Beef Project

The 4-H Beef Project gives youth hands-on experience in raising, caring for, and showing beef cattle. Through this project, participants learn responsibility, animal care, and recordkeeping, while building confidence and leadership skills. It’s part of the broader 4-H Animal Science Program, which helps young people explore agriculture through real-life learning with animals such as beef, dairy, goats, poultry, sheep, swine, and horses.


Shows and Events

From county fairs to regional and state-level events, 4-H members have many opportunities to exhibit their beef projects throughout the year. Showing cattle is not only fun—it’s a chance to demonstrate the hard work and dedication put into your project.

To find local shows near you, contact your county Extension office.

The Tennessee State 4-H Beef Expo also features additional contests such as:

  • Skillathons
  • Graphic Design Contest
  • Sales Talks
  • And more!

For Tennessee 4-H State Beef Expo details and resources, click the link!


Beef Project Toolkit

  • Coming Soon!
  • Create a display or give a talk about the various ways beef products are utilized.
  • Enter a sales talk or graphic design contest
  • Track pedigrees and learn how traits are passed on.
  • Record weight gain and calculate average daily gain (ADG).
  • Research GPS tagging, EID tags, or automated feeders.
  • Study water conservation practices in beef production.
  • Identify and label various cuts of beef, along with their corresponding cooking methods.
  • Explain how to halter break a calf or prep for a show.
  • Attend a beef conference or field day