2024-2025 LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST DATES
BEEF PROJECTS
The beef project teaches the fundamentals of the beef cattle industry. But it is not all work and no play! With things like the calf scramble for scholarships and money towards your next project, the memories gained through this project are going to last a lifetime. You will explore all areas of the industry such as animal husbandry, livestock selection, health, and care. You can also compete with beef cattle at local, county, state, and national cattle shows.
For more information about Beef Projects:
Texas 4-H Beef Explore Guide
Let’s Get Started – Cattle
DAIRY PROJECTS
The dairy cattle project is a great way to learn about the dairy industry and milk production, animal nutrition, health and reproduction. Dairy project participants can demonstrate their knowledge and abilities at dairy cattle shows from the local to national level, in public speaking contests and in dairy cattle judging.
You will explore all areas of the industry such as animal husbandry, livestock selection, health, and care. You can also compete with beef cattle at local, county, state, and national cattle shows.
GOAT PROJECTS
https://texasyouthlivestock.com/goat/
The Texas 4-H goat project is loads of fun and learning – no KIDDING! Get involved with the 4-H goat project to learn all about animal health and nutrition, breeding, selection and marketing. You can participate in market projects, breeding projects and even non-competitive projects. Make it your own! This is a great way to gain valuable experiences while making lifelong friends.
In the goat project, you will be responsible for purchasing and taking care of your goat. You can choose to specialize your project and knowledge on either meat, hair, or dairy production. When considering a livestock project there are a few things to keep in mind. This is an incredibly rewarding experience that takes commitment and with the goat project in most cases for the county level it is about eight months of time. The best way to learn how to get started is to contact your local county extension office. They can explain how to participate and point you in the right direction for a goat and the focus you choose – meat, dairy or hair.
For more information on Goat Projects:
Let’s Get Started – Goat
LAMB PROJECTS
Don’t just count sheep – learn everything about them! Get involved with the 4-H sheep project to learn all about animal health and nutrition, breeding, selection and marketing. You can participate in market projects, breeding projects and even non-competitive projects. Make it your own! This is a great way to gain valuable experiences while making lifelong friends. You will experience the full process of selecting, feeding, breeding, and marketing sheep. You will also learn public speaking, leadership, and community service through caring for sheep.
For more information about Goat/Lamb Projects:
Texas 4-H Sheep & Goats Project Explore Guide
Let’s Get Started – Sheep
RABBIT PROJECTS
https://texasyouthlivestock.com/rabbit/
Want to do a 4-H Animal Project but think you don’t have enough space to raise an animal? The rabbit project is a great way to get involved no matter where you live. You’ll learn about the basics of how to care for a rabbit, including proper nutrition, and you can even show your rabbits. You will experience the full process of selecting, feeding, breeding, and marketing rabbits. You will also learn public speaking, leadership, and community service through caring for rabbits.
For more information about Rabbit Projects:
Texas 4-H Rabbit Project Explore Guide
Let’s Get Started – Rabbit
SWINE PROJECTS
Did you know that swine is a fancy name for pigs? The 4-H swine project is one of the largest projects in the state and is a fun way to raise market or breeding animals. You can get involved in competitions and shows. This project is a great way to learn about swine and make friends. You will experience the full process of selecting, feeding, breeding, and promoting swine. You will also learn public speaking, leadership, and community service through various opportunities related to the swine project.
For more information about showing swine:
Texas 4-H Champions Guide to Youth Swine Exhibition
Let’s Get Started – Swine
POULTRY PROJECTS
What is poultry? Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks, and Geese are just a few examples of poultry. This project teaches members production and marketing by managing projects. Project topics include turkeys, egg production, and development from egg to chick. This project is a great way to learn about food sources and animal production, while making new friends!
You will experience the full process of selecting, feeding, and marketing poultry. You will also learn public speaking, leadership, and community service through caring for poultry too.
For more information about Poultry Projects:
Let’s Get Started – Poultry
County Fair:
Major Shows:
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
San Antonio Livestock Exposition
Southwestern Exposition & Livestock Show (Ft. Worth)
Star of Texas Livestock Show (Austin)
Entries:
All entries must be completed through the Extension Office. Check the Calendar for sign up dates.