Beef and Dairy Cattle

Beef Cattle Project

The first decision a youth must make is which type of beef cattle project to show. 4-H beef cattle competitions may include purebred beef heifers, market steers, commercial heifer projects and commercial steer projects.

When a youth decides to raise a beef cattle project, he or she takes on the responsibility of caring for, feeding, and training the calf. This project teaches youth the value of hard work and commitment to a project.

The 4-H beef project area offers opportunities for youth to raise beef cattle for show competitions or to build their own herd. Contests focused on judging livestock and general knowledge are also an opportunity for youth to compete at the state and national level.

Judging Beef Cattle and Oral Reasons 101

Beef Jeopardy Game

Game Hints

Dairy Cattle Project

Owning or leasing a dairy cattle project is a great way to learn more about the dairy industry as well as animal nutrition, health, reproduction, and milk production. The 4-H dairy cattle program offers many opportunities for youth who are interested in this project area. Competitions such as junior dairy cattle shows allow youth to raise a dairy animal and exhibit it at various shows from a local to national level.

Other contests such as dairy quiz bowl and judging are a great way to learn more about dairy cattle and the dairy industry, while having a great time and meeting new friends.

Dairy Judging Sites

• Eastern States Exposition
• Hoards Dairyman
• North American Livestock Exposition
• Holstein Foundation
• PDCA Showring Ethics

Beef and Dairy forms and downloads

          Exhibiting Horned Livestock in 4-H Fairs/Shows

          2023 National 4-H Dairy Application

          2023 MA 4-H Dairy Show Entry Book

          2023 MA Animal Health Rules for Fairs

 2023 New England Health Rules for Fairs

Dairy Show Camp RV Form

Measures to Prevent Diseases Associated with Animals in Public Settings 

Records

4-H members owning or leasing a livestock project must file a Livestock Verification Form with their local 4-H office.  Dairy and Beef Verification Forms are due May 1 and Goat, Sheep and Alpaca forms are due June 1.  

This 4-H Livestock Verification Form must be filed by the deadline with your local 4-H office: 

MA 4-H Animal Verification Form

The Livestock Lease Form is to be filed with your 4-H office by May 1st. 

Beef Model Lease Agreement

Model Lease Form