CATTLE
There are two main types of Beef Cattle Projects that a 4-H member may choose.
A beef heifer breeding project is a long-term project in which a 4-H member begins with a heifer calf (female) and cares for her through breeding age (around 1 year of age) and on to calving (giving birth) at around 2 years of age.
The other type of project is a market beef project in which the 4-H member begins with a weaned steer or heifer calf and cares for the calf through the growing phase (also known as the backgrounding and finishing phase) until the calf reaches a market weight of around 1100-1300 pounds.
Beef cattle projects provide youth with opportunities to expand their knowledge of the beef cattle industry, production and, more importantly, develop the life skills that are needed to be positive contributors to society.
Through beef cattle projects youth will learn about selection and evaluation, nutrition and feeding, health and daily care, reproduction, marketing, and much more. Youth learn to accept responsibility, value hard work, think critically, make decisions, and communicate. In addition, there are several beef cattle shows that youth can participate in to put on exhibition their beef cattle project. Beef cattle shows provide a great avenue to meet and develop friendships with other youth and leaders from across the state. Young people are also able to connect with supportive adults (who serve as mentors), demonstrate a commitment to learning, develop social competencies and gain exposure to career opportunities.
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TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE 4-H DRIPPING SPRINGS CATTLE PROJECT CONTACT:
Trey Powers: trey@treypowers.com
