All About Livestock
Learn about identifying & showing livestock in 4-H.
GETTING STARTED
ANIMAL SCIENCE PROJECTS
WHERE CAN I GET ANIMALS?
Other families that show livestock are also a great resource. You can try visiting with the species superintendent, or contact the Extension Office to get in contact with 4-H families that might be able to help provide some guidance.
Market animals can be acquired at local sale barns – The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has reputable sale barns listed on their website at https://www.bah.state.mn.us/livestock-auction-markets/
Leasing is always a great option if you can’t purchase an animal. There are always opportunities to lease breeding animals from local farmers or even another 4-H family. Leasing is essentially borrowing the animal, but a great way to get started in a project. For more details on leasing, check out z.umn.edu/lease-fact-sheet.
ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION
All animals being shown by 4-H members in grades 3+ MUST be ID’ed in 4HOnline or the Extension Office by the following dates. A letter outlining identification requirements and how to complete identification is mailed to all project members after April 1. They will also be posted online at https://local.extension.umn.edu/local/lincoln
February 15 - Market beef & dairy steers
May 15 - Breeding beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama/alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, swine
June 1 - Jr. meat does
July 1 - Jr. doe kid dairy goat
EAR TAGS
You will want to ID all animals that you have the potential of showing. As we get closer to the fair, you will be able to make the determination of which animals you actually will show, and those will be registered for fair in their corresponding classes.
Cloverbud members do not ID animals.
There are many different components to the ID process, and we are always here to help. Please do not hesitate to ask for help, if you are unsure about something, contact the Extension office at 507-694-1470.
LIVESTOCK QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAININGS
LIVESTOCK QUALITY ASSURANCE & ETHICS (LQA&E)
YOUTH FOR THE QUALITY CARE OF ANIMALS (YQCA)
COUNTY FAIR
LIVESTOCK SPECIES INFORMATION
LIVESTOCK SUPERINTENDENTS
BEEF
Superintendent: Mary Kay Lacek
Phone: 507-476-7274 Email: lacekmk@hotmail.com
Project Timeline
Fall- The fall is a great time to begin searching for animals if you do not have one yet. Several sales and shows take place in the fall, so be searching the internet for those. Be sure also to attend the Minnesota Beef Expo (held at the MN State Fairgrounds in October over MEA weekend), as there are sales, shows, and several educational seminars. Once you acquire your animal, it’s a good idea to get started halter-breaking it.
Winter- Other than the daily care of your animal, you’ll want to continue to acclimate the animal to both the halter and you. This can be done by haltering your animal during grooming or feeding. If you will be showing a market beef animal, the 4-H Livestock ID’s are due on February 15.
Spring- ID’s for breeding animals are due on May 15, so you’ll want to be sure you have an animal by then. Start walking it on the halter daily and begin washing it/rinsing it off as weather permits.
Summer- A good practice for beef animals in the summer is to move to conditioning and rinsing the hair 2 times a day and blowing it out. It is also recommended that you put a fan on them and they should be tied up for at least 2 hours each day. Continue walking the animal and be sure to practice with a show stick and show halter to acclimate yourself and your animal to usage of those.
Equipment & Facility Needs
Proper housing of beef animals is a clean dry area with good ventilation. Be sure your animal has access to clean water. Proper nutrition is also important for your animal.
Supplies needed for caring for your animal, both at its home and at the fair are:
Rope halter and show halter
Brush and scotch comb
Spray bottle
Hose, nozzle and soap for washing your animal
Clippers and blower
Show stick
County Fair
Preparing for the Show
Arrive early to get your animal washed and ready for the show
Know what class you are in and arrive at staging area two classes before yours – if class sizes are small, you should be to staging even sooner
Wear proper show clothes. While there are no written requirements for what has to be worn for show, the preferred attire is pants/jeans without holes, a nice shirt like a button-down or polo shirt, and leather boots/closed-toed shoes.
What to Bring - Be sure to label items with your name
In addition to the items listed above under “Equipment Needs”,
Water pail
Feed pan
Broom and fork
Show box to keep equipment/tack in (combs, brushes, halter, neck tie, etc.)
Feed
Fans and grooming chute (optional)
Herdsmanship Guidelines
During the fair you’ll want to wet down the sand to help keep dust down. Be sure your animals are clean and that you pick up manure from behind your animal. Keep the aisle behind and around your animal free of manure and bedding by sweeping a few times a day. Once your animal is done eating/drinking water, remove feed pans and water pails from the pen.
Tips
Attend hair care and fitting clinics at livestock shows (Minnesota Beef Expo usually has a FREE fitting clinic)
Additional Resources
DAIRY
Superintendent: Morgyn Citrowske
Phone: 507-530-7895 Email: mcitrowske@lqpv.org
Each specie has specific requirements for identification and birthdates. See here for details.
Project Timeline
Fall- The fall is a great time to begin searching for animals if you do not have one yet. If you don’t live on a farm, purchasing a heifer from a sale or leasing a heifer from a neighboring farm are excellent options. Keep an eye out on the Breed Association websites for upcoming sale dates. Once you acquire your animal, it’s a good idea to get started halter-breaking it.
Winter- Other than the daily care of your animal, you’ll want to continue to accustom the animal to both the halter and you. This can be done by tying him/her up to brush it out and/or feed. If it’s not slippery outside, your animal may benefit from walking with you on the halter.
Spring- ID’s for dairy animals are due on May 15, so you’ll want to be sure you have an animal by then. Continue walking it on the halter daily and begin giving baths as weather permits.
Summer- Continue walking the animal and be sure to practice with a show halter to acclimate yourself and your animal to usage of it.
Equipment & Facility Needs
Proper housing of dairy animals is a clean, dry area with good ventilation. Be sure your animal has access to clean water. Proper nutrition is also important for your animal.
Supplies needed for caring for your animal, both at its home and at the fair are:
Rope halter and show halter
Clippers and extension cords
Curry comb and brushes
Hose, nozzle and soap for washing your animal
Water pail
Feed pan
Broom and pitch fork
County Fair
Preparing for the Show
Have the majority of your clipping can be done 1-3 days before the show.
Arrive early to get your animal washed and ready for the show
Know what class you are in
Wear proper show clothes – Standard dairy show attire is a white shirt with white jeans/pants. If white pants cannot be found, blue jeans or black jeans are okay. Be sure to wear leather boots/closed-toed shoes as well.
What to Bring - Be sure to label items with your name
In addition to the items listed above under “Equipment Needs”,
Water pail and Feed pan
Broom, fork, wheelbarrow and shovel
Show box to keep equipment/tack in
Bedding
Fans and grooming chute (optional)
Herdsmanship Guidelines
During the fair you’ll want to create a bed pack of straw and shavings to keep your animals comfortable. Be sure your animals are clean and that you pick up manure from behind your animal. Keep the aisle behind and around your animal free of manure and bedding by sweeping a few times a day. Once your animal is done eating/drinking water, remove feed pans and water pails from the bed pack.
Tips
Start working with your animal at an early age, and continue to work with it before the show
Proper fitting takes time and practice - don’t get discouraged! Ask others for help.
Additional Resources
Showring Ready - A Beginners Guide to Showing Dairy Cattle
http://www.holsteinfoundation.org/education/showmanship.html
Ayrshire: http://www.usayrshire.com/youth.html
Brown Swiss: http://www.brownswissusa.com/Youth/JuniorPrograms/tabid/106/Default.aspx
Guernsey: https://www.usguernsey.com/agya
Jersey: https://www.usjersey.com/AJCA-NAJ-JMS/AJCA/YouthPrograms.aspx
Milking Shorthorn: http://www.milkingshorthorn.com/youth.html
Red & White: https://www.redandwhitecattle.com/juniors
GOAT
Dairy Goat Superintendent: Morgyn Citrowske
Phone: 507-530-7895 Email: mcitrowske@lqpv.org
Each specie has specific requirements for identification and birthdates. See here for details.
Meat Goat Superintendent: Mike Boersma
Email: mgboers@gmail.com
Each specie has specific requirements for identification and birthdates. See here for details.
Goat Project Timeline
Fall/Winter/Spring- Depending on the age of the animal you want to show, you will want to begin searching for animals if you do not have one yet. Several sales and shows take place in the fall and again in the spring, so be searching the internet for those. Once you acquire your animal, it’s a good idea to get started working with it through daily care rituals.
Spring- ID’s for goats (both dairy and meat) are due on May 15, so you’ll want to be sure you have an animal by then. Walk/exercise it daily and begin washing it off as weather permits.
Summer- Continue working with the animal and practice with a choke chain collar you’ll have on it for the show to acclimate yourself and your animal to usage of it. When you’re working with your animal at home, a choke chain is acceptable to make the animal know when to stop and walk with you. A choke chain is not acceptable in the show ring though.
Goat Equipment & Facility Needs
Proper housing of goats is a clean, dry area with good ventilation. Be sure your animal has access to clean water. Proper nutrition is also important for your animal. You’ll want to be sure you have adequate fencing for your goats.
Supplies needed for caring for your animal, both at its home and at the fair are:
Water pail and feed pans
Broom and fork
Choke chain collar
Brush
Hoof nippers
Hose, nozzle, bucket and soap for washing your animal
Clippers
County Fair
Preparing for the Show
Have the majority of your fitting done the day before the show. Animals should be fitted and completely clipped for the show. Clean the ears, nose, tail, and around the mouth.
Arrive early to get your animal washed and ready for the show
Know what class you are in
Dairy Goats
Clip your Dairy Goat all over before showing. The number of days before a show that an animal should be clipped varies with each breed and color. It may be as little as one week to as little as 12 hours before. Trim the feet a week before the show, so if they are trimmed too short they will be okay by show day. For safety reasons, all dairy goats must be disbudded/de-horned. Re-growth of less than one inch allowed.
Proper show clothing - Standard dairy goat show attire is a white shirt with white jeans/pants. If white pants cannot be found, blue jeans or black jeans are okay. Be sure to wear leather boots/closed-toed shoes as well.
Meat Goats
All market goats must be disbudded. Re-growth must not exceed 1 inch. Does shown in market classes must be disbudded in accordance with market animal rules. Cut (sawed) off horns are not permitted. Market Goats should be completely clipped. Exhibitors should use choke chain collars in the show ring.
Meat Breeding Does – They may have horns and they do not need to be capped or blunted. It is optional to clip the legs from the knee in front and the hock in back, down to the hoof line. Meat Breeding Does must be trimmed and fitted for show, but do not have to be completely body clipped. Exhibitors should use choke chain collars in the show ring. An optional 12 inch lead strap may be used for breeding doe classes.
Proper show clothing - While there are no written requirements for what has to be worn for show, the preferred attire is pants/jeans without holes, a nice shirt like a button-down or polo shirt, and leather boots/closed-toed shoes.
What to Bring - Be sure to label items with your name
In addition to the items listed above under “Equipment Needs”,
Water pail and Feed pan
Broom, fork, wheelbarrow
Show box to keep equipment/tack in
Bedding
Fans and clipping stand (optional)
Herdsmanship Guidelines
During the fair you’ll want to be sure that walkways are kept clean, goats have fresh water and have been fed, and that manure is removed from their pens frequently. Also, goats like to reach up and chew on their stall cards – Extension staff can make you new ones if that happens.
Additional Resources
Dairy Goat
https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/4-h-animal-science/dairy-goat
http://extension.psu.edu/4-h/members/projects-resources/animal-sciences/goats/4HMarketGoat.pdf
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4hfiles/projects/hotsheets/dairygoathotsheet.pdf
https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource002496_Rep3666.pdf
http://articles.extension.org/pages/30727/goat-youth-program
http://4h.ansci.cornell.edu/animal-programs/goats/dairy-goats/
www.dairygoatjournal.com/goats/getting_your_first_dairy_goat/
Meat Goat
HORSE
Superintendent: Pam Olsen
Phone: 507-530-2908 Email: cpolsen@itctel.com
Cloverbuds and the Horse Project
Cloverbuds are 4-H members in K-2nd grade. Lincoln County 4-H encourages Cloverbud involvement in the project. During the evening clinics, there are training times for Cloverbuds, their parents, and their horse. There are three classes during the Lincoln County 4-H Horse Show for Cloverbuds – they select up to three from barrels, western pleasure, or halter/lead line.
Project Timeline
The 4-H horse project is a continuous project. It is encouraged that records on feeding, training, and management be kept on a year-round basis.
Fall/Winter-Horse project members gather in the winter for a horse party and recognition event. Practice starts for Project Bowl teams with regional competitions held in March.
Spring- Planning starts for summer horse project activities and practice nights. ID’s for horses are due on May 15, so you’ll want to be sure you have an animal by then. The Minnesota Horse Expo is held in April (http://www.mnhorseexpo.org/) – this is a great place to learn and shop for tack and clothing! Make sure to attend the yearly horse project meeting!
Summer-Horse Practices start in May at the Fairgrounds until fair. The weekly ride nights are not meant to be a “learn-to-ride” program, but are meant to be supplemental to training/lessons you may already be doing.
Equipment & Facility Needs
If you will be housing your horses, you will want adequate shelter and/or fencing. Be sure to have suitable water/feed receptacles. You’ll need tack, access to a trailer for transporting your horse, a training/riding area, proper footwear, and a helmet.
Consult a vet or other professional for individual nutritional and physical needs. You’ll also need a farrier for hoof care, and may consider a trainer for behavioral care.
HELMET POLICY: All 4-Hers participating in any 4-H sponsored mounted activity are required to wear properly fastened ASTM/SEI approved protective headgear. Helmet use is required when mounted. This policy includes 4-H adult volunteers when they are working with 4-H youth in a 4-H volunteer role during mounted activities.
County Fair
The County Fair Horse Show takes place on Wednesday the week of the fair, before the fair officially opens. All horses that are exhibited in the Horse Show must be housed at the County Fair. Horses are stalled at the fair Wednesday – Sunday, so you can expect to be at the fair daily (sometimes during odd hours!) to ensure your horse gets daily exercise, as well as fed and watered.
What to Bring - Be sure to label items with your name
Due to space restrictions in the barn, tack stalls may be limited, so please be flexible with the equipment and tack you bring.
You will need:
Copy or picture of your horse’s negative coggins test papers- just in case
Feed
Tack
Water pails
Feed pans
Hay bags
Brooms
Muck forks
Equipment to wash/rinse your horse
Herdsmanship Guidelines
During the fair you’ll want to be sure that stalls are cleaned throughout the day and manure removed from the stall. Hay and clean water should be provided throughout the day – don’t change the horse’s diet while you are at the fair! Keep everything clean, organized, sanitary and free from hazards. Stall decorations to show your or your horse’s individuality are encouraged, but must be safe and attractive.
Show Clothing Recommendations
The Minnesota 4-H Horse Program Rule Book outlines in detail what show clothing is necessary for each class (https://extension.umn.edu/projects-and-more/4-h-animal-id) You do not need to spend a lot of money on show clothing – be sure to search tack swaps for used attire. As long as your attire adheres to the guidelines in the Rule Book, clothing will not be a determining factor in show placings. Be sure your clothes fit and are comfortable as show day is a long day!
Tips
References to ‘horse’ in the Minnesota 4-H Horse Project means any equine unless stated otherwise. Examples include light horses, ponies, draft horses, mules, donkeys and miniature horses are suitable project animals. Miniature horses are defined as 38” and under at the last hair on the mane at mature age (3 or over). As clarification, ponies are defined as 56” and under, mature height.
Having a trainer or at least a mentor is a very, very good idea! Spend less money on the horse and more on trainer/riding lessons.
Additional Resources
LLAMA/ALPACA
For more information regarding the llama/alpaca project contact Michele at 507-694-1421 or mvandyke@umn.edu
Each specie has specific requirements for identification and birthdates. See here for details.
Project Timeline
FALL- The fall is a great time to work with your animal or search for your future lama if you don’t have one yet. Now is the time to talk to local Llama/Alpaca Families and decide which type of llama/alpaca you would like to work with for the next year. There are several shows within a 2 hour drive to talk to local llama/alpaca enthusiasts in the fall. There you would be able to learn more about the llama/alpacas and there are also llama/alpacas for sale at these shows.
WINTER- Other than the daily care of your animal, you’ll want to continue to accustom the animal to both the halter and you. This can be done by tying him/her up to brush it out and/or feed. If it’s not slippery outside, your animal may benefit from walking with you on the halter. There is a very wonderful winter conference held in Lacrosse that has a great kids program in February. Many 4-Hers attend this.
SPRING- ID’s for breeding animals are due on May 15, so you’ll want to be sure you have an animal by then. Continue walking it on the halter daily. Optional weekly practices will start in May with your animal. You will begin working with obstacles, showmanship and learning more about your animal. There will be some additional shows to show in or learn from throughout spring and summer.
SUMMER - We will continue working with the animal at optional weekly practices. We will go on fieldtrips and do some extra fun activities. Continue walking your animal and spending time with it to build the trust between the two of you.
Equipment & Facility Needs
Proper housing of llama/alpacas is a clean dry area with good ventilation. Be sure your animal has access to clean water. Proper nutrition is also important for your animal.
Supplies needed for caring for your animal, both at its home and at the fair are:
Nylon halter and lead rope
Brushes (will depend on type of fiber)
Fly Spray
Hose, Nozzle and soap for washing your animal
Clippers and blower (optional)
Hay bag
Water pail
County Fair
Preparing for the show
Arrive early to get your animal washed and ready for the show
Know what class you are in and be to staging area two classes before yours – if class sizes are small, you should be to staging even sooner
Wear proper show clothes – the preferred clothes are dark colored dress pants or jeans, a white shirt and dark closed toed shoes. You will need a number holder.
What to bring
In addition to the items listed above under “Equipment Needs”, you’ll also want to bring the following items – and be sure they are labeled with your name:
Water pail and Feed pan
Broom, fork, wheelbarrow
Show box to keep equipment/tack in
Bedding (Most members use straw on the floor with a mat over the top to keep the lamas cleaner.)
Herdsmanship guidelines
Be sure your animals are clean and that you pick up manure from around your animal. Keep pens clean. Keep aisles clean from manure and bedding by sweeping a few times a day. Once your animal is done eating, remove the feed pan once the lama has eaten. Make sure lama has water at all times
Additional Resources
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/236/65855/MI-4-H-LlamaSnapshot-PDF.pdf
https://www.amazon.com/Caring-Llamas-Alpacas-Health-Management/dp/0962276820
https://www.amazon.com/Storeys-Guide-Raising-Llamas-Profiting/dp/1580173284
http://www.unce.unr.edu/4H/programs/stem/files/pdf/LlamaProjectLeadersGuide.pdf
POULTRY
Superintendent: Jennifer Ashby
Phone: 507-530-7537 Email: jennifer.gunnink@gmail.com
Each specie has specific requirements for identification and birthdates. See here for details.
Project Timeline
Spring-Hatcheries will have birds available to ship to a post office in the spring. Since you are raising your birds from the beginning, handle them frequently as they age so they are used to people. Showmanship requires specific ways to hold the bird and present it to the judge, from the minute you take it out of the cage until you put it back. Learn the holds carefully beforehand and practice frequently with the birds.
Summer-Continue handling your birds and practicing holds. Make sure your birds are clean and free of disease and parasites before bringing them to the show. Select the birds best representing the breed standard in your flock to exhibit. While you can wash the birds with mild soap a few days before showing, it takes at least 48 hours for natural oil replacement in the feathers after washing.
County Fair
Preparing for the Show
Arrive early to get your animal ready for the show
Know what class you are in
Wear proper show clothes – A white long sleeve shirt, black pants or jeans, and leather boots/closed-toed shoes.
What to Bring - Be sure to label items with your name
Small broom and dust pan
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Show box to keep equipment/tack in
Pet carrier and wagon to help transport your birds to and from the show arena on show day (optional)
Fans (optional
Herdsmanship Guidelines
During the fair you’ll want to be sure the shavings/wood chips under your birds cage are clean and dry. Be sure your birds are clean and that you pick up manure from underneath the cage. Keep the aisle behind and around your animal free of manure and shavings by sweeping a few times a day. Be sure to keep your birds watered and fed, and that any water and food dishes in the pen are free of manure and bedding.
Additional Resources
One of the most helpful resources for the Poultry Project is the American Poultry Association’s “Standard of Perfection” book. We have a copy of the book at the Extension Office for you to check out, or you can purchase your own.
RABBIT
Superintendent: Grace Klumper
Phone: 507-401-7630 Email: graceklumper@gmail.com
Each specie has specific requirements for identification and birthdates. See here for details.
Rabbit “Divisions” - 4 Class and 6 Class
Rabbit breeds are divided into two broad categories called 4 class and 6 class breeds. This terminology is based on how rabbits are exhibited at competitive shows.
Smaller rabbit breeds are divided into four show classes (Junior Buck and Junior Doe – under 6 months of age, Senior Buck and Senior Doe – over 6 months of age)
Larger rabbit breeds are divided into six show classes (Junior Buck and Junior Doe – under 6 months of age, Intermediate Buck and Intermediate Doe – 6 to 8 months of age, Senior Buck and Senior Doe – over 6 months of age)
Below is a list of breeds and how they are divided into these divisions.
4 CLASS BREEDS
American Fuzzy Lop
Florida White
Lionhead
Satin Angora
American Sable
French Angora
Mini Lop
Standard Chinchilla
Belgian Hare
Harliquin
Mini Rex
Silver
Britannia Petite
Havana
Mini Satin
Silver Marten
Dutch
Himalayan
Netherland Dwarf
Tan
Dwarf Hotot
Holland Lop
Polish
Thrianta
English Angora
Jersey Wooly
Rex
English Spot
Lilac
Rhinelander
6 CLASS BREEDS
American
Champagne d' Argent
Flemish Giant
New Zealand
American Chinchilla
Checkered Giant
French Lop
Palomino
Beveren
Cinnamon
Giant Angora
Satin
Blanc de Hotot
Creme d' Argent
Giant Chinchilla
Silver Fox
Californian
English Lop
Information was obtained from: http://www.rexrabbitsusa.com/breedreview.htm
Equipment & Facility Needs
Proper housing for a rabbit is a hutch with small wire on the bottom 1/2”x1” and 1”x2” on the sides to protect your rabbit from other animals. It is also good to make sure they have a place to get out of the wind if they are kept outside. Good ventilation, proper sanitation and proper nutrition are key. Make sure there is always enough water available.
Supplies needed for caring for your animal, both at its home and at the fair are:
Food pellets
Hay
Water
Rabbit brush (depending on your rabbit’s fur type)
Feed dish and water bottles or dishes
Toe nail clipper (must be a dog or cat toenail clipper, human clipper will crush the nail)
Flour (used to stop bleeding if blood line is nicked while clipping toenails)
County Fair
Preparing for the Show
Arrive early to get your animal ready for the show
Know what class you are in
Wear proper show clothes – A white long sleeve shirt, black pants or jeans, and leather boots/closed-toed shoes. Long hair should be pulled back. No loose necklaces or bracelets!
What to Bring - Be sure to label items with your name
Small broom and dust pan
Feed and water
Small show box for equipment/tack
For hot days at the fair, you may want to bring frozen bottles of water – laying a frozen bottle of water down in your rabbit’s cage will help your rabbit keep cool.
Pet carrier to transport your rabbits to and from the show arena on show day (optional)
Herdsmanship Guidelines
During the fair, you’ll want to be sure your rabbit’s cage is clean and the area around the cage is kept neat. Also make sure your tack space is neat and tidy. Animals should have adequate feed and water. They need to have water at all times and should have evidence of adequate care. You will need to bring your own feed and water. Keep the arena around your animal free of manure and shavings by sweeping a few times a day.
Tips
Handle your rabbit as much as possible- the more you do, the calmer they will be!
Attend clinics, workshops and trainings to connect with other members and meet our project leaders!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help! Our project leaders are here to help YOU succeed!
Additional Resources
Two of the most helpful resources for the Rabbit Project are the American Rabbit Breeder Association’s “Standard of Perfection” and “Raising Better Rabbits and Cavis” books. We have a copy of the book at the Extension Office for you to check out, or you can purchase your own.
http://www.ohio4h.org/sites/ohio4h/files/imce/Rabbit%20Basics%20for%20the%20BeginnerFINAL.pdf
http://www.ohio4h.org/sites/ohio4h/files/imce/Instructions%20for%20Tattooing%20Rabbits.pdf
http://www.ohio4h.org/sites/ohio4h/files/imce/4-H%20Rabbit%20Showmanship.pdf
https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/resource002537_rep3753.pdf
http://pubs.wsu.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=13417&SeriesCode=&CategoryID=283&Keyword
http://articles.extension.org/pages/29937/how-to-show-a-rabbit-in-4-h-showmanship#.UqrtzuIa7kc
SHEEP
Superintendent: Wendy Schalek-Sterzinger
Phone: 507-530-6576 Email: wschalek@yahoo.com
Each specie has specific requirements for identification and birthdates. See here for details.
Project Timeline
Spring- Most sheep sales are in March and April, so begin to reach out to local sheep sales for more information. Once you get your sheep, you should begin helping the sheep get used to their halter. This can take about 2 weeks.
Summer- Early summer you should begin practicing to show your sheep as you will be in the show ring. You want your sheep to be able to stand with the four legs in a rectangle. You also want your sheep to be able to brace, which means they push into your leg. Begin practicing walking your sheep in a circle without your halter on. It is suggested to shear your lambs monthly because of wool growth. Before the fair is the best time to prepare your lambs for the fair show.
Equipment & Facility Needs
Proper housing for your sheep is a clean, dry area with good ventilation. Proper nutrition for your animal is also key!
Supplies needed for caring for your animal, both at home and at the fair are:
Rope halter
Hose, nozzle and soap (clear dish soap works fine) for washing your animal (some breeds of sheep should not be washed - know what the judging rules for your breed are)
Sheep shears
Shearing stand
County Fair
Preparing for the Show
Arrive early to get your animal ready for the show
Know what class you are in
Wear proper show clothes – While there are no written requirements for what has to be worn for show, the preferred attire is pants/jeans without holes, a nice shirt like a button-down or polo shirt, and leather boots/closed-toed shoes.
What to Bring- Be sure to label items with your name
Broom and shovel
Water pail and feed pan
Show box for equipment/tack
Bedding and feed
Grooming stand (optional)
Fans (optional)
Herdsmanship Guidelines
During the fair you’ll want to be sure that walkways are kept clean, animals have fresh water and have been fed, and that frequently manure is removed from their pens and bedding is changed.
Additional Resources
https://licking.osu.edu/sites/licking/files/imce/Program_Pages/4H/194RSheepRHRevisions.pdf
https://extension.unh.edu/4-H-Animal-and-Ag-Science/4-H-Sheep-Page
https://youthlivestock.ces.ncsu.edu/youthlivestock-resources/youthlivestock-sheep/
http://ag.ansc.purdue.edu/sheep/ansc442/semprojs/4-h/4-h.htm
SWINE
Superintendent: Jen Boersma
Phone: 507-841-0849 Email:boersmajen@gmail.com
Each specie has specific requirements for identification and birthdates. See here for details.
Project Timeline
Spring -Once you acquire your pig, it’s a good idea to get started working with it daily. Other than the daily care of your pig, you’ll want to continue to acclimate the pig to both you and using the show whip/stick. Exercise your pig daily if possible. When using the show whip/stick it is important not to beat your pig, but tap them lightly to get them moving.
Summer- Continue to work with your pig. Pigs cannot sweat so monitor them for heat stress and keep them cool by providing them with air movement. Pigs are susceptible to sunburn so keep them out of the sun for long periods of time.
Equipment & Facility Needs
Be sure you have proper housing for your swine in a clean, dry area with good ventilation. Proper nutrition for your animal is also key, along with fresh water!
Supplies
Hose, nozzle and livestock shampoo for washing your animal
Scrub brush
Show whip or stick (or cane) used to guide your pig around
County Fair
Preparing for the Show
Arrive early to get your animal ready for the show
Know what class you are in - Know the birth date of your pig and if you are showing a market animal, know its current weight
Wear proper show clothes – While there are no written requirements for what has to be worn for show, the preferred attire is pants/jeans without holes, a nice shirt like a button-down or polo shirt, and leather boots or for sure closed-toed shoes.
What to Bring- make sure to label everything with your name
Broom and shovel
Water pan or nipple waterer
Feed pan/feeder
Show box for equipment/tack
Hose, nozzle and livestock shampoo for washing your animal
Scrub brush for washing pig and small brush to put in pocket to use while in show ring
Spray bottle/spray pump - used to wet pig during show to keep them cool
Show whip or stick (or cane) used to guide your pig around
Bedding and feed
Fans (optional)
Herdsmanship Guidelines
During the fair you’ll want to be sure that walkways are kept clean, animals have fresh water and have been fed daily, and that manure is removed from their pens frequently.
Tips
Raising a healthy pig starts with biosecurity! Be sure to read the following biosecurity so you are informed and prepared to prevent the spread of disease.
https://www.aasv.org/aasv/BiosecurityforYouthSwineProjects
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GrqhVrOLJjJDCOzWrKXe-UOHXGpNhxod/view
Additional Resources
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/planning_for_your_4_h_swine_project_animal_hog_selection
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4hfiles/agriculture/Payleaninshowpigdiets.pdf
http://extension.wsu.edu/4h/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/03/Clipping-Hogs.pdf
https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource002334_Rep3429.pdf
