Beef

What is this Project About?

The 4-H Beef Project allows you to learn about breeds, selection, grooming, production, management, showmanship, marketing and careers through a breeding or market animal.

Grow in Your Project

Starting Out

  • Identify different beef breeds
  • Learn proper feeding of cattle
  • Prepare a project animal for show by leading it and setting up its feet
  • Learn how to groom a beef animal
  • Identify common beef cuts of meat
  • Identify how a healthy calf looks and acts

Learning More

  • Learn the appropriate handling techniques and housing for beef cattle
  • Explore the difference between yield grade and quality grade
  • Learn the various methods of cooking different beef cuts
  • Explore a ruminant digestive system

Going Further

  • Balance a beef ration
  • Learn how to manage a cow and newborn calf
  • Learn about Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs)
  • Explore the technological impacts to beef breeding and reproduction
  • Properly identify and learn to treat common cattle diseases

Take Your Project Further!

  • Tour a beef ranch or visit a livestock auction
  • Interview a livestock fence supplier to find out more about animal care and safety
  • Learn about different brands in Wisconsin
  • Visit a local feed mill and see how feed ingredients are mixed, weighed and blended to make a complete ration
  • Visit a local meat locker or local grocery meat case to observe preparation and packaging
  • Job shadow with a local beef producer or veterinarian to learn about animal management and health
  • Attend a cattle show to listen to a judge give oral reasons and witness the differences in judging cattle
  • Participate in a livestock judging workshop or be on your county 4-H Livestock Judging Team at the Wisconsin State Fair
  • Discover different uses for beef products and by-products
  • Exhibit or attend local, regional or national beef shows and conferences

Resources