ANS96-008B

Beef Exhibitor's Project Guide
(5 - 6 Years of Age)

Matthew C. Claeys
Extension Livestock Specialist

Sharon B. Rogers
Extension Livestock Technician

General Knowledge Information

Taking part in a 4-H Livestock Project can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Through the beef project you are given the opportunity to learn about taking care of an animal, working with other young people, and developing sound judgment skills. When beginning with any new project or activity it is a learning experience for all involved. More knowledge is gained by taking part than by watching others.

Below are the most important aspects that you should know about your project animal to make your learning experience complete. Remember that the more you work with the beef project the more knowledge that you can gain.

Items to Learn and Know

• Breed of animal exhibited and/or other breeds in the class
• Date of birth / Age of animal
• Current weight of animal
• Feeding (what and when)
• Gender of animal

Body Parts To Know
Hock Loin Quarter Shoulder

Basic Equipment To Know
Show halter	Rope halter	Show Stick		Clippers
		Brush	Scotch Comb

Beef Showmanship Danish Standards for 5 and 6 Year Old Exhibitors

Showmanship provides the opportunity to show an animal to the best of your ability. You are judged on how well you show your animal. Judging for showmanship does not include the conformation of the animal. Practice and planning will help you improve your showmanship skills. "Beef Cattle Showmanship" fact sheets (ANS 95-002B) and a "4-H Market Steer Manual" are available from your county Cooperative Extension office for more in-depth coverage of showmanship styles and care of the project animal.

Below are the showmanship standards for 5 and 6 year old youth. These standards are established to provide youth with guidelines of the more important aspects of developing showmanship skills.

Showmanship Skills to Develop

1. Lead and control animal from the animal's left side.
2. Learn to follow directions from the ring steward and/or judge.
3. Keep good eye contact with the judge.
4. Attempt to set the animal up in the proper position.
5. Wear appropriate show ring attire.
6. Have animal clean and presentable.
7. Display good sportsmanship and polite conduct.
8. Answer age-appropriate questions.

Description of Group Ribbon Colors

Purple	Far exceeds established showmanship standards
Blue	Exceeds established showmanship standards
Red	Meets established showmanship standards
White	Does not meet established showmanship standards

Special acknowledgment is extended to the following individuals for their valuable contribution to the development of this educational material. Frank Bolick, Watauga County; J.D. Brooks, Buncombe County; Kathy Bunton, Alexander County; Walter Earle, Wilson County; Michael Hobbs, Buncombe County; Brinton Hopkins, Ph.D., Department of Animal Science; Ronald Hughes, Johnston County; Kenneth Vaughn, Iredell County.

Reviewed by: Ralph E. Blalock, Jr., Edgecombe County, Darwin G. Braund, Ph.D., and Raymond W. Harvey, Ph.D., Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University.