Clover Articles

Montana 4-H Clover
is produced by
Montana State University Agriculture and Extension Communications

and funded by
Montana 4-H Foundation.

Agriculture and Extension Communications is part of MSU Communications Services
416 Culbertson Hall Bozeman, MT 59717
publications@montana.edu
(406) 994-2721

Edited by: Karen Johnson, Marla Goodman, Suzi Taylor

Contributors: Rae Lynn Benson, Wendy Gerky, Chery Ann Weatherell, Jennifer Wells, The Livingston Enterprise, The Great Falls Tribune

What is MSU Extension?

MSU:
The Extension program is a fundamental part of Montana State University's land grant mission, developed to ensure that all Montanans benefit from the University.

Public access:
The program extends university knowledge to the people who need it, even if they never set foot on a campus. It gives every Montanan access to useful information and expert help via workshops, demonstrations, community meetings, publications, videos, the internet and other sources. Montana 4-H is MSU Extension's youth development program.

Educational outreach:
Extension links a network of MSU facultytopic specialists on the MSU-Bozeman campus and agents in 53 counties and seven reservationsto the people. Its role is to extend practical knowledge to the public about agriculture, natural resources, youth development, community development and family and consumer sciences.

Free information:
MSU Extension provides resources on topics that range from raising livestock, growing crops and protecting the environment to raising a family, managing finances, starting a business and protecting your family's health and well-being.

For everyone:
You can use Extension by calling your local agent (listed in the county section of the phone book), by taking advantage of workshops and demonstrations in your area, or by clicking on "Extension and Outreach" at www.montana.edu.

For a catalog of free and low-cost publications, call (406)994-3273 or browse the Extension catalog online.

Suggested goals
• Develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance and sportsmanship through club activities.
• Learn to accept responsibility by having an animal to care for regularly.
• Learn the principles of animal nutrition and how to balance rations to feed your animals.
• Learn to care for, train and handle animals safely.
• Learn how to take care of equipment.
• Learn to search for improved methods of doing a job.
• Learn to evaluate several methods of doing a job. Gain an understanding of research and how to use it.
• Learn to accept the results of one's work and how to use this in management and planning the next goal.
• Develop an inquiring mind and a desire to seek out the scientific principles involved in raising and marketing livestock.
• To stimulate your interest in the livestock industry.
• To provide an opportunity to establish a livestock business of your own.
• To provide an opportunity to earn money at home while learning a business.

General materials
S 4-H Showmanship Guidelines, 5269. This circular gives general showmanship guidelines for beef, dairy, dairy goats, sheep, swine, and horses and rabbits.
S Market Animal Quality Assurance, 5300. A quality control program for youth livestock producers.
L Market Animal Quality Assurance Leader's Guide, 5301.

Beef

The 4-H beef project is an excellent way to learn about an important industry in Montana and the rest of the nation. Through this project, you can learn about all aspects of the beef industry, either by directly caring for a calf or by learning about beef through the 4-H achievement program in each level. You may carry either a market calf or manage a breeding animal at any level.
Depending on your area of interest in the beef project, you must sign up on your enrollment card in one of the three levels as well as for either the market beef (2001) or breeding beef (2002) option within each level. This will help your county Extension office know your specific interests in the beef project.
If you enroll in the independent study phase, you are expected to have already completed the three levels of the beef project and to have set some learning goals for your independent work.

Beef, Level 1 -- 2010
The activities in Beef 1 are for boys and girls who may not have their own calf. The important thing is that you want to learn more about cattle. If you don't own your own calf now, these activities will help you decide if you really want to raise them or learn more about them. In this level, you will learn about beef cattle, how to identify the parts of a calf, the breeds, different types of feeds, showing a calf, understanding cattle behavior, evaluating different beef animals, how to care for a calf, how to recognize a healthy calf and more. It may take up to three years for you to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and three learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Market -- 2001 Breeding -- 2002
MATERIALS
M Bite Into Beef, BU6351
M Raising 4-H Beef Cattle, 5276
M Preparing Your Market Beef Animal for the Fair, 5261
M Livestock Feed Sheet, Form 2FM099
M Market Beef Project Manual, 5264
L Beef Group Activity Guide, BU6354
S Evaluating Modern Beef Cattle, 2B1104
S You Can Make a Rope Halter, Folder 4H104

Beef, Level 2 -- 2020
Once you've completed the achievement requirements in level one, you're ready for "On the Mooove." In this level, you'll learn about such things as nutritional requirements for beef cattle, a cow's digestive system, cattle behavior, determining the composition of beef carcasses, identifying common cattle diseases, how to read a feed tag, how to deal with current issues related to raising beef, and much more. It may take three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Market--2001 Breeding--2002
MATERIALS
M Here's the Beef, BU6352
M Raising 4-H Beef Cattle, 5276
M Preparing Your Market Beef Animal for the Fair, 5261
M Livestock Feed Sheet, Form 2FM099
M Market Beef Project Manual, 5264
L Beef Group Activity Guide, BU6354
S Evaluating Modern Beef Cattle, 2B1104
S You Can Make a Rope Halter, Folder 4H104

Beef, Level 3 -- 2030
As an advanced member, you have several opportunities to share your knowledge and experience about beef cattle with other members. You'll also gain leadership skills as you help others learn about cattle. In this level, you will teach others about beef cattle, explore career opportunities in the beef industry, learn how to use performance data to make informed decisions about cattle, learn to select steers, investigate technology's impact on beef production, use frame scores in calculating market weight, plan a breeding program, learn about EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences), and much more. It may take as long as three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Market--2001
Breeding--2002
MATERIALS
M Leading the Charge, BU6353
M Raising 4-H Beef Cattle, 5276
M Preparing Your Market Beef Animal for the Fair, 5261
M Livestock Feed Sheet, Form 2FM099
M Market Beef Project Manual, 5264
L Beef Group Activity Guide, BU6354
S Evaluating Modern Beef Cattle, 2B1104
S You Can Make a Rope Halter, Folder 4H104

Independent Study -- 2099

Audio/Visual Support Materials
AV What's the Beef? (VI0714A95)
AV Estimating the Cutability of Live Beef Cattle (SA0102A83)
AV Retail Cut Identification of Beef (VI099A86)
AV Total Quality Management for Youth Livestock Producers (VI0634A94)
AV Total Quality Management: Beef (VI0636A94)
AV Beef Judging Practice Classes with Reasons (VI0758A96)
AV Introduction to Meat Judging (VI0737A96)
AV Judging Beef Breeding Cattle (VI0629A94)
AV Judging Beef Cattle: Meat Quality Grading (VI0200A88)
AV Angus: Fit to Show (VI0842A98)
AV Get the Showmanship Edge (VI0841A98)
AV Winning the Beef Show, Made Easy (SL0058A77)
AV The Heart of the Matter: Animal Rights and Personal Beliefs (VI0617A94)
AV A Question of Ethics (VI0642A94)
AV A Step Beyond: A Question of Ethics (VI0730A95)
AV Beyond the Sale (VI0230A00)
AV A Line in the Sand (VI0753A96)
AV Food Safety and Animal Drugs: testing, testing, testing (VI0581A92)
AV Trace Mineral Salt: It Doesn't Cost, It Pays (VI0582A93)
AV Livestock Judging (SL0060A86)
AV Animal Agriculture: Myths & Facts (VI0609A94)

Cat
In this project, you will learn more about one of our most common household pets-cats. Through a flexible achievement program, you will explore all kinds of things about cats-from nutrition to showing. This project provides a fun and exciting alternative to large animal projects.

Cat, Level 1 -- 3010
This level is for boys and girls who may or may not have a cat of their own. The important thing is that you want to learn more about cats and care about animals. If you don't have a cat, the activities in this level will help you decide whether you want a cat in the future. In this project, you will learn about breeds of cats, cost of raising a cat, how to care for and groom a cat, and much more. You may take up to three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and three learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Purrr-fect Pals! BU6146
M 4-H Cat Project, EM4809
L Cat Group Activity Guide, BU6149

Cat, Level 2 -- 3020
After completing the achievement program in level one, you will advance to this project. Besides learning a lot about yourself and practicing important life skills, you will learn about organizations that have information about cats, how to show a cat, how to train a cat, about careers related to cats, how to read and understand a feed label, about external parasites that can affect cats, and more. You may take up to three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Climbing Up! BU6147
M 4-H Cat Project, EM4809
M Cat Fitting and Showing, EM4810
L Cat Group Activity Guide, BU6149

Cat, Level 3 -- 3030
Designed for advanced members, this project offers you a variety of ways to share your knowledge and experience and develop leadership skills. In this level, you'll learn how to plan and organize a cat show, develop a business plan, learn about genetics, explore career choices, organize a cat quiz bowl, research cat laws and more. It may take up to three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Cat Connections, BU6148
M 4-H Cat Project, EM4809
M Cat Fitting and Showing, EM4810
L Cat Group Activity Guide, BU6149

Independent Study -- 3099

Audio/Visual Support Materials
AV Grooming Your Short-Haired Cat (VI0660A94)
AV Grooming Your Long-Haired Cat (VI0661A94)

Dairy
The 4-H dairy project is for members who want to learn more about dairy animals and who may want to care for and raise one or more female dairy animals. If ownership is not possible, this project also allows you to have a contract with a dairy to care for one or more animals.
Members usually start with a heifer calf or yearling heifer. Older members may start with a producing cow. You should keep milk production records on all producing cows, using DHIA guidelines. This project also provides you an opportunity to start with a calf and raise it to a producing cow.

Dairy, Level 1 -- 2110
This level is for beginning members who may or may not own a dairy animal. Through the activities in this level, you will learn about the parts of the dairy cow, about various dairy breeds, cost to raise a calf, how to care for a dairy animal and much more. If you don't already have a dairy animal, some of the activities in this level will help you decide whether you want to raise dairy cattle in the future. Through these activities, you'll also learn things about yourself and develop important life skills. It may take up to three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and three learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Dig Into Dairy, BU6154
M 4-H Dairy Project Manual, 2B1321
M Dairy Feed Milk Sheet, 2FM122
L Dairy Group Activity Guide, BU6157

Dairy, Level 2 -- 2120
This level offers new challenges and opportunities to explore a range of activities related to dairy cattle and the dairy industry. An achievement program is included to guide your efforts and provide an opportunity to be recognized for meeting your goals. In this level, you will learn about technological developments in the dairy industry, investigate current issues in the dairy industry, learn about dairy associations, find out how the dairy industry affects everyone worldwide, learn about the nutritional requirements of dairy cows, learn how to prepare a budget and more. It may take as long as three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Moooving Ahead, BU6155
M 4-H Dairy Project Manual, 2B1321
M Dairy Feed Milk Sheet, 2FM122
S Working with Dairy Cattle, 5016
S Cattle Judging Made Easy, 5184
L Dairy Group Activity Guide, BU6157

Dairy, Level 3 -- 2130
By now, you are probably an expert on dairy cattle and certainly know more than you did when you started this project. Whether you raise one calf or several cows, you are in an excellent position to share your knowledge and experiences with others. This level provides you with several opportunities to develop your leadership skills as you strive to complete the dairy achievement program. You'll also find activities to help you manage your herd, explore careers and possibly become a radio/television personality. You may take as long as three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Leading the Way, BU6156
M 4-H Dairy Project Manual, 2B1321
M Dairy Feed Milk Sheet, 2FM122
S Working with Dairy Cattle, 5016
S Cattle Judging Made Easy, 5184
L Dairy Group Activity Guide, BU61567

Independent Study -- 2199

Audio/Visual Support Materials
AV Total Quality Management for Youth Livestock Producers (VI0637A94)
AV Total Quality Management: Dairy (VI0617A94)
AV The Heart of the Matter: Animal Rights and Personal Beliefs (VI0617A94)
AV A Question of Ethics (VI0642A94)
AV A Step Beyond: A Question of Ethics (VI0730A95)
AV Holstein Judging (SA0100A80)
AV Judging Dairy Cattle (VI0201A88)
AV Dairy Cattle Judging (SA0098A69)
AV Colored Breeds Judging (SA0097A80)
AV Beyond the Sale (VI0230A00)
AV A Line in the Sand (VI0753A96)
AV Food Safety and Animal Drugs: testing, testing, testing (VI0581A92)
AV Trace Mineral Salt: It Doesn't Cost, It Pays (VI0582A93)
AV Livestock Judging (SL0060A86)
AV Animal Agriculture: Myths & Facts (VI0609A94)

Dog
The 4-H dog project is designed for youngsters who are interested in learning more about dogs, how to care for a dog, and how to train a dog in basic or advanced commands. The dog project is unique and is not meant to conform to AKC dog show or other professional standards. Although beginners do not need to own a dog to participate in the first level of the project, the more advanced levels do require dog ownership. You'll need to keep your journals up-to-date and record expenses for the project. Each level may take up to three years to complete. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and three learning experiences each year to complete the project. Depending on your area of interest in the dog project, you must sign up on your enrollment card in one of the three levels, and also sign up for either dog obedience (3101) or dog and puppy care (3102) within each level. This will help your county Extension office know your specific interests in the dog project.

Dog, Level 1 -- 3110
This level is the first in a series of three levels for youth interested in dogs. The activities are for those who may or may not have a dog of their own. The important thing is that you want to learn more about dogs. If you don't have a dog, some of the activities in this level may help you decide whether you want to make the commitment to own and care for a dog. You will also be able to learn what kind of dog would be best for you and your family, and how much training you want to give it. You may take up to three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and 3 learning experiences each year to complete the project.
Dog Obedience -- 3101
Dog and Puppy Care -- 3102
MATERIALS
M Wiggles ' n' Wags, BU6150
L Dog Group Activity Guide, BU6153
S Montana Dog Obedience Handbook, 5291
S 4-H Dog Junior Showmanship Manual, MI1523

Dog, Level 2 -- 3120
This level offers opportunities and challenges to explore a wide range of activities related to dogs. Dog ownership is necessary to participate in this level. The focus will be on obedience training. You will learn how to train a dog to obey certain beginning and novice level commands, such as heel, sit, down, stand for examination, recall, finish and the figure eight. You'll also investigate dog breed origins, find out why dogs are neutered or spayed, compare dog foods, learn how to communicate about dogs, and more.
Like level one, an achievement program is included to guide your efforts and provide an opportunity to be recognized for meeting your goals. You may take up to three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Dog Obedience -- 3101
Dog and Puppy Care -- 3102
MATERIALS
M Canine Connection, BU6151
L Dog Group Activity Guide, BU6153
S Montana Dog Obedience Handbook, 5291
S 4-H Dog Junior Showmanship Manual, MI1523

Dog, Level 3 -- 3130
In this level, you will focus on advanced skills in dog training and management. If you have a special talent for training dogs, you will enjoy the challenge of more advanced training. By this level, you will start to be ready for competing in AKC trials and will be able to earn Companion Dog degrees and others as offered through the American Kennel Club. You will also learn about the "alpha dog" concept, about dogs that help people, to make a budget, to conduct an experiment on a dog's sense of smell and much more. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project. It may take as many as three years for you to complete this level.
Dog Obedience --3101
Dog and Puppy Care --3102
MATERIALS
M Leading the Pack, BU6152
L Dog Group Activity Guide, BU6153
S Montana Dog Obedience Handbook, 5291
S 4-H Dog Junior Showmanship Manual, MI1523

Independent Study -- 3199

Audio/Visual Support Materials
AV Dog Care and Training Program (SL0072A76)
AV A Pet Needs More Than Love (SL0073A00)

Goat
The 4-H goat project is designed for members who are interested in learning more about goats. Like some other projects, the goat project is designed in achievement levels.
Although beginners do not need to own a goat, the more advanced levels of the project are designed for those who have available one or more goats to care for and raise. You can raise a goat for milk, mohair, meat or even for packing.

Goat, Level 1 -- 2210
You should keep production and expense records as with other livestock projects.
This level is for boys and girls who may or may not have a goat of their own. The important thing is that you want to learn about goats-both dairy goats, raised primarily for milk, and Angora goats, raised for mohair. If you don't have a goat, some of the activities may help you decide whether you really want to raise or learn more about goats. Through the activities in this level, you will have many interesting and exciting challenges. You'll learn about the parts of the goat, breeds, costs to raise a goat, and how to care for a goat while developing important life skills, and much more. But learning about goats is not all you'll be doing. Through achievement levels, you'll be learning about yourself, too. This level may take up to three years to complete. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and 3 learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Getting Your Goat, BU6162
M 4-H Goat Manual, OH131
L Goat Group Activity Guide, BU6165

Goat, Level 2 -- 2220
This level offers intermediate learners new challenges and opportunities to explore a wide range of activities related to goats and the goat industry. You'll learn about how to judge goats, how to give a set of oral reasons, judge hay, learn about goat behavior, learn about herd health, and much more. Three years may be required to complete this level. You must complete at least 7 activities and 5 learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Stepping Out, BU6163
M 4-H Goat Manual, OH131
L Goat Group Activity Guide, BU6165

Goat, Level 3 -- 2230
By now, you are probably an expert on goats or certainly know more than you did when you started this project.
In this level, advanced 4-H members learn about genetics and breeding, about careers in the goat industry, how to organize a goat field day, about goat management techniques, and practice leadership skills. At this level, you are in an excellent position to share your knowledge and experiences with others. It may take up to three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and 5 learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Showing the Way, BU6164
M 4-H Goat Manual, OH131
L Goat Group Activity Guide, BU6165

Independent Study -- 2299

Horse & Pony
These projects are designed to provide you an opportunity to handle, care for, ride or drive horses. There are 10 horse projects. All projects are meant to be used at the speed of the member. There are several levels of many of the projects. LEVELS DO NOT NECESSARILY CORRESPOND TO YEARS. It is possible to complete several levels in a given year; or, conversely, you may take several years to complete one level. Assessment sheets are provided for leaders to determine when a member has completed the levels.

Horsemanship
Horsemanship is the basis for the horse project. All members must complete Horsemanship Introduction and levels 1, 2 and 3 before entering any other Horse project. (In some cases, the leader could use Horseless Horse Project Introduction, and levels 1, 2, and 3.)
Horsemanship has seven levels. Depending on which form of riding you practice, use the following numbers to enroll in the appropriate level.

WESTERN ------ENGLISH
Level 1 --2301 Level 1 --2371
Level 2 --2302 Level 2 -- 2372
Level 3 -- 2303 Level 3 -- 2373
Level 4 -- 2304 Level 4 -- 2374
Level 5 -- 2305 Level 5 -- 2375
Level 6 -- 2306 Level 6 -- 2376
Level 7 -- 2307 Level 7 -- 2377

NOTE: Remember, for the state horse show, you can show only one level above or below the level in which you are enrolled.
Materials
M Introduction to Horsemanship Manual levels I–III, 5246
M Introduction to Horsemanship, Manual levels IV-VII, 5262
M Montana 4-H Horsemanship Project Manual, 2C1160
M Montana 4-H Horse Safety Guidelines, 5026
S Creating 4-H Horse Patterns, 5273

Horseless Horse
This project is for you if you want to learn about horses but you may or may not own a horse. If you don't have a horse, some of the activities in this project will help you decide whether you really want to raise or learn more about horses. If you currently do not have a horse, but you think that one day you will own a horse and will want to participate in other horse projects, you should enroll in this project. Once you complete all three levels of this project, you will be qualified to enroll in any other horse project for which horse ownership is required. As a "Horseless Horse" project member, you can also participate in the horse judging and in the horse careers projects without needing to own your own horse.

Horseless Horse 1 -- 2311
The activities in this level introduce you to the basics of horse care and horse ownership without requiring that you have your own animal. In this level, you will learn how to identify the parts of a horse, horse behavior, horse breeds, costs of raising a horse, how to care for a horse, horse facilities, horse safety rules, and much more. But learning about horses is not all you'll do. You'll also have the opportunity to present a demonstration, take tours, watch a horse show and attend a horse clinic. Through the achievement program, you'll also be learning about yourself.
MATERIALS
M Horsing Around, BU6355
M Montana 4-H Horse Safety Guidelines, 5026
L Horse Group Activity Guide, BU6358

Horseless Horse 2 -- 2312
This level of the project offers you opportunities to learn about horses. By this time, you may be able to occasionally use someone else's horse to expand your learning experiences. In this project, you will learn how to compare horses on confirmation characteristics, learn more about horse safety by planning a video tape production, explore horse careers, learn about common horse identification methods, learn about horses' teeth, how to judge horses, learn about common horse parasites, and more. Like level 1, an achievement program is included to guide and challenge your project work so that you get the most out of these activities.
MATERIALS
M Galloping Ahead, BU6356
M Montana 4-H Horse Safety Guidelines, 5026
L Horse Group Activity Guide, BU6358

Horseless Horse 3 -- 2313
This final level of the project rounds out your knowledge about horses and prepares you for eventual horse ownership. In this level, you will learn how to promote the horse project, how to conduct a horse judging contest, using horses at camp, how to design a horse health program, how to body condition score ten horses, look at careers in the horse industry, conduct a horse economic impact survey, and teach others.
After completing this level, you should be ready to enter any of the horse projects if you own your own horse. And you'll also be equipped to teach others about horses, too.
MATERIALS
M Blazing the Way, BU6357
M Montana 4-H Horse Safety Guidelines, 5026
L Horse Group Activity Guide, BU6358

Colt to Maturity
This project is for those who own or have available a colt or filly colt to care for and train. This is a five year progressive project beginning with a yearling. The project is designed to help you select a foal and train it to maturity. You must be 12 years old or older during the current project year; have completed Horsemanship Introduction and levels 1, 2, and 3; and have completed a standard written test and/or demonstrated ability to handle the project to the county horse leader or designated person. Stallions will be allowed only in the yearling phase. Check with local county fair rules on exhibiting.
Level 1 -- 2321
Level 2 -- 2322
Level 3 -- 2323
Level 4 -- 2324
Level 5 -- 2325
MATERIALS
M Training Horses - Yearlings to five year old, 2B0353
M Colt to Maturity Manual, 5248
S Horse Safety Guidelines, 5026
S Creating 4-H Horse Patterns, 5273
S Horse Science, CO201
S Horse and Horsemanship, CO200

Ranch Horse
This project prepares you and your horse for general ranch work. Horses in this project should have completed the colt to maturity or green horse project.
Level 1 -- 2331 Level 2 -- 2332 Level 3 -- 2333 Level 4 -- 2334
MATERIALS
M Montana 4-H Ranch Horse Manual, 5250
S Creating 4-H Horse Patterns, 5273

Packing
This project develops your knowledge and skills in the art and science of using horses to transport materials. This project also provides opportunities for enjoying nature in a way that is otherwise difficult to achieve.
Level 1 -- 2335
Level 2 -- 2336
Level 3 -- 2337
Level 4 -- 2338
Level 5 -- 2339
Materials
M Montana 4-H Horse Packing Manual, 5251
S Packing in Pictures by Francis W. Avis, Charles Scribners and Sons, New York, 1975, available from the MSU Bookstore (phone 406-994- 5845) Cost approximately $15.00 OR
S Packing and Outfitting Field Manual, by Oliver Hill, B-535R, University of Wyoming, Bulletin Room, P.O. Box 3315, Laramie WY, 82071. (307) 766-2115 Cost approx. $4

Driving
This is a project to teach you basic horse driving skills, safety and to train a horse to drive in a single or multiple hitch.
Level 1 -- 2341 Level 2 -- 2342 Level 3 -- 2343 Level 4 -- 2344
MATERIALS
M Montana 4-H Horse Driving Manual, 5252
M Montana 4-H Horsemanship Project Manual, 2C1160
S 4-H Manual for Exhibiting in Harness Driving, EM 4881

Horse Showing
This project teaches you to select, train and maintain your horses for showing. This project will help you become an adept and knowledgeable horseman. It will also help you learn to plan and conduct shows and clinics.
Level 1 -- 2345
Level 2 -- 2346
Level 3 -- 2347
MATERIALS
M Montana 4-H Showing Horse Manual, 5253
M Proper Showing Procedure and Etiquette, 5254

Horse Judging -- 2350
This project is to teach you to select and evaluate horses, give oral reasons and place classes of conformation horses and performance horses.
MATERIALS
M New Mexico 4-H Horse Judging Manual, NM200-R48

Green Horse
This project is for those who have horses that are not fully trained, but don't fit into the colt to maturity project because of age or ability.
To participate in this project, you must be 12 years old or older during the current project year; have completed Horsemanship Introduction and levels 1, 2 and 3; and have completed a standard written test and/or demonstrated an ability to handle the project to the county horse leader or designated person.
Level 1 -- 2355
Level 2 -- 2356
Level 3 -- 2357
Level 4 -- 2358
MATERIALS
M Montana 4-H Green Horse Manual, 5256
M Training Horses - Yearlings to five-year-olds, 2BO353
S Horse Safety Guidelines, 5026
S Creating 4-H Horse Patterns, 5273

Careers with Horses -- 2360
This project is intended to acquaint you with careers in the horse industry.
Materials
M Montana 4-H Horse Careers Manual, 5255

Independent Study--2399

Audio/Visual Support Materials
AV A Little Horse Sense -- Handling and Moving the Horse (VI0671A95)
AV Basic Horse Care and Grooming (VI0672A95)
AV Tack and Equipment Basics (VI0673A95)
AV Get On, Stay On, and Get Off (VI0674A95)
AV Rider Body Language and Safety (VI0675A95)
AV Basic Riding Safety (VI0676A95)
AV Every Time...Every Ride (VI0715A95)
AV Cow Sense: Give Your Horse a Hand (VI0733A95)
AV Care of Your Horse's Feet (SA0119A00)
AV Buy a Horse...Not Trouble (SA0118A00)
AV Choosing, Assembling and Using Bridles (SA0120A00)
AV Competition Trail Riding (SA0121A00)
AV English Equitation (SA0128A78)
AV Genetics of Coat Color (SA0123A00)
AV Grooming Your Horse (SA0125A78)
AV Health Hints for Your Horse (SA0124A00)
AV Horse Gaits (VI0255A87)
AV Horse Safety (SA0157A00)
AV Horse Training by Driving (SA0129A00)
AV Hot Horseshoeing (SA0130A00)
AV Intermediate Trail Riding (SA0131A00)
AV Internal Parasites of Horses (SA0132A00)
AV Judging Horses on Conformation (SL0077A79)
AV Long Line Training (SA0133A76)
AV Miscellaneous Tack and Equipment (SA0134A00)
AV Natural Gaits of the Western Horse (VI0254A87)
AV Pre-Bit Hackamore Training (SA0136A00)
AV Practical Horse Psychology (SA0135A00)
AV Saddle Selection (SA0137A00)
AV Safety Mounted: Saddling, Bridling & Riding Western (SA0138A77)
AV Series on Breaking the Colt (VI0249A00)
AV Series on Horsemanship (VI0250A00)
AV Techniques of Line Driving (SA0139A76)
AV Western Equitation (SA0127A78)
AV Western Pleasure Trail Riding (SA0141A76)
AV Western Riding (VI0253A00)
AV What a Judge Looks for in Equitation Classes (SA0143A77)
AV Horse Judging Kit (SA0145A87)
AV Horse Safety: Catching, Leading and Grooming (SL0076A78) CD-ROM Horse Judging (CD0036A99)

Pocket Pets
In this project, you will learn all about various kinds of small hand pets and how to care for them. This project is an excellent beginning project, especially if you are a younger member, who wants to learn what it's like to care for an animal. Through your work in this project, you will develop important life skills as well as develop practical skills through hands-on activities that will teach you about your pet's needs. Some of the pets included in these materials are ferrets, snakes and turtles, hamsters, gerbils, mice, fish, frogs and toads, lizards, birds, guinea pigs and others.

Pet, Level 1 -- 3210
Are you ready to learn about pets? Through the activities in this level, you will learn about the kinds of pets, costs to raise them, pet care, and much, much more. If you don't already have a pet, some of the activities will help you decide whether or not you want one. But learning about pets isn't all you'll be doing. You'll be learning about yourself, too. You'll be learning how to communicate effectively with others about your pet, how to make good decisions, how to be responsible, how to plan and organize, and how to learn more effectively. Through the achievement program, you will decide what you want to learn and how fast. You can work in this level for up to three years. You must complete at least 7 activities and 3 learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Materials
M Pet Pals, BU6359
L Pet Group Activity Guide, BU6362

Pet, Level 2 -- 3220
In this level, you will expand your knowledge of pets and improve your life skills. You'll also be presented with new challenges and opportunities to explore a wide range of activities related to pets. As in the previous level, an achievement program will guide your efforts and provide you with opportunities to be recognized for meeting your goals in this project. Some of the things you'll learn include learning about an animal's digestive system, pet breeding, nutritional requirements for pets, comparison shopping, signs of good animal health, how pets communicate and much, much more. You must complete at least 7 activities and 5 learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Scurrying Ahead, BU6360
L Pet Group Activity Guide, BU6362

Pet, Level 3 -- 3230
By now, you're probably an expert on pets and certainly know more than you did when you started this project. Whether you have one or several pets, you are in an excellent position to share your experiences with others. This level of the project provides you with several opportunities to develop your leadership skills as you strive to complete Level 3 of the achievement program. You'll also find activities to help you develop a business, explore careers, and teach others. In this level, you'll learn about genetics, how to start your own business, learn about the pet industry, explore animal welfare issues, think environmentally, investigate "pet" sayings, learn about pet diseases, and much more. You must complete at least 7 activities and 5 learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Scaling the Heights, BU6361
L Pet Group Activity Guide, BU6362

Independent Study -- 3299

Poultry
The poultry project is designed to help you learn about chickens and other poultry. Through your work in this project, you will acquire an understanding of scientific poultry management and marketing practices. You will also gain business experience and insight into the values and principles of purchasing, marketing, financial record keeping and obtaining credit.
In addition, this project will help you understand the poultry industry and its role in agriculture and the economy. Each level of the 4-H poultry project may take up to three years to complete and it is not expected that members will complete a level each year.

Poultry, Level 1 -- 3310
Welcome to the world of poultry! Through the activities in this level, you will learn about poultry and egg parts, about breeds, costs to raise poultry, how to prepare for chicks, how to care for and handle your birds, how to select pullets, showing poultry, and many more exciting and challenging things.
But learning about poultry is not all you'll be doing. You'll also be learning about yourself, too. Through your work in this level of the poultry project, you will learn how to speak to groups, work with other people, make decisions, take risks, plan and organize and be responsible. Through the achievement program, you will get decide what you want to learn about poultry and how fast. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and 3 learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Scratching the Surface, BU6363
M 4-H Poultry Production: Raising Pullets, OH151
M 4-H Poultry Feed Sheet, 2FM093
S Poultry Judging, 4H460
L Poultry Group Activity Guide, BU6366
S 4-H Poultry Fitting & Showmanship, Member's Guide, MI1520
S 4-H Poultry Fitting & Showmanship, Leader's Guide, MI1521

Poultry, Level 2 -- 3320
This level offers you new challenges and opportunities to explore a wide range of activities. You'll learn about egg production, how to recognize a healthy flock, about the skeletal structure of birds, how to select and judge broilers, about pecking orders, how to prevent diseases of poultry flocks, how to select breeding pens, how to read a feed tag and make an egg candler, how to build a budget, and much more. Like the previous level, your work will be guided by an achievement program which allows you to choose the kinds of things you want to learn and do them at your own pace. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and 5 learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Testing Your Wings, BU6364
M 4-H Poultry Production: Raising Broilers, OH152
M 4-H Poultry Feed Sheet, 2FM093
S Poultry Judging, 4H460
L Poultry Group Activity Guide, BU6366
S 4-H Poultry Fitting & Showmanship, Member's Guide, MI1520
S 4-H Poultry Fitting & Showmanship, Leader's Guide, MI1521

Poultry, Level 3 -- 3330
This level of the poultry projects builds on the experience and knowledge you have gained in the previous levels. Now, you'll learn about such things as how to organize a judging clinic, how to manage a laying flock, how genetics influence poultry characteristics, how to handle poultry products safely, how to process chickens for food, about advances in biotechnology and careers in the poultry industry, and much more. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and 5 learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Flocking Together, BU6365
M 4-H Poultry Production: Raising Broilers, OH152
M 4-H Poultry Feed Sheet, 2FM093
L Poultry Group Activity Guide, BU6366
S Poultry Judging, 4H460
S 4-H Poultry Fitting & Showmanship, Member's Guide, MI1520
S 4-H Poultry Fitting & Showmanship, Leader's Guide, MI1521

Independent Study-3399

Rabbit

Objectives:
• Gain knowledge and skills in managing and caring for rabbits.
• Learn to select quality rabbits and feed them balanced rations.
• Maintain management records to base decisions regarding feed, production and breeding.
• Participate and assume responsibility in the 4-H rabbit program.
Suggested project activities:
• Beginning members should start their project with a doe rabbit.
• Second-year members and beyond should continue the first year animal(s) and extend the project into one or more does and/or bucks.
• Enroll in fall to prepare for receiving animals.
• Members are encouraged to exhibit animals at least once during the project year (county fair, American Rabbit Breeders

Rabbit, Level 1 -- 3410
This project is designed for the beginning rabbit member with little or no experience in raising rabbits. You will be able to name several breeds of rabbits, identify the parts of the animal, discuss the sanitation methods needed to raise rabbits, describe good feeding and watering practices, keep good feed and financial records, and demonstrate proper showmanship procedures. You must complete at least 7 activities and two learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M What's Hoppening? BU6069
M Raising Rabbits I, OH211
L Rabbit Guide To Youth Group Activities BU6072
S Rabbit Fitting & Showing, Member's Guide, MI1268
S Rabbit Fitting & Showing, Leader's Guide, MI1269

Rabbit, Level 2 -- 3420
The intermediate level project is designed for 4-H members who wish to expand upon their knowledge gained in the previous level. While the project is designed to be completed in 2-3 years, there is no time limit. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and 5 learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M A Jump Ahead BU6070
M Raising Rabbits II-III, OH212
L Rabbit Guide to Youth Group Activities BU6072
S Rabbit Fitting & Showing, Member's Guide, MI1268
S Rabbit Fitting & Showing, Leader's Guide, MI1269

Rabbit, Level 3 -- 3430
This level of the rabbit project is designed for those who want to explore interest areas of rabbit production. Each interest area represents a project. You can work in this level for several years. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and 5 learning experiences each year to complete this project. In this level, you should explore at least one of the interest areas and within the area perform the number of "Things to Do." Interest areas include Breeding and Genetics, Diseases, Keeping Records, Marketing and Tanning Hides.
MATERIALS
M Leaps and Bounds NCR409
M Raising Rabbits, Advanced, OH213
L Rabbit Guide to Youth Group Activities BU6072
S Rabbit Fitting & Showing, Member's Guide, MI1268
S Rabbit Fitting & Showing, Leader's Guide, MI1269

Independent Study -- 3499

Sheep
The objective of this project is to encourage you to have a well-rounded education and experience, even though you may not raise an animal. The project includes three achievement levels: herdsman, advanced herdsman, and master herdsman. If you enroll in this project, you will learn a lot about the modern sheep industry either by directly caring for a lamb or by learning about sheep through the achievement program in each level. You may carry either a market lamb or manage a ewe breeding project at any level.
Depending on your area of interest, you must enroll in one of the three levels as well as in either the market lamb (2401) or breeding (2402) option within each level. This will help your county Extension office know your specific interests within the sheep project. If you enroll in the independent study phase, you must have already completed all three levels of the sheep project and have some set learning goals for your independent work.

Sheep, Level 1 -- 2410
The activities in Sheep 1 are for boys and girls who may not have their own lamb. The important thing is that you want to learn more about sheep. If you don't own your own lamb, these activities will help you decide if you want to raise them or learn more about them.
In this level, you will learn to identify the parts of a lamb, you'll learn about the breeds of sheep, the parts of a lamb, about sheep behavior, uses of wool, about sheep by-products, fitting a sheep for show, showing a sheep, how to determine the health of a lamb, judging lambs, develop a management plan and much more. It may take three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and three learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Market -- 2401 Breeding -- 2402
MATERIALS
M Lambs, Rams and You, BU6367
M Sheep Raising for Beginners, 2B0324
M Livestock Feed Sheet, 2FM099
M Preparing Your Market Lamb for the Fair, 5268
L Sheep Group Activity Guide, BU6370
S Market Lamb Evaluation, 2B0343
S Judging and Classification of Wool, 2B0285
S Harvesting, Preparing, & Selling Montana Wool, 2C0350

Sheep, Level 2 -- 2420
Once you've completed the achievement requirements in level 1, you're ready to begin with "Shear Delight." In this level, you'll learn more about the sheep project, including learning about sheep parasites, meat safety, judging, using medications safely, the digestive system of sheep, health problems in sheep, management practices, careers, sheep production cycles, managing money, meat cuts and much more. It may take three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Market -- 2401 Breeding -- 2402
MATERIALS
M Shear Delight, BU6368
M Sheep Raising for Beginners, 2B0324
M Livestock Feed Sheet, 2FM099
M Preparing Your Market Lamb for the Fair, 5268
L Sheep Group Activity Guide, BU6370
S Market Lamb Evaluation, 2B0343
S Judging and Classification of Wool, 2B0285
S Harvesting, Preparing, & Selling Montana Wool, 2C0350

Sheep, Level 3 -- 2430
As an advanced member in the sheep project, you will have several opportunities to share your knowledge and experience about sheep with other 4-H members. You'll also gain leadership skills as you help others learn about sheep. In this level, you will teach others about sheep, explore career opportunities in the sheep industry, learn how to set production goals, make a budget for a sheep enterprise, plan and conduct a sheep event in your community, address contemporary issues related to sheep production, learn about marketing, learn about reproduction, plan and organize a judging contest, explore genetics, and much more. It may take three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Market -- 2401 Breeding -- 2402
MATERIALS
M Leading the Flock, BU6369
M Sheep Raising for Beginners, 2B0324
M Livestock Feed Sheet, 2FM099
L Sheep Group Activity Guide, BU6370
M Preparing Your Market Lamb for the Fair, 5268
S Market Lamb Evaluation, 2B0343
S Judging and Classification of Wool, 2B0285
S Harvesting, Preparing, & Selling Montana Wool, 2C0350

Independent Study -- 2499

Audio/Visual Support Materials
AV Total Quality Management for Youth Livestock Producers (VI0634A94)
AV Total Quality Management: Sheep (VI0639A94)
AV Judging Market Lambs (VI0628A94)
AV Sheep & Ewe: Learning Cooperatively (VI0613A94)
AV Sheep Judging Practice Classes with Reasons (VI0759A96)
AV Texas 4-H Sheep Project Guide (MP0101A94)
AV Winning the Sheep Show, Made Easy (SL0060A77)
AV What's The Beef? (VI0714A95)
AV The Heart of the Matter: Animal Rights and Personal Beliefs (VI0617A94)
AV A Question of Ethics (VI0642A94)
AV A Step Beyond: A Question of Ethics (VI0730A95)
AV Beyond the Sale (VI0230A00)
AV A Line in the Sand (VI0753A96)
AV Food Safety and Animal Drugs: testing, testing, testing (VI0581A92)
AV Trace Mineral Salt: It Doesn't Cost, It Pays (VI0582A93)
AV Livestock Judging (SL0060A86)
AV Animal Agriculture: Myths & Facts (VI0609A94)

Swine
The 4-H swine project is an excellent way to learn about an important industry. Through this project, you can learn about all aspects of the pork industry, either by directly caring for a hog or by learning about swine through the 4-H achievement program in each level. You may carry either a market pig or manage a sow and litter at any level.
Depending on your area of interest in the swine project, you must sign up on your enrollment card in one of the three levels as well as for either the market hog (2501) or breeding (2502) option within each level. This will help your county Extension office know your specific interests in the swine project. If you enroll in the independent study phase, you are expected to have already completed the three levels of the swine project and to have set some learning goals for your independent work.

Swine, Level 1 -- 2510
The activities in Swine 1 are for boys and girls who may not have their own pig. The important thing is that you want to learn more about pigs. If you don't own your own pig now, these activities will help you decide if you really want to raise them or learn more about them. In this level, you will learn to identify the parts of a pig, the breeds, the cost to raise pigs, how to care for pigs and more. It may take three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and three learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Market -- 2501 Breeding -- 2502
MATERIALS
M Growing with Swine, BU6158
M Starting a 4-H Pig Project, 2C1234
L Swine Group Activity Guide, BU6161
S 4-H Swine Production, 2B1198

Swine, Level 2 -- 2520
Once you've completed the achievement requirements in level one, you're ready for "Becoming Swine Smart." In this level, you'll learn about herd health, how to develop a pig health plan, about pork production from farrow to finish, how to balance a ration, about cooking and preparing pork products, about careers in agriculture, about symptoms of swine disease, how to present oral reasons on a class of hogs, and more. It may take three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Market -- 2501 Breeding -- 2502
MATERIALS
M Becoming Swine Smart, BU6159
M 4-H Swine Production, 2B1198
L Swine Group Activity Guide, BU6161
S Starting a 4-H Pig Project, 2C1234

Swine, Level 3 -- 2530
As an advanced member, you will have several opportunities to share your knowledge and experience about hogs with other 4-H members. You'll also gain leadership skills as you help others learn about pigs. In this level, you will teach others about pigs, explore career opportunities in the swine industry, organize a judging and showmanship clinic, plan a swine quiz bowl, operate and manage a swine breeding operation, learn about managing waste, learn about genetics, and much more. It may take as long as three years to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of 7 activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Market -- 2501 Breeding -- 2502
MATERIALS
M Going Whole Hog, NCR425
M 4-H Swine Production, 2B1198
L Swine Group Activity Guide, BU6161
S Starting a 4-H Pig Project, 2C1234

Independent Study -- 2599

Audio/Visual Support Materials
AV Total Quality Management for Youth Livestock Producers (VI0634A94)
AV Total Quality Management: Swine (VI0659A94)
AV Swine Evaluation (SL0057A77)
AV National Swine Registry Swine Judging (VI0763A96)
AV Swine Judging Practice Classes with Reasons (10760A96)
AV Winning the Hog Show, Made Easy (SL0059A77)
AV Quality Assurance for 4-H Swine Producers (VI0583A92)
AV Judging Market Swine (VI0630A94)
AV Identification of Pork Cuts (SL0056A80)
AV The Heart of the Matter: Animal Rights and Personal Beliefs (VI0617A94)
AV A Question of Ethics (VI0642A94)
AV A Step Beyond: A Question of Ethics (VI0730A95)
AV Beyond the Sale (VI0230A00)
AV A Line in the Sand (VI0753A96)
AV Food Safety and Animal Drugs: testing, testing, testing (VI0581A92)
AV Trace Mineral Salt: It Doesn't Cost, It Pays (VI0582A93)
AV Livestock Judging (SL0060A86)
AV Animal Agriculture: Myths & Facts (VI0609A94)

Veterinary Science
The Veterinary Science project is designed to help you better understand animals. Whether you live in a rural or an urban area, a knowledge of animal diseases and health care is very valuable. Veterinary science goes far beyond dealing with just the animal. It is involved in protection of human welfare by applying the arts and sciences of medicine to animals. The improvement of animal health safeguards our food supply. Inspection of meat and poultry, along with the care of all food and pet animals, controls diseases which already affect mankind. You are not required to own an animal but you should have one available to study.

The Normal Animal, Level I -- 2610
This level deals with the normal animal. There are eight lessons to complete. They include learning many terms; checking body temperature, pulse and respiration rates; cleaning; disinfecting; studying internal organs; and other important factors in understanding normal, healthy animals.
MATERIALS
M Unit 1, The Normal Animal, 5036
L Unit 1, 2 or 3, Leader's Guide, 5039

Animal Diseases, Level 2 -- 2620
In this level you will be introduced to new information about how the body reacts to disease. The principles that govern the response in an animal are similar to those of a human body. Lessons include the study of bacteria and disease, viruses and viral disease, external parasites, internal parasites, nutrition and disease, poisons and disease, stress and disease, and heredity and disease.
MATERIALS
M Unit 2, Animal Diseases, 5037
L Unit 1, 2 or 3, Leader's Guide, 5039

Animal Health and Its Relationship to Our World, Level 3 -- 2630
This level is designed to broaden your knowledge of veterinary medicine, animal health and how animal health relates to our world. This is a self-study course from which any topic related to veterinary medicine can be selected. There are six options: Environmental Influence on Animal Health, Animal Health as Related to Public Health-Immune System or Medicine, Practical Veterinary Medicine at Home, and Possibilities of Veterinary Medicine for a Career.
MATERIALS
M Unit 3, Animal Health and Its Relationship to Our World, 5038
L Unit 1, 2 or 3, Leader's Guide, 5039

Independent Study -- 2699

Audio/Visual Support Materials
AV Careers in Veterinary Medicine (VI0615A94)
AV Veterinary Science, Level 1-The Normal Animal (SA0156A00/VI0640A94)
AV Veterinary Science, Level 2-Animal Diseases (SA1059A00/VI0641A94)

continue on to Plant Sciences section -->

<--return to Project Selection Guide Index

The programs of the MSU Extension Service are available to all people regardless of race, creed, color, sex, disability or national origin. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, LeRoy Luft, Interim Vice Provost and Director, Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.