The obvious reason you would sign up for this project area is if you are showing beef cattle.  You can show a yearling heifer or a yearling steer in this class.  Your heifer can be labeled either breeding or market.  Your steer will be int he market class.  There are NO bull classes in 4-H.  Our county does have a feeder calf and prospect calf show however it is a county only class.  You will need to ask you county extension representative what your county has.  If you attend the South Dakota State Fair, you can enter your yearling beef animals in the 4-H show.  You can also show your prospect heifers and steers along with your yearling bulls and heifers in the open class show if you choose for an extra fee.    

Last year we only showed prospect bulls and heifers in the open class show and left the rest of the week for the girls' poultry and rabbits.  It is a preference and going to the State Fair is NOT required.  

Refer to the South Dakota State Fair Handbook for Deadlines and class information.  

You may not have any beef cattle to show however that doesn't eliminate you from entering a display exhibit in the beef division.  You could enter a shadow box about your favorite beef animal, a poster on the parts of beef cattle, your herds ration or information on cuts of meat.  You could build something that you would use on the ranch, such as a place to store feed, or a halter. 

REMEMBER to check with your county - 

    In our county you do NOT have to exhibit at fair to complete a project area.  If your child is helping work beef cattle with your family that can count as completion.  

SDSU Beef Project Page

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