girl with steer

Animal Science projects teach subject matter related to each animal while helping youth develop life skills. In each level, youth choose from a variety of learning experiences to develop an inquiring mind and a desire to seek out the scientific principles involved in raising animals. Youth can develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance and sportsmanship through project activities. Youth will learn to accept responsibility by having an animal to care for regularly and the principles of animal nutrition.

Through animal science projects, youth also learn to care for, train and handle animals safely. Youth will better understand and apply research in making wise decisions and investments and use it in managing animals. It is important that families discuss the reality of owning and caring for all animals. All animal projects require time and resources.

Are “We” ready for a 4-H Livestock Project?

Parents: Showing an animal at the county fair is an educational and memorable experience for youth in the 4-H Livestock projects. Showing livestock builds confidence and character in young people. They learn how to select, care for and keep records on their project. From the time that an animal project is started until it is finished, the youth is responsible for a major part of the daily care of their project.

Successful 4-H members have caring adults in their lives who are truly enthusiastic about projects the members are taking. It is important that adults provide supervision, assistance and encouragement to the 4-H members they work with. If adults are willing to help in these ways, it will make a difference in the life of a young person. However, adults need to be aware that while assisting is clearly important, it is equally important that adults not go too far with helping. It is important for caring adults to support and assist to a reasonable extent, but not to complete the chores and requirements for the project. It is also inappropriate for a professional to own, care for, or groom the project animals.

Families are encouraged to have realistic conversations about the time and resources that livestock projects require. Livestock projects will require a minimum of one hour daily to meet basic needs, such as feeding, watering and veterinary care. Market beef projects typically start in November or December and continue through July or August. Pig, sheep and goat market projects start in April or May and continue through July or August. Horse, dairy cattle and goats, rabbit, poultry, and breeding projects are a year-round commitment for both the member and family. Training and preparing an animal for show will take several additional hours per day throughout the year.

Each county fair or show in Montana will have its own unique policy and guidelines. It is the members’ and parents’ responsibility to read and understand the regulations and rules that govern their project and the shows they want to participate in. It is suggested that the family obtain a copy of the county information that is specific to their project before they start the project.

Making a Decision

When a family has decided to commit to the responsibility of owning animals and supporting youth members in taking a livestock project, they should work through the following questions as a family to help prepare them for animal ownership.

  • Which Project?
  • What are the goals for this project?
  • What species will be raised?
  • Will only market animals be raised, or will the project expand into breeding?
  • How many animals can we feed at one time?
  • How will we market the animal(s)? (both breeding and market)
  • How much time and money do we have and want to invest?
  • What are our facilities suitable for? Do they need improvement?
  • Do we have the resources available to provide proper health care?
  • Are we comfortable with selecting animals to purchase?
  • Is there someone in the community who can help us select animals?
  • What are the regulations at the local fair?
  • Will we be showing in other fairs or jackpot shows?
  • How will we transport the animals?

A great way for a family to gather information is to attend a livestock show. At the show, parents and members will see some of the work and commitment that go into a livestock project. In addition, it is a great chance for the family to meet and talk to exhibitors and producers. Most of these people are happy to share thoughts and suggestions. It is important to develop good relationships with other producers as they are a great source of information.

Montana 4-H Animal Quality Assurance Policy

Montana 4-H believes in the ethical treatment of all animals. As part of this mission, all 4-H members (and a parent or guardian) enrolled in any animal project, including breeding projects, must become certified through Animal Quality Assurance training at least once as a junior 4-H member and recertify once as a senior 4-H member. All new members are required to complete a county Animal Quality Assurance training workshop in their first year. Format of training offered and requirements for certification and recertification can vary depending on county/reservation, so discuss options with your local agent.

General Project Requirements

By completing the minimum requirements at each level, you’ll learn about every part of the project and be ready for the next level. The achievement program will help you set goals, record successes and be recognized for good work. Each level can take several years to complete. You are not expected to complete a level each year. In some projects, more than one level can be completed in a year if you are highly motivated. Remember, keeping records is an important part of every livestock project.