Animal Science
4-H Sheep Project
The Colorado 4-H Sheep Project teaches youth how to raise, feed, and care for sheep while developing responsibility, goal setting, and record-keeping skills.
Beginners learn about sheep anatomy, nutrition, diseases, evaluating animals, and producing safe, wholesome products. Intermediate members focus on management practices, exhibiting sheep, technology in production, goal setting, and developing sportsmanship and public speaking skills. Advanced participants address current industry issues, gain leadership experience, explore career opportunities, and build lasting friendships.
Livestock contests 4-H youth may participate in are Livestock Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl, and Livestock Skill-a-Thon.
Project Overview
Project Options:
- Market Sheep
- Breeding Sheep
Starting Out – Beginner
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn about sheep
- Learn how to produce a safe, wholesome product
- Identify the parts of a sheep
- Learn about nutritional requirements and different types of feed
- Practice evaluating sheep
- Learn about a sheep’s digestive system
- Identify common sheep diseases
- Learn how to keep records
- Learn how to assume responsibility
Learning More – Intermediate
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Investigate technology’s impact on sheep production
- Learn how to exhibit your animal
- Purchase, feed, and care for sheep
- Learn about goal setting
- Gain knowledge of sound management practices
- Develop sportsmanship and public speaking skills
Exploring Depth – Advanced
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn how to deal with current issues related to raising sheep
- Gain leadership skills by helping others learn about sheep
- Explore career opportunities in the sheep industry
- Build lifelong friendships
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
- Barn should have 20 square feet per animal and fence should be minimum of 42 inches tall.
- Fresh and clean water should be available at all times.
- Lambs should be vaccinated for CD/T before going on full feed.
- Market lambs should gain 0.5-0.8 pounds per day.
- Market lambs should be born between Jan. 1st and March 1st depending on fair dates.
- Feed should contain 16-18% protein.
- Exercise by walking a minimum 15 minutes every day.
- The average cost per lamb is $600-$700. This includes the purchase of the animal, feed for 4 months and show supplies.
- Soremouth and ringworm are two common health concerns in sheep.
Careers
Shepherd
Person who is responsible for tending to a flock of sheep, especially when they are out on summer pasture
Shearer
A worker who uses shears to remove wool from domestic sheep during crutching or shearing
Nutritionist
A person who specializes in animal nutrition
Animal Welfare
Specialist
Person who takes care of animals, including feeding and exercising them
Feedlot Manager
Person who oversees the daily operations of feed yards
Geneticist
Work with genetic material related to the sheep industry
Livestock Buyer
Buy lambs/sheep from various sales for different client partners
Breed Association
Work to maintain different databases and research for various breeds