Search

4-H Beef Cattle Project Quick Reference Guide

, Braud, Tyler

3731 4H Beef Cattle Quick Reference Guidepdf thumbnail

4H Beef Cattle Quick Reference titlejpg

Types of Beef Cattle Projects

Market Steer

  • Shortest-term cattle project
  • Castrated males
  • Any breed or combination of crossbreeding qualifies
  • Shown in two divisions (Brahman and non-Brahman)
  • Shown by weight (850 lbs. min.)
  • Will require health papers
  • Slick-shearing Louisiana show rules eliminate high cost and skill variation for grooming
  • High-cost livestock project
  • Animal raised for meat

Registered Breeding Cattle

  • Long-term cattle project
  • Registered or recorded with their respective breed organization (miniature breeds included)
  • Females and bulls
  • Breed association registration papers required
  • Will require health papers
  • Shown by age (6 months-2 years)
  • High-cost livestock project
  • Animal raised for breeding purposes

Commercial Heifer

  • Short- or long-term cattle project
  • Females only
  • Any breed or combination of crossbreeding qualifies
  • Shown in two divisions (Brahman and non-Brahman)
  • Shown by weight (500 lbs. min.)
  • Will require health papers
  • Mouthing requirement (must not have lost baby teeth)
  • High-cost livestock project
  • Animal raised for breeding purposes

Estimated Timeline: One to two years

Estimated Cost: $4,500-$10,000+

Estimated Space Requirement: 35-40 sq. ft. shelter per calf + one-half acre of grazing area

Estimated Production Outcome: 1,250 lbs. live weight = 800 lbs. hot carcass weight (HCW) = 728 lbs. boneless retail beef cuts = $1719.461

(Average family of four consumes 880 lbs. meat and poultry per year2)

Estimated Youth Outcome: Goal setting, record keeping, critical thinking, decision making, communication, responsibility, marketable skills, self-discipline, leadership

4/20/2020 9:17:13 PM
Rate This Article:

Have a question or comment about the information on this page?

Innovate . Educate . Improve Lives

The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture

Top