by the University of Illinois Extension to help you learn more about beef, dairy, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, forage, and meats.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Washington State Beef Commission – Raising Beef
Home on the range…and in the pasture, and at the feedyard. Raising beef is a complex process, but throughout the entire journey, one thing remains constant – the shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way.
Washington Beef Commission Unites Against Hunger (YouTube video)
The Beef Counts program is a partnership between the Washington State Beef Commission, Second Harvest, and Food Lifeline that provides high-quality, nutritious beef to local food banks to help hungry, local families.
Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory – Cattle
A full range of testing and consultation services for cattle.
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
Should I take a Market Beef as a 4-H project? – Ohio 4-H (PDF)
Ohio State University Extension fact sheet detailing the space needed for beef cattle, as well as their temperature comfort zone, water requirements, feed considerations, and market considerations, in addition to budgeting estimates.
Should I take a Feeder Calf as a 4-H project? – Ohio 4-H (PDF)
Ohio State University Extension fact sheet detailing the space needed for feeder calves, as well as their temperature comfort zone, water requirements, feed considerations, and market considerations, in addition to budgeting estimates.
4-H Beef Showmanship – North Dakota State University Extension 4-H (YouTube video)
The basics of beef showmanship.
From Higher Education Institutions
Breeds of Cattle – Oklahoma State University
A comprehensive list of cattle breeds with links to information pages on each breed.
Beef Judging – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
This site includes links to several videos on beef judging and various aspects of breeding beef cattle for desired traits.
Dairy projects teach youth to explore all aspects of dairy showing including calf selection, animal care, showing skills, and judging skills. Youth also learn about record keeping, keeping animals healthy, pregnancy detection and calf delivery, and dairy industry career opportunities.
Please note there are age restrictions on this project area:
Youth must be 8 by October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for:
- Competitive situations, such as livestock shows or sales
- Enrollment in large animal projects, including Beef, Dairy, Goat, Horse, Sheep, Alpaca, Llama & Swine
- Enrollment in shooting sports projects
- Enrollment in projects using motorized vehicles
- Enrollment in food preservation projects
Cloverbuds, 4-H youth ages 5-7, may participate in a number of age-appropriate activities, though they may not participate in competitive events.
If you have questions about eligibility please, contact your county 4-H coordinator.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Learn basic principles of animal science through the owning, raising, and care of one or more animals
- Select a calf based on breed characteristics and feed, winter, house, and care for the dairy cow, as well as breeding the animal
- Obtain quality milk using proper sanitation and milking practices
- Fit, groom, and show a producing cow
4-H Dairy Curriculum
Available from the Extension office or online.
Youth explore dairy cattle breeds, select calves, identify body parts, recognize desirable traits, pack a show box, groom and show a calf and identify stages of calving and care.
Youth explore dairy cattle breeds, select calves, identify body parts, recognize desirable traits, pack a show box, groom and show a calf and identify stages of calving and care.
Advanced youth practice body condition scoring, selecting through records, mastitis detection, balancing a ration, pregnancy detection, delivery of calf, promoting dairy products and exploring career opportunities.
These activities will bring any meeting to life. Youth will play Dairy Bingo, and participate in dairy quiz bowls, dairy pyramid game and a dairy skillathon!
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
C0234E – 4-H Dairy Certificate
A form used to certify identification and ownership of 4-H project dairy cattle. Includes place to draw cow’s identifiable markings, instructions, and signature lines.
Sheet that record expenses and income for dairy projects.
C0914E – Animal Science Record
Sheet that records inventory, expenses, and income from an animal science project.
C1053E – Producer Affidavit & Dairy Heifer Health Record
Youth producers will record all relevant health information for their market heifers on this form. A sample form includes instructions for completing the form.
C1113E – Supplemental Animal Affidavit & Health Record
A supplemental sheet to go with the 4-H health forms for individuals that need to record more treatments, etc.
EM4877E – Dairy Cattle & Dairy Goat 4-H Member Advancement Member Manual
PNW614 – Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest
The comprehensive resource for anyone who manages livestock on pastures in the Northwest, this 208-page book offers pasture managers information and tools to enable their pastures and their livestock to reach their maximum production potentials
For adult helpers and club leaders
C0229 – Dairy Cow Anatomy Chart
EM4873E – Dairy Cattle & Dairy Goat 4-H Member Advancement Leader Guide
PNW614 – Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest
The comprehensive resource for anyone who manages livestock on pastures in the Northwest, this 208-page book offers pasture managers information and tools to enable their pastures and their livestock to reach their maximum production potentials
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
World Dairy Expo is the place where the dairy industry meets. Much in the same vein, the National 4-H Dairy Conference is the place where leading dairy youth from across North America can come to interact with one another and build industry bridges that will last well into the future.
Tech in Agriculture: Milking – University of Minnesota Extension
In this lesson, youth explore the importance and impact of technology in agriculture by experiencing a milking simulation, seeing how farming has changed over the last 500 years through short videos and a timeline activity, and designing preliminary solutions for agriculture challenges.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Washington State University Extension – Dairy Cattle Resources
Extensive library of articles and reference material on dairy cattle.
Washington State Dairy Federation
Mission statement: The Washington State Dairy Federation develops and promotes initiatives directed toward the financial strength, political support, and public awareness of our industry to achieve a successful business climate for dairy farmers in Washington State.
The Dairy Farmers of Washington
Includes recipes and resources for farmers.
Washington State Department of Agriculture – Dairy Program
Cow Housing on Washington Dairy Farms (YouTube video)
The climate varies in different areas of the state, so dairy farmers use different types of housing to make sure cows are always comfortable—whether it’s hot, cold, rainy or dry. They have free access to food, water and a clean bed 24/7 and can do what they want when it’s not milking time. Many cows like to spend their time taking turns with the cow brush for a good scratching!
Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory – Cattle
A full range of testing and consultation services for cattle.
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
4-H Dairy Showmanship – North Dakota State University Extension 4-H (YouTube video)
The basics of Dairy Cattle Showmanship. Applicable regardless of location.
From Higher Education Institutions
Breeds of Cattle – Oklahoma State University
A comprehensive list of cattle breeds with links to information pages on each breed.
Poultry projects give youth the opportunity to experience raising a family flock! Learn about different poultry breeds, how to properly handle poultry, fitting and showing techniques, and more.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Learn and apply recommended principles of poultry production
- Demonstrate a knowledge of sound breeding, feeding, and management proactices
- Identify breeds, types of poultry, and employ efficient Marketing methods
4-H Poultry Curriculum
Available through the Extension office or online.
Poultry 1 – Scratching the Surface
Activities include parts identification, species and breeds, selection, exploring an egg, feather features, cooking eggs, feeding, handling, washing and showing.
Poultry 2 – Testing Your Wings
Covers budgeting, pecking order, feed tags, retail products, bone identification, carcass grading, health care and egg exploration.
Plan a judging clinic, manage a flock, exploring careers, processing chickens, conducting poultry games and discuss values and ethics.
Project helpers will find many fun and engaging group games and activities to further expand the Poultry project experience for youth.
4-H Poultry Showmanship Digital Download
Poultry showmanship begins long before the competition. The time and effort spent by members in properly caring for their birds and training them for showmanship will be reflected on the day of the competition. The activities in the competition give members the opportunity to present their birds in their best light. In addition, members must learn to follow instructions, speak before an audience, and maintain a poised and professional manner throughout the event. This manual goes over many of the criteria judges look for when judging poultry, and how 4-H’ers can work towards putting their best feather forward!
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
Used to record inventory, meat bird production, breeding information, expenses, and income.
C0531 – Poultry Show Card (Pack of 25)
Used to verify identification of 4-H poultry entries. Individual claim ticket numbers are printed on each card.
For adult helpers and club leaders
- PNW768 – Market Poultry Lesson Plans: From Egg to Animal (PDF)
- C0056 – Pigeon Chart
- C0791 – Duck Chart
- C0819 – Chicken Chart
- EM080E – Poultry Leader Guide Introduction
- EM081E – Poultry Leader Guide Level 1
- EM082E – Poultry Leader Guide Level 2
- EM083E – Poultry Leader Guide Level 3
- EM084E – Poultry Leader Guide Level 4
- State 4-H Poultry Project Resources
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference
The National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference recognizes senior 4-H members who are 14 years of age as of January 1, and who have excelled in their state 4-H poultry learning activities.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
- National 4-H Poultry Judging Contest Manual
- Basic Rules for Hatching Chicks – Cornell University Cooperative Extension (PDF)
- Don’t Chicken Out Due to Unnecessary Health Concerns – PennState Extension
This article will help inform individuals about the true level of potential health risks associated with the 4-H Embryology in the Classroom project.
- Hints for Hatchers – Cornell University Cooperative Extension (PDF)
- Hints for Duck Hatchers – Cornell University Cooperative Extension (PDF)
From Higher Education Institutions
Breeds of Poultry – Oklahoma State University
A comprehensive guide to species and breeds of poultry with links to informational pages on each breed.
Poultry Breeds – Ohio 4-H Youth Development
These poultry breed videos, produced by Ohio 4-H Youth development in collaboration with the American Poultry Association, feature some of Ohio’s most popular poultry and expert poultry breeders who have participated in Ohio poultry shows. We are grateful for their willingness to share their expertise!
How to Raise Backyard Chickens – Iowa State University Extension (video playlist)
Andy Larson, small farms specialist and Homegrown Lifestyle coordinator, talks about raising backyard chickens, including what you need, what you need to do, and all about getting started.
Safe Handling of Chicks – University of Kentucky Extension (PDF)
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
Chicken Embryo Development – Poultry Hub Australia (YouTube video)
Raising rabbits can be a rewarding project, both for youth caring for companion animals and those who intend to market their rabbits. Rabbit project youth will learn how to care for their animals while also exploring the role of rabbits as pets, on the farm, and as pelt and meat animals.
Objectives:
Youth will:
- Learn how to select an animal for their rabbit project, including determining the right breed for their project goals
- Determine the appropriate housing and care for a rabbit and ensuring proper care for the rabbit through proper nutrition and monitoring animal health
- Identify and practice showing and/or marketing a rabbit
4-H Rabbit Curriculum
Available through the Extension office or online.
Youth will discover how to identify breeds, handle and show rabbits, identify rabbit parts and equipment, recognize a healthy rabbit, read a pedigree and kindle a litter.
Youth will recognize body types, judge and show rabbits, tattoo a rabbit, keep records, identify diseases, administer medication, record growth rates, and market products.
Older youth will develop a breeding program, design a rabbitry, cull based on production, prevent diseases, develop sportsmanship and develop a marketing plan.
Guide features group activities and answer keys. The Model Rabbit Pattern is an excellent tool for identifying parts, determining sex, practicing handling, trimming nails and other management practices.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
- C0832E – Rabbit Record
- C0448E – Rabbit Project Hutch Record
- EB0975E – Raising Rabbits: Helpful Suggestions for Beginners
For adult helpers and club leaders
- OR4H1602L – Rabbit Chart
- EM075E – 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide Introduction, Glossary and References
- EM076E – 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide, Level 1
- EM077E – 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide, Level 2
- EM078E – 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide, Level 3
- C0236 – Rabbit and Cavy Show Cards (Pack of 10)
- EM4353E – Judging Rabbit Pelts
The information in this publication is from the American Rabbit Breeders Association’s “Standard of Perfection” and through correspondence with its members.
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Rabbit Learning Activities – Ohio State University Extension (PDF)
List of activity ideas for rabbit project youth from Ohio 4-H. The document does refer to Ohio-specific 4-H project requirements, however the list is a good starting point for youth in any state.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Washington State Rabbit Breeders Association
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
Rabbit Basics for the Beginner – Ohioline, Ohio State University Extension
Rabbits are a popular project for younger 4-H members or those members who do not have the facilities or space for a larger animal species. Basic background information about raising and caring for rabbits will assist in making your endeavor into rabbit ownership a success.
PetPALS Rabbit Behaviors – Ohio State University Extension, 4-H PetPALS
Below are some examples of different behaviors rabbits display when they communicate with people, other rabbits, and other animals. A rabbit does not express all of these behaviors in each situation. Remember to observe the complete picture within the rabbit’s environment when interpreting these behaviors. Variations between individual rabbits, as well as between breeds, must be considered when interpreting behaviors.
PetPALS Stress in Animals – Ohio State University Extension, 4-H PetPALS
Each animal will react differently to changes in its environment, just as each person reacts differently to the stresses in his or her life. Some people deal better with stress than others, as do some animals. It is essential for 4-H’ers to know their pets well enough to be aware of their stress signals to avoid any unhealthy levels of stress.
Instructions for Tattooing Rabbits – Ohio State University Extension (PDF)
Tattooing is the only accepted and appropriate method to identify rabbits used for breeding and showing in the United States. A legible tattoo in a rabbit’s ear provides permanent identification for that animal.
From Higher Education Institutions
How to Care for Your Pet Rabbit – Iowa State University Extension (YouTube video)
Do you have a pet rabbit? Do you know how to take care of it properly? Dr. Bianca Zaffarano, with Iowa State University’s Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, discusses having a rabbit as your pet and how to properly care for it.
Rabbit Breeding – Michigan State University Extension (video)
Choosing what rabbit to breed for your 4-H rabbit project, as well as how to care for the kits through weaning.
Building a Rabbit Cage – Michigan State University Extension (video)
Construct your own rabbit cage. Youth could learn measuring as well as make this a business.
General Rabbit Care – Michigan State University Extension (video)
How to care for your rabbit from feeding to housing. Meeting all of your rabbit’s needs.
Rabbit Meat Pens: From Breeding to Selection – Michigan State University Extension (video)
How to successfully raise market rabbits from breeding, through kindling, kit care and then selection.
Rabbit Body Types – Michigan State University Extension (video)
Rabbits are divided into five different body types, based on their structure. Learn about the differences in those different body types as part of your 4-H rabbit project.
Rabbit Health – Michigan State University Extension (video)
What illnesses can your rabbit get? How do you diagnose and treat these illnesses? Is there preventive measures to take to keep your animal healthy? Learn about rabbit health as part of your 4-H rabbit project.
Rabbit Nutrition – Michigan State University Extension (video)
Learning about the nutritional requirements of your 4-H rabbit.
Youth will learn how to select a project lamb, properly care for the animal, and prepare the animal for show. Youth will also learn about sheep products and by-products. Youth will practice presenting oral reasons, determine yield grades, compare digestive systems, explore a feed tag, practice management practices, and deliver a lamb.
Please note there are age restrictions on this project area:
Youth must be 8 by October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for:
- Competitive situations, such as livestock shows or sales
- Enrollment in large animal projects, including Beef, Dairy, Goat, Horse, Sheep, Alpaca/Llama, and Swine
- Enrollment in shooting sports projects
- Enrollment in projects using motorized vehicles
- Enrollment in food preservation projects
Cloverbuds, 4-H youth ages 5-7, may participate in a number of age-appropriate activities, though they may not participate in competitive events.
If you have questions about eligibility please, contact your county 4-H coordinator.
Objectives
Youth will:
- 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
- Market wool
4-H Sheep Curriculum
Available from the Extension office or online
In Sheep 1, youth will learn how to select a project lamb, properly care for the animal, and prepare the animal for show. Youth will also learn about sheep products and byproducts.
In Sheep 2, youth will practice presenting oral reasons, determine yield grades, compare digestive systems, explore a feed tag, practice management practices, and deliver a lamb.
In Sheep 3, youth learn about judging, genetics and breeding, marketing a sheep product, and career paths.
Instructions for skillathons, bingo, pyramid, developing management calendars and more activities.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
C0096E – Individual Ewe Record
Used by members in 4-H sheep projects to keep records on and evaluate each ewe in the flock.
C0728E – Market Livestock Record
Worksheets for keeping track of costs and returns on 4-H market livestock projects.
C0729E – Breeding Livestock Record
Worksheet for keeping track of costs and returns on 4-H breeding livestock projects.
C0914E – Animal Science Record
Sheet that records inventory, expenses, and income from an animal science project.
C1052E – Producer Affidavit & Market Lamb Health Record
Youth producers will record all relevant health information for their market lambs on this form. A sample form includes instructions for completing the form.
C1113E – Supplemental Animal Affidavit & Health Record
A supplemental sheet to go with the 4-H health forms for individuals that need to record more treatments, etc.
EM3125 – 4-H Member Manual: Advanced Livestock Science
NEEC20594 – Livestock Judging Guide
PNW679 – Judging Sheep and Oral Reasons
This publication will help youth and beginning sheep producers to understand the four basic criteria for selecting a sheep animal.
For adult helpers and club leaders
EB1462E – Washington Lamb of Merit
For info on purpose of the program, requirements, changes in merit requirements, placement of carcasses, and procedure and definition of terms. .
EM4789E – Teaching 4-H Oral Reasons
Teaches leaders how to help 4-H members give oral reasons for judging items and exhibits. Emphasizes knowledge and gives steps for oral reasoning process.
PNW614 – Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest
The comprehensive resource for anyone who manages livestock on pastures in the Northwest, this 208-page book offers pasture managers information and tools to enable their pastures and their livestock to reach their maximum production potentials.
State 4-H Sheep Project Resources
Helpful Resources
Washington Specific Reference Material
- Washington State Sheep Producers
- Animals for Food & Performance – Sheep – Washington State University
- Washington State Shearing School – Washington State University
This annual shearing school has been offered to individuals seeking experience and knowledge about shearing, wool evaluation, and sheep production since 1977. In addition to teaching the skills of shearing and associated equipment information and care, students learn various aspects of wool marketing and production and sheep husbandry. Students that complete the WSSP Shearing School not only provide a service to sheep producers in the Pacific Northwest, but they also become informed resources with the ability to share proper shearing techniques and wool handling, and the care and marketing of the animals and their wool. With a state-of-the-art sheep shearing trailer, experienced instructors, and over 500 head of sheep to shear, this is a world-class commercial sheep shearing school.
From Higher Education Institutions
What Does it Mean to Be a Sheep? – University of California (PDF)
Sheep Judging – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
This site includes two videos on market lamb judging.
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
The purpose of Sheep 101 is to teach 4-H and FFA members, students, teachers, beginning shepherds, and the general public about sheep, their products, how they are raised, and their contributions to mankind. The site uses simple language and pictures to illustrate the various topics.
American Sheep Industry Association
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is the national organization representing the interests of more than 100,000 sheep producers located throughout the U.S. From East to West, pasture-based flocks to range operations, ASI works to represent the interests of all producers.
The three youth guides in the swine series are designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners respectively. Youth may work at the level most appropriate for them. Each guide includes an achievement program to provide challenging activities, a way to expand project experiences beyond the animal and a means to recognize youth for what they have accomplished. The activities in this guide are specifically designed to help youth develop skills in decision making, relating to others, communicating with others and learning to learn.
Please note there are age restrictions on this project area:
Youth must be 8 by October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for:
- Competitive situations, such as livestock shows or sales
- Enrollment in large animal projects, including Beef, Dairy, Goat, Horse, Sheep, Alpaca/Llama, and Swine
- Enrollment in shooting sports projects
- Enrollment in projects using motorized vehicles
- Enrollment in food preservation projects
Cloverbuds, 4-H youth ages 5-7, may participate in a number of age-appropriate activities, though they may not participate in competitive events.
If you have questions about eligibility please, contact your county 4-H coordinator.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Learn about swine breeds and how to select the breed best for their 4-H project
- Identify swine anatomy and identify how healthy swine look and behave
- Understand the selection, grooming, feeding, training and care of swine project animals
- Name and identify cuts of meat and discover pork and pork byproducts
- Prepare, show, and market their project animals at fair
4-H Swine Curriculum
Available in the Extension office or online.
Activities include naming breeds, learning swine body parts, judging market hogs, exploring a digestive system, examining a healthy pig, identifying pork cuts, and practicing fitting and showing.
Level 2: Putting the Oink in Pig
Activities in Swine 2 include managing baby pigs, balancing a ration, exploring swine diseases, preparing pork, discovering swine careers and packing a show box.
Advanced youth will plan a breeding system, judge breeding gilts, design a swine operation, complete a job application, explore career opportunities and international markets plus many other challenging activities.
Packed with activities to involve the entire group. Youth will plan a program, complete project records, develop a management calendar, explore the pork quality assurance program & investigate character education.
Exploring Swine Health & Husbandry Curriculum
This curriculum is designed as a guide for the project facilitator. The activities and background information in this curriculum will help youth develop the requisite knowledge and skills associated with raising and showing swine. Activities are youth centered and include opportunities for the application of knowledge and skills at three different levels of experience: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Topics Include:
- bio-security risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
- budgeting decisions associated with raising and housing swine.
- dietary needs of pigs at different life stages.
- elements of swine conformation.
- pre-show preparation; showmanship; and judging.
- strategies for crossbreeding swine.
- ethical decision making in caring for and showing swine.
- tip-to-tail health assessments.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
C0728E – Market Livestock Record
Worksheets for keeping track of costs and returns on 4-H market livestock projects.
C0729E – Breeding Livestock Record
Worksheet for keeping track of costs and returns on 4-H breeding livestock projects.
C0914E – Animal Science Record
Sheet that records inventory, expenses, and income from an animal science project.
C1055E – Producer Affidavit & Market Swine Health Record
Youth producers will record all relevant health information for their market swine on this form. A sample form includes instructions for completing the form.
C1113E – Supplemental Animal Affidavit & Health Record
A supplemental sheet to go with the 4-H health forms for individuals that need to record more treatments, etc.
EM3125 – 4-H Member Manual: Advanced Livestock Science
PNW677 – Judging Swine and Oral Reasons 101
NEEC20594 – Livestock Judging Guide
For adult helpers and club leaders
EM4789E – Teaching 4-H Oral Reasons
Teaches leaders how to help 4-H members give oral reasons for judging items and exhibits. Emphasizes knowledge and gives steps for oral reasoning process.
State 4-H Swine Project Resources
Helpful Resources
Washington Specific Reference Material
What you should know about
out-of-state pigs in Washington State Fact Sheet (PDF)
From Higher Education Institutions
Swine Judging – Iowa State University Extension
This site contains a video on market swine judging.
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
Did you know that regardless of how many pigs you care for, whether it’s a single show pig or thousands of market hogs, you are part of the pork industry? And, just as you are responsible for keeping your show pig(s) healthy, you share the responsibility of keeping all of the pigs in the United States healthy!
A healthy swine herd starts with raising healthy pigs at home. And raising a healthy pig starts with biosecurity.
This booklet is intended for youth exhibitors of all ages and levels of experience. In it, you will find recommended biosecurity guidelines to follow on the farm and when taking pigs to fairs and exhibitions.
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
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.