Meet Bobby!

Bobby the Bale will tell you neat and important

information throughout your manual.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Project Summary 2

Skill Builder 1: All About 4-H

3

Skill Builder 2: Responsible Care

6

Skill Builder 3: Choosing

9

Skill Builder 4: Feeding

15

Skill Builder 5: Training

18

Skill Builder 6: Showing

21

Showcase Challenge

25

Portfolio Page 27

- Draft 2009 -

4-H Beef Series

Exploring Beef Introduction

What has four stomachs, is covered in hair, and bawls? A calf! Have you ever wanted to learn how to raise cattle as well as how to show them? If so, this is the 4-H project book for you. With this manual you will select, feed, care for and house a beef

calf (market animal, heifer, or continuation heifer and calf). You will also learn about training, grooming and showing your beef animal. There are six different sections called Skill Builders where a specific topic is focused on. Each Skill Builder has activities that will help you develop your skills. Once all the Skill Builders have been finished, there is a Showcase Challenge which allows you to exhibit the skills you have gained in any way you want to. If you are ready for an exciting and fun 4-H project? If you are, buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Learning is 3D!

To help you get the most out of your learning, each project

meeting has the following parts: Dream it! Plan for success

Do it! Hands on learning Dig it! What did you learn?

Do It

Dig It

Dream It

More Cowbell!

This More Cowbell box will appear throughout the manual. Check out the great website link ideas wherever you see

More Cowbell. These links will lead you to fun online content to help you with your 4-H project.

2

What Skills Will You Learn? Each section or Skill Builder (or Builder) in this project has activities that will help your project group learn to do by doing while learning new skills and having fun! To complete this project, you must: Complete the activities in each Builder OR a similar activity that focuses on

the same skills, as you and your leader may plan other activities. Plan and complete the Showcase Challenge. Complete the Portfolio Page. Participate in your club’s Achievement (See the inside back

cover for more information about 4-H Achievements).”

Members will be able to... Activities Page

Skill Builder

1

All about 4-H Explain what 4-H is Identify the Pledge and Motto Illustrate the Quality Equation Principles

4-H Introduction Word Jumble Cut and Paste Pledge QE Scavenger Hunt Line in the Sand

3 4 4 5 5

Skill Builder

2

Responsible Care Explain how to treat animals humanely Know why we should respect animals Describe the kind of shelter their calf needs

Safe & Humane Caring Checklist Model Facility

6 7 7

Skill Builder

3

Choosing Explain what makes a steer/heifer desirable Identify the parts of a beef animal Pick their 4-H calf and CCIA tag it

Perfect 10 Choosing Checklist My 4-H Calf/Calves Beef Records

9 10 11 14

Skill Builder

4

Feeding Explain the cow’s digestive system Identify the 5 essential nutrients Compare human and cattle nutrition

Today’s Menu A Lot to Stomach Nutrient Match Nutrition Word Search Touring & Talking

15 15 16 16 17

Skill Builder

5

Training Know how a halter fits and how to tie one Tie a quick release knot Lead their 4-H calf Apply safety precautions

Training Goals Which Halter Fits? Quick Release Rhyme Safety Showdown

18 19 19 20

Skill Builder

6

Showing Groom cattle Prepare all supplies for show day Use proper showmanship procedure

Your Calf’s /Calves’ Qualities Practice Makes Perfect Groom Groom Judge Me Show Day Supplies

21 22 22 23

When you successfully complete your builders, you will showcase what you have learned.

Showcase &

Portfolio

Explain success in using the skills listed above

Showcase Challenge My Portfolio Page

25 27

Skill Builder 1: All About 4-H

SKILLS CHECKLIST

Explain what 4-H is Identify the Pledge and Motto Illustrate the Quality Equation Principles

Dream it! To begin any project and be successful you need to plan. In Dream It! you will begin thinking about the topic that the builder explores.

4-H Introduction

Take a look at the name of “4-H”. Have you ever thought about what 4-H stands for? Take a guess.

_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________

4-H members are 8 – 21 and must take some sort of project (beef, horse, rocketry, woodworking, cooking, etc). 4-H members learn how to have meetings and be leaders. 4-H exists around the world, existing in over 80 countries! The Manitoba 4-H program is based on the Quality Equation Principles of Quality People, Quality Experiences, and Quality Projects. 4-H has a pledge and motto which are said at the beginning of each meeting and other special events.

4-H PLEDGE

“I pledge…..

My HEAD to clearer thinking,

My HEART to greater loyalty,

My HANDS to larger service,

My HEALTH to better living,

For My Club, My Community, and My Country.”

Bobby Says….

I’ll give you a hint: 4-H stands for four

things that begin with the letter H.

Bobby Says….

Welcome to 4-H! It’s going to be a great year! 4-H is a rural youth opportunities organization that

develops innovative community leadership in youth.

Important words

Watch for these important words throughout this builder: 4-H, Pledge,

Motto, Quality, Ethical

3

4-H MOTTO:

Learn to do by doing.

Do it!

Word Jumble

Can you unscramble these words? Need a hint, look at the bottom of the previous page.

1. CUOTINMMY __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 2. ULBC __ __ __ __ 3. COETRJP __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 4. MVCHENEAIET __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 5. EOLEPP __ __ __ __ __ __ 6. PIEECXEESRN __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 7. EAHD __ __ __ __ 8. NTMSEGEI __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 9. GPLEED __ __ __ __ __ __ 10. TOTMO __ __ __ __ __

Cut and Paste Pledge

Get into a group of members who are working on this project and form a circle. Link your arms together to form a tight circle. Your leader will pass out a cut up version of the pledge and as a team you need to arrange it correctly. You cannot unlink your arms! Go!

Now your leader will give you your own split up version of the pledge. Glue it correctly below.

4

What you will need: pledge, glue, tape

What was the hardest part about the group activity?

The easiest? What would make it better

the next time?

Quality Equation Scavenger Hunt

Find pictures that represent one of the three Quality Equation Principles (Quality People, Quality Projects, Quality Experiences) and create a collage. Do a gallery walk to look at all the other posters.

5

Dig it! Check off the boxes that apply to you

My goal for this 4-H year is to ________________________________________________

What’s next?

Now that you know all about the 4-H program, it is time to learn about the Beef animals. In the next lesson you will learn how to properly care for cattle.

Line in the Sand

This activity examines the difference between ethical and unethical behaviour. As each scenario is presented, you choose to move to one side of the line if you believe it is an ethical behaviour and the other side of the line if it is not. Before you start, you will need to know what the difference is between ethical and unethical behaviour. Do some research and put your new knowledge in the chart below.

More Cowbell!

For more information and histroy on 4-H visit: www.4h.mb.ca or www.4-h-canada.ca/

There are many exciting 4-H opportunities for you to take part in that can be found on these websites!

I Know This I’m Still Working On This

Item

Pledge

Motto

Ethical Behaviour Unethical Behaviour

Example:

Example:

What you will need: newspapers, magazines, scissors, glue, poster paper

SKILLS CHECKLIST

Explain how to treat animals humanely Know why we should respect animals Describe the kind of shelter their calf needs

Skill Builder 2: Responsible Care

6

Important Words

Look out for these important words in this builder: Handling, Housing,

Humane, Environment

Dream it!

Safe & Humane

What are some things that your parents do to keep you safe?

_________________________________________________________________________ Should you do the same for your animal? Why or Why not?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

What do you think the word humane means? With the help of a dictionary and your leader, complete the chart below. A synonym is a another word that means the same thing.

Bobby Says….

We need to look after our animals just like we care for our family members. Low-stress handling can make a big difference in your animals behaviour. Do you know that after being excited, it takes a beef animal half an hour to calm down again!

The Five Principles of Animal Care are:

1) Good air, water and feed 2) Safe housing and enough space 3) Daily check for good health care 4) Sensible handling 5) A safe comfortable environment

Word: Humane

Synonym:

Sentence:

Definition:

Picture:

I’m Already Doing: I Want to Improve: My Animal is:

Protected from the weather.

Checked often.

Fed healthy feed everyday.

Given clean water to drink.

Free to stand up and lie down comfortably.

In a safe place for the animal and myself.

Handled so that my animal and I are safe.

Handled quietly and firmly.

Treated for health problems.

Trained and handled at a young age.

Properly identified with a tag.

Transported in a safe manner.

Given clean, dry bedding regularly.

Do it!

Caring Checklist

Complete the follow checklist about your animal’s treatment to make sure you have been treating your animal humanely

Model Facility

Your 4-H calf will need some shelter to protect it from the cold, heat and other weather conditions. Shelter might be trees, an open front shed or indoor housing such as a barn. Wherever your animal takes shelter, there should be clean bedding so they don’t have to lay on the cold ground or cold damp floor.

What type of shelter does your calf have? _______________________________________

Is this good? Or could it be better? How? _______________________________________

7

Draw a picture of your animal being protected by the shelter.

Bobby’s Fun Facts!

When cattle urinate and defecate in the pastures, they give nitrogen back to the earth. Nitrogen helps plants like grass grow. Cows eat the grass and give nitrogen back again.

What’s next?

Now it is time to learn how to pick your 4-H calf. Steers and heifers will be looked at. Start thinking about what makes the perfect calf for you!

8

Build a model of the ideal shelter for your 4-H calf. You may use any kind of material: clay, wood, toothpicks, … Now self-evaluate your model. My total is __________/10 points.

Dig It Think about the builder and the activities you did...

Why is it important to treat animals humanely? What was it like to design a shelter for your 4-H animal? Are there any improvements you could make? How would this help?

More Cowbell!

To see some different types of cattle facilities, go online and check out this website: http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Beef_Cattle_Housing

Score

My facility would protect my animal from the weather. (2 points)

My facility would be strong and not fall down. (2 points)

My facility would not let my animal harm itself. (2 points)

My facility would allow my animal to be the healthiest it can be. (2 points)

My facility would allow food and water to be easily reached. (2 points)

Total Points /10

From Farming History…

Barbed Wire was first invented in 1874 by J.F. Glidden. This cheap form of fencing allowed large ranches to be stationary. Fewer cowboys were needed to drive the cattle because of fences.

9

Dream it!

Perfect 10 If you could create the perfect calf, what would it look like? What would make it different from the other calves in the herd? Does colour matter? Size? Shape? Personality? The diagram on the left is of a steer and the diagram on the right is of a heifer. Label 5 things on each diagram that would want on an animal to make it a ‘perfect 10.’

Market Animal

A good market animal has a wide, thick rib and top-line; a long and wide rump, and a deep thick round. Meat from the upper triangle sells for the most money. (Think of sirloin and rib eye steaks vs. brisket - which would you rather eat?)

Good beef animals also have the ability to gain weight. The faster (and easier) an animal puts on weight, the sooner it is ready to sell and the more money you can make.

Heifer

The purpose of a heifer is to breed her so that she can raise a calf which can be sold or bred. When choosing a heifer, make sure she walks properly. Good legs are very important for

grazing on pastures, having calves, and living for a long time. A heifer should have four equal sized teats on her udder. Check that her sire has good physical features. Check the heifer’s record to see if her dam has a healthy calf each year. Mothers tend to pass

this trait on.

Important Words

Watch out for these important words in this builder: Steer, Heifer, Continuation Heifer, Sire, Dam, Breed,

CCIA, RFID

SKILLS CHECKLIST

Explain what makes a steer/heifer desirable

Identify the parts of a beef animal

Pick a 4-H calf and CCIA tag it

Bobby Says….

A quiet, healthy calf is always a good pick for a 4-H animal. Calves that are high-strung can be dangerous to work with. A steer or heifer can be used as a market animal but steers tend to have a better rate of gain.

Skill Builder 3: Choosing Your 4-H Animal

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Do it!

Choosing Checklist

Read each statement and circle your answer within the question:

• Do you want a steer or a heifer? • Are you buying your animal or using one from your farm? Now that you know what to look for and what type of animal you would like, it’s selection time. Circle your answer within the questions below about the animal you are choosing. • Is the animal friendly and quiet or scared of you? • Does the calf look healthy (shiny coat, ears and eyes alert) or sick? • Is the calf wide across the top or narrow? • Is the calf longer than others or shorter?

10

Muzzle

Poll

Bridge of nose

Jaw

Sheath

Ribs

Dewlap

Throat

Point of Shoulder

Forehead

Neck (Crest of Neck)

Top of Shoulder

Fore flank Rear Flank

Stifle

Round (Quarter)

Pins (Pin Bone) Tail

Switch

Hooks (Hip Bone)

Loin Rump Back

Hoof

Pastern

Dewclaw Hock

Heart Girth

More Cowbell!

To practice selecting/judging cattle and to see what traits are important take the quizzes at: http://www.bc4h.bc.ca/Quizzes/Beef%20Judging%20Sub/index.html

The upper triangle of the market animal’s body is where the most expensive cuts of meat are - such as sirloin, rib eye, etc. The lower triangle has the less expensive cuts of meat like the tongue, brisket, liver, etc.

Parts of a Beef Animal

Become familiar with the parts of a beef animal. This knowledge will help you when selecting and caring for your animal.

My 4-H Calf/Calves

Place a picture and information about your 4-H beef animal below and/or on the following pages.

My Market Steer

CCIA Number:_______________________

Achievement Results: Selling Price:

More Cowbell!

CCIA (Canadian Cattle Identification Agency) tags are RFID (radio frequency iden-tification) tags that are a way of tracking cows as they move around the world. As of Sept. 1, 2006, all Canadian Cattle must have a tag. Tampering with these tags is illegal! To learn more about CCIA tags, visit their website at www.canadaid.ca or phone them toll free at 1(877)909-2333.

11

In this picture ______________________________________________________________ I want you to notice: _________________________________________________________

My Heifer:

CCIA Number:_______________________ Achievement Results:

12

In this picture ______________________________________________________________ I want you to notice: _________________________________________________________

My Continuation Heifer & Calf:

Continuation Heifer CCIA Number: _______________________________

Calf CCIA Number: ______________________________________________

Achievement Results:

13

In this picture ______________________________________________________________ I want you to notice: _________________________________________________________

Beef Records

My 4-H Beef Animal Record Year: ______________________

Dig it! What are some good things about your 4-H animal?

What score out of 10 do you give it right now?

What’s next?

Now that you’ve selected your calf, it is time to start feeding them like a show animal. What does your calf eat? We will find out in Builder 4!

14

Project Animal Market Animal Heifer Continuation Heifer

Birth Date

Breed

Breed of Sire

Breed of Dam

Tattoos/Brand

Birth Weight

Comments: Breeding Date

Type of Breeding

Sire

Preg. Check Date

Birth Date

Calf Birth Weight

Sex of Calf

Calf Tag/Tattoos/Brand

Tag

Project Start Weight

Project Finish Weight

SKILLS CHECKLIST

Explain the cow’s digestive system Identify the 5 essential nutrients Compare human and cattle

nutrition

Dream it!

Today’s Menu

You and your animal(s) gain nutrients from the food you eat. Proper nutrition is important for growth and remaining healthy. What have you eaten today? What has your 4-H calf eaten today? Are any of the foods the same? Are any of the foods different? Why or why not? My calf and I both need to digest _______________________________________________

Do it!

A Lot To Stomach

As you may have noticed above, cows and people eat very differently. There is one big reason why: we only have one stomach and cows have 4. The last stomach (abomasum) is like ours. An animal with four stomachs is called a ruminant. Other ruminants are sheep, deer, and giraffes.

Important Words

Watch out for these important words in

this builder: Digestion,

Ruminant, Nutrient

Bobby Says….

To gain one pound, a steer needs to eat about seven pounds of feed. Feeding a 4-H calf the right kind and amount of food can make a huge difference in the final product.

15

What I Ate Today What My 4-H Calf Ate Today

Skill Builder 4: Feeding

Write the order of the stomachs that food passes through: 1) 2) 3) 4)

Nutrient Match

There are 5 essential nutrients that a calf needs to be healthy and grow. These are 1) water, 2) energy, 3) protein, 4) vitamins, and 5) minerals. See if you can match the words with their purpose. Water This nutrient keeps an animal warm Energy This nutrient is needed for growth and health Protein This nutrient moves food through the body and lubricates joints Vitamins This nutrient builds teeth and bones and develops muscles and nerves Minerals This nutrient is important to grow muscles and hair

16

NUTRITION WORD SEARCH

water omasum energy rumen

grain digestive abomasum reticulum

vitamins nutrients minerals protein

L A S Y A C S L A R E N I M G H RF H Y L O D J P Y N I E T O R P EE X C K D O K I V L R E T A W H TJ R N N M K S N R T T Q Q M K I IL O C V E U I Z I N K W U V X X CY N Z O O M S X Q H L S O E F P UP X B C B Z U A N V A B M J Q N LQ V A X X D X R M M Z E W D N E UR W N J H T N N O O Y U P U U U MU X Z Z B D I B T U D T K Z T L GQ L Y W E A A Y V F N S U T R W GC H R D R G M J Y G R E N E I V JF K P G L R J B F R G Z P D E Q CF J B W N O O E V I T A M I N S IL J C C U C M U X V A N V I T X NE D I G E S T I V E X Y P U S J AS I I J S U T L P D E L O V G W Q

From Farming History…

The Windmill Water Pump was invented by Daniel Halladay in 1854. This

invention allowed farmers to keep their cattle in

locations other than along a stream or river.

Nutrition Word Search

See if you can find all the words in the word search. Do you recognize any of the words?

Think about this builder and the activities you did…

Review the skills checklist on page 12. What skills have you developed? Do you need more practice?

What’s next?

In the next skill builder you will learn how to train your 4-H calf to get it ready for the show. You will learn about tying up and leading your calf.

17

Touring & Talking

Do you want to know how the feed given to your 4-H animal is made? Some prepared rations are made in feed mills. See if you can find one in your area. Find out if you can go for a tour? Or is there some your could ask that would come talk about animal feeds? Write one question down to ask, and then the answer that you find out. Question: ______________________________________________________ Answer: _______________________________________________________

Dig it! Draw a picture of three things you need to feed your 4-H animal and label which of the 5 essential nutrients each provides.

Skill Builder 5: Training

Dream it!

Training Goals Training a calf can be a long process with many steps. What would you like the end product to be? Do you want your calf to jump through hoops or behave well in the show ring? Remember to keep your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely). Once you have created a goal, label a couple of steps that can help you reach it.

SKILLS CHECKLIST

Know how a halter fits and how to tie one

Tie a quick release knot Lead the 4-H calf Apply safety precautions

Bobby’s Safety Tips!

Wear protective footwear. Never wrap the lead rope around your hand or body. Do not pull on the calf when standing directly in front of the calf. It

may move forward quickly and step on you. Pull, push and stand at the side of the of the calf.

Never use a truck or tractor to teach your calf to lead. Walk in straight deliberate lines around cattle. Walking in curves is

something predators do and this frightens cows. Talk to your calf so that it knows you are there.

18

Bobby Says….

Start working with your calf as soon as possible. It takes a lot of time to properly train a calf and if you leave it until the last few weeks it could be a dangerous and negative

experience for both you and your calf.

Important Words

Watch out for these important words in this builder: Halter,

Show Cane, Quick Release Knot

From Farming History…

Cattle Ranching began in the Canadian West in the 1870’s and was so

supported by the federal government that in

1881, it allowed ranching companies to

lease up to 100 000 acres per year at

the price of 1 cent per acre.

Do it!

Which Halter Fits?

To begin training your calf, you need a properly fitted halter. Rope halters are used for training a calf and tying it up. A leather halter is used in the show ring. When adjusting the halter, the noseband should sit halfway between the eyes and nose. Circle the correct halter placement below:

Quick Release Rhyme

To tie up a 4-H calf, we use a quick release knot. This knot is strong enough to keep the halter attached to the post it is tied to, but is undone in a matter of one pull. It is very important to practice tying a quick release knot correctly so that when you begin to handle your 4-H calf, it comes naturally. Never use the quick release knot around the body of animal - it is only used for attaching the halter to a fence. The diagram might help you, but it is best to learn this skill by doing. Ask your leader or a parent to walk you through the steps. Remember how when you learned to tie your shoelaces you used a rhyme? It may have been about a bunny going through a hole or a tepee. Create a rhyme to help you remember the steps to tying a quick release knot and write it down below: _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

19

More Cowbell!

Want more help with tying a quick release knot? Some great website to help you out are: http://horses.about.com/od/basiccare/ss/quickrelease.htm and

http://www.gaitedhorses.net/QRKnot.html

Diagram courtesy of the Saskatchewan 4-H Council

Safety Showdown

“Fire” these true or false questions at a pardn’er and then switch roles. After you both have answered them all, ask your leader for the answers. 1. Never talk to your calf. T or F

2. Run up to your calf. T or F

3. Have someone help you tie up your calf each day, leaving it tied a little longer each time. T or F

4. Brush and scratch your calf while it is tied. T or F

5. When you begin to lead your calf, work inside a corral or enclosed area so that it can’t run too far if it breaks free from you. T or F

6. Hold the lead shank at the farthest end from the calf. This will make it feel calm. T or F

7. When your calf leads well, start using your show cane. Carry it in your right hand. Start by scratching the calf’s back and zigzag down it’s side. Then scratch it’s belly and brisket. T or F

8. Lead your calf on your left side. T or F

9. Never yell at, kick, or hit your calf. Treating your calf roughly will make it nervous and hard to handle. T or F

10. Wrap the lead strap around your hand. This will give you better control over your calf. T or F

What’s next?

All that we have left to learn is how to groom and show a 4-H calf. One more builder and you will be ready for the show ring! Keep working at leading your calf so that it is ready for the next builder.

Dig it! Think about the builder and the activities you completed. Review the Skills Checklist on page 15. What skills have you developed? Do you need more practice? Does your goal from the DREAM IT! Section still seem SMART? If not, why? Did your rhyme help you learn how to tie a quick release knot? Teach someone else how to tie a quick release knot and see if they find your rhyme useful. If there is a problem, maybe you missed a step in your rhyme. If so, write the missing step in below:

20

Bobby’s Fun Facts!

Twelve cows are known as a "flink." “Kine” is a plural version of cow. “Cow” can also mean to frighten with threats.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Animal:____________ ___ /10pts

21

Skill Builder 6: Showing

Do it!

Practice Makes Perfect

Role play with a fellow member where one of you leads the other. Run through showmanship procedures like moving clockwise around the ring, changing positions in the line up, and answering the judges questions (see the activity on the next page for questions). Then switch jobs and do it again. The more practice you have the better. Once you are comfortable with the procedures, practice with your own 4-H animal so they get used to it. What is the hardest part about showing a calf for you? ________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Dream it!

Your Calf ’s/Calves' Qualities

Showing a calf is a lot of work but can be very rewarding. In builder 3, you labelled 5 things that would contribute to choosing the “perfect” steer or heifer calf. Can you label 5 good qualities about the animal you chose? What would you score your animal out of 10 points compared to the “perfect” calf. Knowing your animals strengths and weaknesses can help you while showing.

More Cowbell!

If you want to learn about showing, check out: http://livestock.colostate.edu/youth/documents/Beef/BeefCattleShowmanship.pdf

Bobby Says….

Congratulations! You have made it to the final Exploring Beef builder! Just think of all the skills you have learned so far! In this builder, you will show off your 4-H animal. Just a little more practicing before you are ready!

SKILLS CHECKLIST

Groom cattle Prepare all supplies for show day Use proper showmanship procedure

Important Words

Look out for these important words in this builder:

Grooming, Scotch Comb, Pitch Fork, Showmanship

Then rinse the animal and dip the tail in a mixture of water and vinegar. Splash the rest of this solution over the calf’s loin and use the back of the scotch comb to get rid of excess water. Blow your animal dry and it will be ready for the show. Remember always comb forward and up on the body.

Judge Me

Judges ask a lot of questions in the show ring so that they can correctly compare the animals. In showmanship they ask questions to make sure you know the answers. Be prepared for the show ring by writing down and learning the answers to these questions. Refer to builder 3 for some of the information. What is your calf’s name? _____________________________________________________ When was your calf born? ____________________________________________________ How old is your calf (in months)? _______________________________________________ What breed is your calf? ______________________________________________________ Is your calf a steer, bull, or heifer? _______________________________________________ When was your heifer bred? ___________________________________________________ What breed of bull did you breed her to? _________________________________________ Sometimes judges will see if you are awake and ask you silly questions too: What colour is your calf? _____________________________________________________ How many steers were born in Manitoba last year? __________________________________ Be prepared for anything but remember to be respectful and calm. The 4-H program is about learning and the judges will probably give you tips after your showmanship class about how to improve for next year.

Groom Groom

Grooming has many steps - it’s not just combing. Using a blower and fogger is a great way to clean and train the calf’s hair daily. Before a big show, the calf should be washed. Wet down the entire animal and then soap it up using a plastic brush and dish soap.

22

Draw arrows on the calf to show the correct direction for blowing and

combing.

Bobby Says…

You carry your scotch comb in your back pocket when showing. Your scotch comb should be placed teeth in towards you.

Show day Supplies

Check off this list once to make sure you have everything and then again before your show. Now Before Show

Feed tub Brush/Scotch Comb Show Halter Neck tie Water pail Pitch fork Some rags Hay Safe clothes and shoes Show cane A clipboard and pencil for judging Blower Fogger

Dig it!

When it comes to showing my calf: I am good at _____________________________________________________________ I am improving at _________________________________________________________ I need to remember to _____________________________________________________

What’s next?

Now that you have finished all the builders in this project, it is time to think about and plan for the Showcase Challenge on page 25, which will help prepare for your 4-H Achievement. Page 27 is your Portfolio Page where you can make sure your Exploring Beef Project Skills Chart is complete. There will also be space for you to write down some thoughts and reflections on the project (what you liked, didn’t like, etc.).

23

Thinking about this builder and the activities you did…

Review the skills checklist on page 18. What skills have you developed? Do you need more practice? What skills did you use to make this project a success?

Record it . . .

Discuss what you have learned with your leader so that the information can be recorded on your portfolio page.

Apply it . . .

How would you explain to others the steps you need to take to have a successful project?

Member Notes

24

Now that you have finished this project, it is time to think about how you will share your experiences and knowledge with others. You may put your new skills to work by helping at a community event or at your club Achievement or teaching others about your topic. The goal of the Showcase Challenge is to help highlight your new skills and help you understand how you can use them. It can be an opportunity to receive feedback from others on your project. So go back through your manual and find some highlights of your learning (what you are proud of) and think about how you will “showcase” it.

Showcase Challenge Bringing it all together!

Demonstrate something you made or learned about

Make a poster or display

Make a pamphlet Make a computer presentation (e.g. PowerPoint)

Give a speech Create a picture book

Use your new skills to help with the Club Achievement plans

Or come up with your own idea. It is up to you and your leader!

Dream It!

Here are some Showcase Challenge Suggestions:

25

My Showcase Challenge Plan My showcase idea: __________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What materials and resources do I need? _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Who do I need to help me? ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

When do I need to have things done by? _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

26

Do It! Insert or attach your finished product or a photo of you sharing your skills in your Showcase Challenge.

Dig It! Now that you have showcased your project skills; How did your Showcase Challenge go?

What would you do differently next time?

How will you use your new skills in the future? (in different situations?)

Name: __________________ Date: _____________ Year in 4-H: ____ Club: ______________ Hours Spent on 4-H: ____(Project and Other 4-H Activities)

27

Exploring Beef Project Skills Chart To be completed by the leader and the member based on observations and conversations

throughout the project.

Skill Builder

Members will be able to… Each Skill Builder had a Skills Checklist which

identified the skill you will learn.

We know this because… Identify activities completed and record observations

and information from discussions about activities.

1

Explain what 4-H is Identify the Pledge and Motto Illustrate the Quality Equation Principles

2

Explain how to treat animals humanely Know why we should respect animals Describe the kind of shelter their calf

needs

3

Explain what makes a steer/heifer desirable

Identify the parts of a beef animal Pick their 4-H calf and CCIA tag it

4

Explain the cow’s digestive system Identify the 5 essential nutrients Compare human and cattle nutrition

5

Know how a halter fits and how to tie one

Tie a quick release knot Lead the 4-H calf Apply safety precautions

6

Groom cattle Prepare all supplies for show day Use proper showmanship procedure

Additional Comments/Activities:

My 4-H Portfolio Page

Leader Point of Praise!

I am most impressed by… I acknowledge that the member has completed the 4-H project requirements. Leader’s Signature: _______________________________

28

Member Point of Pride!

What I learned… What I need to improve on… What I want others to notice… Member’s Signature: _______________________________

Above and Beyond! In addition to project skills, 4-H also increases skills in meeting management, communications,

leadership, community involvement through participation in club, area, or provincial 4-H events or activities. List below any activities you participated in this year in 4-H.

(Some examples include Executive Positions Held, Workshops, Communication, Community Service, Rally, Bonspiels, Conferences, Judging, Camps, Trips, Awards, Representation to Area or Provincial Councils, etc)

_________________________________ __________________________________

_________________________________ ___________________________________

________________________________ __________________________________

________________________________ __________________________________

_________________________________ __________________________________

_________________________________ __________________________________

**Feel Free to add additional pages that include awards, certificates, new clippings, photos or other items that describe your 4-H involvement.

Point of Praise! Another’s perspective on your achievements in 4-H. (community professionals, MAFRI staff, 4-H club head leaders, 4-H Ambassadors, friends of 4-H)

I am most impressed by… I believe that you have learned… In the future I encourage you to… Signature: _______________________________

4-H Achievement

4-H Achievement is… a 4-H club celebration when members have completed their projects. Achievements are planned by the club to give recognition to members and leaders for their accomplishments in their 4-H projects and club activities.

A 4-H Achievement can take many different formats: from choosing a theme, to member project displays, to members using their new skills for the event (entertainment, food, decorating, photographer, etc.), to members presenting their project to the whole group, the options are endless and open to the creativity of the members and leaders in each club! Clubs may also plan their Achievement to promote 4-H to the community or to recognize sponsors and others who have helped the club. Members and leaders - be sure to check your project books for the project completion requirements, so you will be ready for your club’s Achievement celebration!

For more information about 4-H and the many 4-H opportunities available please visit

http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/4-h/

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for this or other 4-H projects contact:

Manitoba 4-H Projects

Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives 1129 Queens Avenue

Brandon, MB R7A 1L9

Email: 4h@gov.mb.ca

Phone: 204-726-6613 Fax: 204-726-6260

This manual is for educational use only and is not intended as professional advice.

4-H Motto

“Learn To Do by Doing” 4-H Pledge

I pledge, My HEAD to clearer thinking, My HEART to greater loyalty, My HANDS to greater service, My HEALTH to better living, For my club, my community, and my country.

What is 4-H?

4-H is an international youth organization involving more than 7 million members in 80 countries around the world. In Canada, 4-H began in 1913 in Roland, Manitoba as a community-based organization dedicated to growth and development of rural youth. Today’s 4-H program reaches both farm and non-farm youth across Canada. The motto of “Learn to Do by Doing” is embodied in the program, as 4-H focuses on skill development as well as personal development of life skills such as communications, leadership and citizenship.

Manitoba 4-H project material is developed by

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI)

4-H Quality Equation Principles

Quality People Promote responsibility, respect, trust, honesty, fairness,

sportsmanship, citizenship, teamwork and caring. Quality Experiences

Provide members with personal development and skill development experiences.

Quality Projects Promote and value quality effort. Promote high quality, safe food production within industry standards.