Getting to the meat of 4-H beef projects

4-H members have opportunities to learn about all sorts of topics, both on and off the farm. One of the biggest 4-H venues is with beef projects, Extension agent Jennifer Terrell notes.

March 2, 2021 - 9:22 AM

In the beef project, youth will learn all aspects of the beef industry by raising a market steer or building your own herd by raising heifers and cows.

There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in the beef project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:

Things to Learn/Do in the Project

Age 7-9

• Identify breeds of beef cattle

• Learn the parts of a calf

• Compare animal differences

• Halter break a calf

Age 10-13

• Learn about cattle feeds and how they are digested

• Judge beef cattle and present oral reasons

• Show a calf and learn showing techniques

Age 14 and Older

• Use performance data to make breeding decisions