4-H Beef
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
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Identify breeds of beef cattle
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Learn the parts of a calf
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Compare animal differences
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Halter break a calf
Age 10-13
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Learn about cattle feeds and how they are digested
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Judge beef cattle and present oral reasons
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Show a calf and learn showing techniques
Age 14 and Older
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Use performance data to make breeding decisions
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Evaluate beef carcasses and identify meat products
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Explore impact of technology and career opportunities in the beef industry
In addition to the curriculum, youth are also offered the opportunity to attend project meetings held by volunteers. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at the county fair and depending on age and placing, the Kansas State Fair. There are other local and state shows available to youth as well.
The beef project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project or the workshop, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at jkterrell@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.