Commercial Cattle Project
What is the Commercial Cattle Project?
What is the Commercial Cattle Project?
What is the Commercial Cattle Project?
The Commercial Cattle Project is designed to give youth participants the opportunity to learn about Utah’s commercial cattle industry. This project allows youth to get a first hand experience raising commercial type beef cattle, while gaining the valuable life skills applicable to and correlated with traditional market beef projects. You
The Commercial Cattle Project is designed to give youth participants the opportunity to learn about Utah’s commercial cattle industry. This project allows youth to get a first hand experience raising commercial type beef cattle, while gaining the valuable life skills applicable to and correlated with traditional market beef projects. Youth will develop skills related to record keeping and livestock evaluation, as well as presentation and marketing, while gaining confidence and learning in a safe, fun, competitive environment.
Contest Overview
What is the Commercial Cattle Project?
What is the Commercial Cattle Project?
The Commercial Cattle Project is divided into three phases. Each phase is designed to teach youth about a different aspect of raising commercial beef. Contest phases include 1) Average Daily Gain (ADG) and Carcass Characteristics, 2) Record Keeping and Presentation, and 3) Live Animal Evaluation.
CONTEST PHASES
Average Daily Gain (ADG)
The Commercial Cattle Project is divided into three phases. Each phase is designed to teach youth about a different aspect of raising commercial beef. Contest phases include 1) Average Daily Gain (ADG) and Carcass Characteristics, 2) Record Keeping and Presentation, and 3) Live Animal Evaluation.
CONTEST PHASES
Average Daily Gain (ADG) and Carcass Characteristics.
This phase of the contest will include an average daily gain calculation and carcass characteristics resulting in an estimated yield grade (EYG) calculation. Phase 1 is considered complete as long as the calculation of EYG can be accomplished.
Record Keeping and Presentation
This phase includes the submission of the Utah 4-H Commercial Cattle Record Book and a 3-4 minute verbal presentation by the participant. Participation in both parts of this phase are required in order for the phase to be considered complete.
Live Animal Evaluation
Project animals will be haltered and exhibited in the show ring during this phase. Projects must be exhibited by the registered participant. The objective is to exhibit the animal in a safe manner for judging, but is not a traditional showmanship contest. Animals that pose a danger to participants and other individuals in the ring may be excused at the discretion of the official judge and/or the show committee.
Judges will evaluate the projects based on the priorities of commercial cattle including muscling, finish, and functionality.
Get Involved
What is the Commercial Cattle Project?
Get Involved
Producers:
- Offer the opportunity to purchase calves to local youth.
- Provide learning opportunity for youth about your operation.
- Volunteer as a 4-H leader.
- Encourage local businesses to support the youth and the auction
Volunteers:
- Start a 4-H club for youth interested in the Commercial Beef Project.
- Promote the program and assist with running
Producers:
- Offer the opportunity to purchase calves to local youth.
- Provide learning opportunity for youth about your operation.
- Volunteer as a 4-H leader.
- Encourage local businesses to support the youth and the auction
Volunteers:
- Start a 4-H club for youth interested in the Commercial Beef Project.
- Promote the program and assist with running a show in your community.
Youth:
- Contact a local commercial beef producer to start your project today.
Contest Rules
Contest Design
*for complete rules and additional information, please download the guide book*
The Commercial Cattle Project is divided into three phases. Contest phases include 1) Average Daily Gain (ADG) and Carcass Characteristics, 2) Record Keeping and Presentation, and 3) Live Animal Evaluation. All three phases must be completed to be eligible for overall awards and recognition. Each phase is to be completed and participants ranked separately with the points associated with each ranking being totaled together for an overall ranking.
This project follows the Danish System for ribbon assignment with the following parameters as a guide:
Blue = Above Average
Red = Average
White = Below Average
General Rules for Entry
1. Participants must be registered 4-H members following Utah 4-H policy for participation in large livestock projects or a member of their local FFA chapter. Members must be in good standing within their respective organizations.
2. Participants must complete all three contest phases to be eligible for overall awards. Participants unable to complete one or more phases are still invited to participate in the contest and may receive awards and recognition for phases completed.
3. Participants should carefully read the requirements of each contest phase. It is the sole responsibility of the participant to understand and complete the requirements.
4. This project is subject to rules and regulations of the host show. Any discrepancies in rules or concerns should be addressed with the host show committee prior to entry.
Rules and Regulations for Project Animals
1. Any breed of cattle may be exhibited.
2. Steers and heifers may be shown and will be exhibited together.
3. Cattle should be naturally polled or dehorned. Small scurs are acceptable.
4. The use of adhesives, dyes, paints, or any substance used to alter the natural appearance of the animal is prohibited and will result in excusal from Phase 3. Keep in mind that this contest is intended to replicate the commercial industry as closely as possible.
5. Project animals may be entered as a Stocker Project or a Finished Project.
a. Stocker Projects are cattle less than 1,100 pounds and will have a minimum weight of 800 pounds. These projects will not be eligible to go through the junior livestock commercial cattle sale. Some host shows may have a pre-arranged buyer for stocker cattle. Check with the show committee to see if this is the case for your show.
b. Finished Projects are cattle ready for harvest. They will have a minimum weight of 1,100 pounds. Finished projects receiving a red or blue ribbon will be eligible to go through the junior livestock commercial cattle sale.
c. Participants should estimate whether they are exhibiting a stocker or a finished project but they will be sorted into the appropriate project division based on weigh-in of the show.
6. Project animals should be halter broke. Steers/heifers deemed unsafe for handling will be excused from Phase 3 and will not be eligible for overall awards.
a. Youth who are unable to complete Phase 3 may still receive recognition/awards for Phases 1 and 2.
