Animal Science
4-H Beef Project
The Colorado 4-H Beef Project helps youth grow their knowledge and skills as they advance.
Beginners learn the basics of beef cattle breeds, feeding, care, and responsibility. Intermediate members expand their understanding of nutrition, health, and sound management practices while developing communication and sportsmanship skills. Advanced participants explore leadership opportunities, current industry issues, technology in beef production, and career paths in the beef industry—all while exhibiting their animals and building lasting friendships.
Livestock contests 4-H youth may participate in are Livestock Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl, and Livestock Skill-a-Thon.
Project Overview
Starting Out – Beginner
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn about beef cattle
- How to identify the parts of a calf
- Identify breeds of cattle
- Different types of feeds
- Evaluating different beef animals
- Purchase, feed and care for animals
- Evaluate project with leader
- Learn about goal setting
- Learn how to keep records
- Exhibit an animal on tour, achievement day or at the fair
- Learn how to assume responsibility
Learning More – Intermediate
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn about nutritional requirements for beef cattle
- Learn about a cow’s digestive system
- Identifying common cattle diseases
- Learn about goal setting
- Gain knowledge of sound management practices
- Exhibit an animal on tour, achievement day or at the fair
- Develop sportsmanship
- Develop public speaking skills
Exploring Depth – Advanced
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- How to deal with current issues relating to raising beef
- Gain leadership skills by helping others learn about cattle
- Explore career opportunities in the beef industry
- Investigating technology’s impact on beef production
- Exhibit an animal on tour, achievement day or at the fair
- Build lifelong friendship
Official Project Materials
Materials & Curriculum
Member Resources
Find Your County
Counties play a crucial role in 4-H by providing a platform for young people to learn and grow.
Counties facilitate the delivery of 4-H programs that are of particular interest in their area and qualified, compassionate adult leaders run local clubs to support our youth 4-H members.
To find out if this project is supported locally, contact your local extension office.
Upcoming Events
Currently there are no events scheduled at this time associated to this page. Please check back for the latest events as they are scheduled.
Project Tips
- Use only fresh, high quality feed and remove stale feeds from the bunk.
- Feed regularly, preferably two or three times a day.
- Observe regularly for signs of distress or injury.
- Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
- A calf weighing 500 pounds will drink 5-12 gallons of water.
- It takes about 2500 pounds of grain and 2000 pounds of hay to properly feed a market calf over the last 170 days.
- Before starting a beef project you should consider that it may have a sizeable investment in excess of $2000.00. You should develop a cash flow budget and be sure that you have adequate funding for this project.
Careers
Beef Extension Specialist
Provides research-based information in various areas of the beef industry
Veterinarian
A medical professional who protects the health and well-being of animals
Feedlot
There are various positions that a person can hold within a feedlot
Nutritionist
Creates a diet for animals based on their genetics and production goals
Breed
Association
Records data collected from registered cow herds
Food Safety Inspector
Inspects beef products to ensure food safety
Commercial Cattle Producer
A person who raises
cattle to supply feedlots
A.I.
Technician
A person who assists with the breeding of livestock species