The beef project is an excellent way to learn about raising, caring for and managing beef. Begin with a calf or build your own herd as you learn about the beef industry.
Explore your Spark!
 Each 4-H project offers a variety of activities and learning opportunities to suit your interests and strengths. Whether you're just getting started or taking your knowledge to the next level, there are several activities to learn and do throughout your project experience! |
Beginner
- Identify breeds of beef cattle
- Learn the parts of a calf
- Compare animal differences
- Halter break a calf
Intermediate
- Learn about cattle feeds and how they are digested
- Judge beef cattle and present oral reasons
- Show a calf and learn showing techniques
Advanced
- Use performance data to make breeding decisions
- Evaluate beef carcasses and identify meat products
- Explore impact of technology and career opportunities in the beef industry
Reasonably priced materials are available for every project in Kansas 4-H. You can order the materials for your project online or contact your local Extension Office.
Beef Bucket Calf (BF100) (7-12 year olds)
- Calf must be born between January 1 and April 30 of current year
- Calf may be purchased or orphaned but idea is for calf to be bottle fed
- Bite into Beef (ages 7-10)
Market Beef (BF200)
- Select, raise and show a market steer or heifer
- Member must own animal
- Here's the Beef (ages 11-13)
Breeding Beef (BF201)
- Select, raise and show a breeding heifer
- Learn the value of performance data to make breeding decisions
- Leading the Charge (ages 14+)
General Beef Resources
- Livestock Judging Guide
- Calf Pattern
- Youth Livestock Safety
- Animal Science Youth Livestock
- KSU Youth Livestock Educational Resources
- Record Keeping Resources
Project Leader Resources
- Kansas 4-H Beef Project Leader Notebook
- This publication is no longer available through the K-State Bookstore, but most local Extension Offices still have a copy.
- Beef Helper's Guide
Additional Resources - Veterinary Science
County Level
Medal presented at your 4-H award recognition event
State Level
Medallion and Scholarship to attend National 4-H Congress
- Participants may attend National 4-H Congress once as an active 4-H member
National Level
Represent Kansas at National 4-H Congress
State 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes
(Includes Livestock Judging Contest, Quiz Bowl, Skillathon and Meats Judging Contest)
Where: Manhattan, KS
Livestock Judging Contest
Award: Trip to Louisville, KY - All-Star Team
Award: Trip to National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO - 1st placed team's selection determines location
Award: Trip to American Royal, Kansas City, MO
Meats Judging Contest
Award: Trip to National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO - 1st placed team's selection determines locationAward: Trip to American Royal, Kansas City, MO/K-State University
State Beef Show (Grand Drive), Kansas State Fair
Where: Hutchinson, KS
Award: Cash Premium and Trophy Buckle to Grand Champion
Junior Beef Producer Day
Where: Manhattan, KS
When: March, even numbered years
Junior producer days are held to provide educational material and hands-on experiences for youth, parents, leaders, and extension agents. Various speakers share information on topics such as selection, nutrition, showmanship, fitting, reproduction, feeding, and disease control. Talks, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and door prizes are present at all events. Beef and Sheep days are held in the even years and Swine and Meat Goat days are held in the odd years.
Completing a successful 4-H project is just the beginning of finding your spark. Members can take several meaningful steps to further develop skills and interests. Learn more about these exciting opportunities in career exploration: