What is the Sheep Project?

The lamb project teaches fundamental production methods of the current sheep industry. The sheep project allows youth to explore the areas of animal husbandry, livestock selection and evaluation, health management and meat science. 4-H sheep projects include market lambs (terminal meat production), breeding sheep (purebred breeding production) and commercial ewes (crossbreeding production).

Objectives

• Develop life skills essential for becoming a skilled, productive and responsible citizen.
• Cultivate skills and interests that can assist in future career preparation.
• Develop quality leadership skills that promote positive youth development.
• Learn to value and apply ethical, industry-accepted practices and research findings in specific project areas.

Volunteer Opportunities

• 4-H lamb club leader
• Hosting and assisting with clinics
• Hosting and assisting with shows

Resources

• National 4-H Curricula:
• Sheep – Helper’s Guide
• Sheep 1 – Rams, Lambs & You
• Sheep 2 – Shear Delight
• Sheep 3 – Leading the Flock
• American Sheep Federation www.sheepusa.org

Project Opportunities

• Sheep exhibition
• Lamb premier exhibitor
• NAILE beef/sheep award trip
• Agricultural demonstration speeches
• State Fair Quiz Bowl
• Livestock judging
• Meat ID & evaluation

Career Opportunities

• Sheep breeder
• Veterinarian
• Feed sales/ nutritionist
• Pharmaceutical sales
• Equipment manufacturing & sales
• Research scientist
• Reproductive consultant & technician
• USDA grader/inspector
• Animal welfare specialist

Life Skills Developed through 4-H Sheep Project

Head

Managing

• Goal setting
• Keeping records
• Wise use of resources

Head

Thinking

• Critical thinking
• Decision making
• Problem solving
• Learning to learn
• Service learning

Heart

Caring

• Empathy
• Nurturing
• Relationship building

Heart

Relating

• Communication
• Cooperation
• Social skills

Hands

Giving

• Community service
• Volunteering
• Leadership
• Responsibility

Hands

Working

• Marketable skills
• Self-motivation

Health

Living

• Healthy lifestyle choices
• Stress management
• Disease prevention
• Personal safety

Health

Being

• Self esteem
• Self-responsibility
• Character
• Managing feelings
• Self-discipline