What is the Goat Project?

The goat project teaches production methods of the growing goat industry. The goat project allows youth to explore the areas of animal husbandry, livestock selection and evaluation, health management and meat science. 4-H goat projects include market goats (terminal meat production), dairy goats (breeding and raising for dairy production), breeding goats (purebred breeding production) and commercial does (crossbred breeding production).

Objectives

• Develop life skills through project participation essential for becoming a skilled, productive and responsible citizen.
• Cultivate skills and interest from 4-H project experiences 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 goat club leader
• Hosting and assisting with clinics
• Hosting and assisting with shows

Resources

• National 4-H Curricula:
• Meat Goat – Group Activity Helper’s Guide
• Meat Goat 1 – Just Browsing
• Meat Goat 2 – Get Growing with Meat Goats
• Meat Goat 3 – Meating the Future
• Dairy Goat – Group Activity Helper’s Guide
• Dairy Goat 1 – Getting Your Goat
• Dairy Goat 2 – Stepping Out
• Dairy Goat 3 – Showing the Way www.n4hccs.org
• American Goat Federation www.americangoatfederation.org

Project Opportunities

• Goat exhibition
• Goat premier exhibitor
• 4-H goat educational trip
• Agricultural demonstration speeches
• State Fair 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl
• Livestock judging
• Meat I.D. & evaluation

Career Opportunities

• Swine 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 Goat 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