Youth Livestock
The 4-H Youth Livestock program is designed for those youth with interest in livestock and livestock events. It is the largest animal science project area enabling youth to develop their interest in beef cattle, sheep, swine and meat goats in their 4-H projects.
The 4-H Youth Livestock program is educational, activity-oriented, and fun for those who become involved. The 4-H youth learn about selection, care, and feeding of livestock along with animal health and the importance of good record-keeping all of which focus on life skills development.
The 4-H Youth Livestock program includes programs for those youth who own/have access to livestock and those who do not but still want to learn about the science of livestock selection, care, and management. This program offers competitions such as livestock judging contests as well as livestock shows at the county, district, and state levels.
Beef
The beef project is an excellent way to learn about raising, caring for and managing beef. Begin with a calf or build your own heard as you learn about the beef industry.
Things to learn/do in the project:
Ages 7-9
- Identify breeds of beef cattle
- Learn the parts of a calf
- Compare animal differences
- Halter break a calf
Ages 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
Ages 14 and Older
- Use performance data to make breeding decisions
- Evaluate beef carcasses and identify meat products
- Explore the impact of technology and career opportunities in the beef industry
Educational Materials
Meat Goat
The 4-H meat goat project is designed for members who are interested in learning more about raising meat goats. The meat goat project is quickly growing with an increasing demand for meat products. Learn how to select, raise and care for a meat goat.
Things to learn/do in the project:
Ages 7-9
- Identify parts of a meat goat
- Identify meat goat breeds
- Learn how to fit and show meat goats
Ages 10-13
- Recognize meat goat diseases
- Work with a veterinarian
- Learn how to keep records for meat goats
Ages 14 and Older
- Select breeding stock
- Learn key components in developing a goat herd
- Evaluate feed ingredients
Educational Materials
Sheep
Learn how to select and care for a market or breeding lamp or building a breeding flock. The sheep project can be an avenue for learning about the sheep industry. You will learn how to manage a market lamp or build your own breeding flock. 4-H members can enroll in either market or breeding.
Things to learn/do in the project:
Ages 7-9
- Learn the parts of a sheep
- Identify breeds of sheep and their uses
- Manage and train sheep for show
Ages 10-13
- Learn safety procedures and management practices for maintaining a flock
- Identify symptoms, causes, and treatment of common diseases
- Study the nutritional requirements for various ages of sheep
Ages 14 and Older
- Learn reproduction and genetics of sheep
- Study technology's impact on sheep production
- Explore career opportunities in the sheep industry
Educational Materials
Swine
Want to learn about raising, caring and managing a market or breeding hog? Enroll in the swine project where members learn to select, manage and show animals for meat production. Learn about an important industry in Kansas and the mid-west.
Things to learn/do in the project:
Ages 7-9
- Identify parts of a hog
- Name different swine breeds
- Learn types of feeds
Ages 10-13
- Purchase, feed and care for a market hog
- Identify symptoms, causes and treatments of swine diseases
- Study pork production from farrow to finish
Ages 14 and Older
- Learn effect of genetics on reproduction
- Study breeding systems and performance data
- Explore career opportunities in the swine industry
Educational Materials
Horse
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)
You MUST use your 4-H Online sign-in for the Extension Office to access your records.
7 yr olds are able to take an on-site class. They CANNOT complete the online course.
- YQCA Requirement Flyer
- YQCA 4-H Family Instructions
- Printing YQCA Certificate Instructions
- Registration
2020 Youth Livestock Nomination Information
- Kansas Youth Livestock State Nomination Process Rookie Guide
- Declaration Form for Kansas Nominated Livestock
- Family Name & Nomination Numbers
- Kansas Livestock Nomination Guidelines
- Kansas Livestock Nomination Checklists
- Nomination Updates
- Youth Livestock Nomination & Entry Deadlines
- Scrapie Tag Information
- Nomination Forms:
- Commercial Breeding Heifer Nomination Form
- Market Beef (Market Steer/Heifer) Nomination Form
- Market Lamb/Commercial Ewe Nomination Form
Extra Market Lamb/Commercial Ewe Form - Meat Goat & Commercial Doe Nomination
Extra Meat Goat Form - Swine Nomination Form
Extra Swine Form
- Commercial Breeding Heifer Nomination Form
Additional information and examples for filling out forms available at
http://www.asi.k-state.edu/research-and-extension/youth-programs/nominated-livestock/