[Print Friendly PDF of the SHEEP Project Guide]

4-H’ers must be 8 years old as of September 1st of the current
4-H program year to enroll in a large animal project. 

Sheep Project

In the 4-H Sheep projects, you will learn:

• how to identify breeds and select quality animals;
• best practices for animal care and management;
• safe and ethical practices for animal welfare;
• fiitting and showing skills;
• how to promote the sheep industry and its products; and
• skills such as decision-making, getting along with others, self-responsibility, planning and organizing, and improving your knowledge of general science and technology.

Project Materials (For Youth Ages 8-18) 

This project series teach you about sheep through a variety of hands-on activities. You will learn about the different breeds, anatomy, care, health, reproduction, and careers.

Member and Leader Manuals (Ages 8-18)
SH 1       Rams, Lambs and You
SH 2       Shear Delight
SH 3       Leading the Flock
SH H      Helper’s Guide     
SH R      Market Lamb Record           

SHEEP Level 1

• Rams, Lambs and You introduces young 4-H'ers to the sheep industry, and teaches them the different breeds, the body parts, and behavior of sheep. They also learn about the many uses of wool, the by-products, the age, and health as well as how to show, select, judge, manage, and care for newborn lambs. Available through National 4-H Council.
  

SHEEP Level 2

• Shear Delight explores parasites, meat safety, judging and presenting reasons, using medications safely, the digestive system, sheep diseases, health practices, saving weak lambs, budgeting, retail cuts, feed tags, and exploring careers in the sheep industry. Available through National 4-H Council.

SHEEP Level 3

• Leading the Flock helps older 4-H'ers set production goals, make a budget, plan activities for younger members, explore agricultural careers, learn about issues in the sheep industry, market sheep, learn about reproduction, guide younger members, learn about genetics, and explore the different cuts of meat. Available through National 4-H Council.

SHEEP Leader/Helper Guide

This Helper's Guide will help you support youth in his or her efforts to set goals and complete activities, as well as providing resources for the member's to use in completing the series. Available through National 4-H Council.

LEVELS 1-2-3:
Choose from these Project Record Materials:

Livestock Market Record Book
This is an animal record book for all members in this project area to keep record of their market animals.  In EDIS this publication is DLN 4H 108. [County Ordering Info]

Supplemental Materials:

General Beef Publications

Beef, Sheep, and Swine Selection and Evaluation - Ohio State University
You may need this optional resource written for beginners when selecting and evaluating livestock.  Order it only once and refer to it when selecting projects or before attending a judging contest. Item 103R.

Your Sheep - A Kid's Guide to Raising and Showing
A children's reference book for grades 3-12 is written in easy to understand language that features information on selection, housing, feeding, health, behavior, and showing. A great resource for 4-H leaders, teachers, and first time animal owners. Available through National 4-H Council.

Additional Materials

Sheep Learning Lab Kit - Ohio State University
This kit includes units on anatomy, breeds, conformation, meat science and quality assurance. These popular kits provide the basis for interactive learning experiences. Kit components include posters, labels, statements, demonstration items, and charts. All posters, charts, prints and situation/task statements are laminated for increased durability with answer keys on the reverse side. Kit includes Velcro to adhere to identification tags, and zipper pouches for tag storage. Each kit is packaged in a durable canvas carrying case for easy use, storage and transportation. Item 4035K.

Sheep Learning Lab CD-ROM - Ohio State University
Based on the learning lab kit, this CD-ROM will provide you with interactive quiz exercises for study of: anatomy ( external features), breed identification, meat science (retail and wholesale meat cut identification), and quality assurance (medication and safe handling procedures). An Adobe Acrobat version of the Educators' Resource Materials Set, and Educators Curriculum Guide is included on the CD-ROM. Works on Macintosh and Windows. Item 4050CD.

Lamb Pattern 
This training aid supports the " Skills for Life" Series and will teach youth how to make a model calf that can be used to teach such skills as dehorning, administering medication and many more.  4-H members can make their realistic model calf with the provided pattern. Available through National 4-H Council.

 

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