The 4-H Beef Project is an advanced program that aims to prepare a beef calf for show. Participation will help youth understand how to raise and halter break a calf, learn record keeping, manage a healthy beef animal, and realize the pride of accomplishment.

Who Can Participate

Any young person age 9 through 18 as of January 1 of the club year can participate.

How It Works

As a 4-H Beef Project participant, you are responsible for purchasing as many beef animals as you wish. They may be either steers or heifers. You will care for your animal(s) starting in the fall. In the spring, you will enter your animal(s) in one of several independent shows offered within the southeast region.

Most Alabama 4-H participants in this project participate as independent members because 4-H beef projects or clubs may not be offered in their county. If you are interested in becoming a 4-H Beef Project volunteer leader, please contact the 4-H agent in your county.

If you are a senior 4-H member, your record book qualifies for entry into the Senior Achievement competition under the category, Animal Project–Production, Large Animal. Winners in this category will either win a trip to Southern Region Youth Leadership or National 4-H Congress as an Alabama 4-H representative. View the Senior Achievement webpage to learn more.

Download a PDF of Beef Project Record Book, 4HYD-2376.

For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm@aces.edu.