The Purpose of Livestock Projects in the 4-H Program

In many 4-H programs, significant focus is often placed on the livestock projects being raised by youth. 4-H staff, volunteers, fair boards, and parents are often bogged down by rules and disagreements on which animals are eligible for sale, minimum weights, maximum weights, length of ownership, etc. However, these discussions distract from the priority of the 4-H Positive Youth Development program - to provide youth with a high-quality educational and developmental experience. Our purpose in this document is to clarify the role that livestock projects have in 4-H and outline the unique youth experience gained through livestock.