Beef
Beef 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 raise a market calf or manage a breeding animal at any level. Youth wishing to enroll in Market Beef or Breeding Beef must also be enrolled in Level 1, 2, or 3. If you enroll in independent study, you are expected to have already completed the three levels of the beef project and have set some learning goals for your independent work.
Beef, Level 1
Enroll in Market and/or Breeding
Level 1 activities are for youth who may or may not have their own calf. If you don’t own a calf, these activities will help you decide if you want to raise calves by learning more about them. In this level, you will learn about beef cattle, breed identification, locating parts on a steer, judging, halter breaking, fitting a steer, showing a calf, recognizing a healthy animal, selecting feed ingredients and how to shop for beef and beef by-products.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
It may take up to three years for you to complete this level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and three learning experiences each year to complete this project.
MATERIALS
M Bite Into Beef, BU8143
L Beef Helper’s Guide, BU8146
Beef, Level 2
Enroll in Market and/or Breeding
Once you’ve completed the achievement requirements in level one, you’re ready for Here’s the Beef. In this level, you’ll learn about leg structure, how to present oral reasons in judging, feed ingredients, beef behavior, nose printing, parasites, fitting your market beef, ethical issues, beef carcass composition and retail meat cuts.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
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.
MATERIALS
M Here’s the Beef, BU8144
L Beef Helper’s Guide, BU8146
Beef, Level 3
Enroll in Market and/or Breeding
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, and learn about selection, judging, fees, health, reproduction, meats and marketing.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
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.
