Sheep
The sheep project can be an avenue for learning about the sheep industry. You will learn how to manage a market lamb or build your own breeding flock. 4-H members can enroll in either market or breeding.
Explore your Spark!
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Things to Learn/Do in the Project
Age 7-9
- Learn the parts of a sheep
- Identify breeds of sheep and their uses
- Manage and train sheep for show
Age 10-13
- Learn safety procedures and management practices for maintaining a flock
- Identify symptoms, causes and treatment of common diseases
- Study nutritional requirements for various ages of sheep
Age 14 and Older
- Learn reproduction and genetics of sheep
- Study technology's impact on sheep production
- Explore career opportunities in the sheep industry
Project Materials
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.
Market Lamb (SH100) and Breeding (SH200)
- Lambs, Rams and You (ages 7-10)
- Shear Delight (ages 11-13)
- Leading the Flock (ages 14+)
General Sheep Resources
- Market Lamb Showmanship from Start to Finish
- Kansas Livestock Nomination DNA Hair Sample
- Youth Livestock Safety
- Animal Science Youth Livestock
- Livestock Judging Guide
- KSU Youth Livestock Educational Resources
Project Leader Resources
Related Resources - Veterinary Science
- From Airdales to Zebras (ages 7-10)
- All Systems Go (ages 11-13)
- On the Cutting Edge (ages 14+)
- Veterinary Science Helper's Guide
- Nebraska 4-H Veterinary Science
Events and Activities
State 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes
(Includes Livestock Judging Contest, Quiz Bowl, Skillathon and Meats Judging Contest)
When: August
Where: Manhattan, KS
Livestock Judging Contest
Award: Trip to Louisville, KY (All Star Team)
Award: Trip to National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO
Award: Trip to American Royal, Kansas City, MO
Meats Judging Contest
Award: Trip to National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO
Award: Trip to American Royal, Kansas City, MO/KSU
State 4-H Sheep Show (Grand Drive), Kansas State Fair
When: September
Where: Hutchinson, KS
Award: Cash premium and trophy buckle to Grand Champion
Award: Cash premium distributed for Champion and Reserve Champion breeds
Junior Sheep 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.
Awards and Recognition
County Level
Award: Medal presented at your 4-H Achievement Banquet
State Level
Award: Medallion
National Level
Award: $400 National 4-H Congress Scholarship
