In the 4-H Beef project, youth can select from a breeding animal or a market animal. Breeding animals allow you to start your own herd, while market animals produce meat products for people. In this project, youth will learn basic principles of animal science by owning, caring for, and keeping records on one or more head of livestock; demonstrate knowledge of sound breeding, feeding, and management practices; and learn the value of scientific research and its influence on animals and the meat industry. Youth participants will learn about different breeds and animal selection, develop skills for financing, balanced rations, disease/parasite management, and marketing. 4-H Beef project youth are encouraged to participate in the annual Alaska 4-H State Livestock Contest.

POTENTIAL COLLEGE MAJORS

• Agribusiness
• Agricultural Education
• Animal Sciences
• Farm Management
• Food Science
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine
• Sustainable Food and Farming Systems
• Veterinary Technician or Technologist
• UAF Course Catalog
• UAA Course Catalog
• UAS Course Catalog

POSSIBLE CAREERS

• Agriculture
• Veterinarian

RESOURCES

4-H Curriculum and Guides

• Beef 1: Bite into Beef
• Beef 2: Here's the Beef
• Beef 3: Leading the Charge
• Beef Group Helper's Guide
• Exploring Beef Health and Husbandry
• Ohio State University Beef Resource Handbook

Exhibit Requirements and Guidelines

• Alaska State Fair
• Other State Fairs (Tanana Valley, Southeast Alaska, Deltana, Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak, Kenny Lake)
• Livestock exhibits: AK State Fair
• Pen/Cage request form: AK State Fair