Beef
The beef project gives youth hands-on opportunities to explore Montana’s beef industry by caring for animals, building management skills, and applying knowledge through real-world experiences. Youth wishing to enroll in Market Beef or Breeding Beef must also be enrolled in Level 1, 2, or 3.
Beef, Level 1
Enroll in Market and/or Breeding in ZSuite
Level 1 activities allow youth to learn about beef production and investigate the basics of raising beef cattle for a market and/ or breeding project. Activities utilize a variety of learning styles, recommended video resources, and hands-on opportunities that integrate the 4-H experience throughout the project year. At this beginner level, youth will learn about cattle selection, basic nutrition and management, how to work with and care for cattle safely, and more. The activities were written for use with the Ohio State University Beef Resource Handbook. It is recommended to purchase one resource book per family or reach out to your local Extension office to borrow a copy.
Complete seven activities from five different chapters each year to complete the project, and complete three ‘Talk it Over’ sections prior to completing the project book. It may take up to three years to complete this level.
Beef, Level 2
Enroll in Market and/or Breeding in ZSuite
In this level, 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.
Complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project. It may take three years to complete this level.
*Level 2 new book coming soon
Beef, Level 3
Enroll in Market and/or Breeding in ZSuite
Advanced members have several opportunities to share their knowledge and experience about beef cattle with other members. Youth will also gain leadership skills as they help others learn about cattle. In this level, youth teach others about beef cattle, explore career opportunities, and learn about selection, judging, fees, health, reproduction, meat, and marketing.
Complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project. It may take three years to complete this level.
