Bite Into Beef, Level 1 - Project Activity Guide  (BEEF1) (4HCCS)

This beginning project is aimed at youth in grades 3-4. It is not necessary that you own an animal. Activities include identifying major beef breeds, recognizing a healthy animal, identifying body parts, judging beef, halter breaking a calf, shopping for beef, recognizing beef by-products and much more.

Here’s the Beef, Level 2- Project Activity Guide  (BEEF2) (4HCCS)

This intermediate project is aimed at youth in grades 5-7. You will learn to judge market steers, to follow feed through the digestive system, to identify cattle parasites, to show a beef animal, about beef carcasses and much more.

Leading the Charge, Beef Level 3, Project Activity Guide  (BEEF3) (4HCCS)

This advanced unit is designed for youth in grades 10-12. You will learn about giving oral reasons, selecting a sire, exploring beef reproductive systems, evaluating carcasses and much more. You will have opportunities to share your knowledge and experience about beef cattle with others.

Beef Helper’s Guide (GBB221) (4HCCS)

“4-H Live Animal Evaluation Manual”  (GB091)  $2 - reference for learning about evaluation of a live animal and preparing for livestock judging activity or team.

“4-H Showmanship Manual” (GB092)   $2 -  reference for preparing beef animals for show.

“4-H Sheep or Beef Breeding Record” (GB095)    record for beef animal(s) raised for breeding.

“Market Animal Project Record” (GB096)  - record for beef animal(s) raised for market.

“Beef Lifetime Record” (GBB096)  -  individual record for each breeding heifer or cow.

Purr-fect Pals, Cat Level 1 - Project Activity Guide” (CATS1) (4HCCS)

The beginning project is designed for youth in grades 3-4. You may or may not have a cat of your own. You will learn about cats and care of animals. If you do not have a cat, the activities in this unit will help you to decide whether you want a cat in your future. You will learn about breeds of cats, identifying and selecting cats, training and showing a cat, management and feeding a cat, and health and reproduction and much more.

Climbing Up, Cat Level 2 - Project Activity Guide (CATS2) (4HCCS)

Intermediate project aimed at youth in grades 5-7. Besides learning about yourself and practicing important life skills, you will learn about recognizing cat breeds, training and showing, health and feeding a cat, reaching out (traveling with a cat) and much more.

Leaping Forward, Cat Level 3 - Youth Leadership Guide (CATS3) (4HCCS)

An advanced project aimed at youth in grades 6-9. This project offers you a variety of ways to share your knowledge and experience and develop leadership skills. In this unit you will learn about health and reproduction, business management, nutrition, training and showing, conducting a cat clinic, social issues and much more.

Cat Helper’s Guide (GBD231) (4HCCS)

My Corn Project - Member Manual (CROP5) $2

This project is designed for youth in grades 6-12. You will learn about corn production by growing a corn plot.

Production Agronomy (no project manual available)

This project may be taken by youth in grades 6-12. You will plan, plant, grow and harvest a crop.

Additional Agronomy publications:

“North Dakota 4-H Crop Production Work Sheet” (CROP0)  -  for use by youth enrolled in the agronomy project area to record information from their project.

My Sunflower Project - Member Manual  (CROP6)   $2

This project is aimed for youth in grades 6-12. You will learn about sunflower production by growing a sunflower plot.

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DAIRY

Cowabunga! Level 1 - Project Activity Guide (DAIR1) (4HCCS)

Youth explore dairy cattle breeds, select calves, identify parts of dairy cattle and care, pack a show box, and groom and show a calf.

Moo-ving Ahead, Dairy Level 2 - Project Activity Guide (DAIR2) (4HCCS)

Youth deepen their learning by focusing on housing, hay quality, milking, keeping animals healthy, parasites, behavior and food safety.  They explore ethical decision making, judging and careers.

Rising to the Top, Dairy Level 3 - Youth Leadership Guide  (DAIR3) (4HCCS)

Advanced youth practice mastitis detection, balancing a ration, pregnancy detection, delivery of a calf, body condition scoring, selecting cattle through records, promoting dairy products and exploring career opportunities.

Additional Dairy Project publications:

     “4-H Showmanship Manual” (GB092)  $2  -  reference for preparing dairy animals for show.

     “4-H Dairy Production Record” (GBF095)  - record for keeping information on dairy animal(s) and their production. (web)

Dairy animals used for exhibits must be owned and managed by May 1 of the current 4-H year. Any animal born after May 1 must be progeny animals owned from the date of their birth by the exhibitor.

DOGS

Wiggles ‘n Wags, Dog Level 1 - Project Activity Guide (DOGS1) (4HCCS)

This beginning unit is for youth in grades 3-4. The activities are for those who may or may not have a dog of your own. If you don’t have a dog, some of the activities may help you to decide whether or not you want to make the commitment to own and care for a dog. You will learn about selecting and caring for a dog, dog behavior, how to feed a dog and fitting and showing a dog. You may take up to three years to complete this level.
 

Canine Connection, Dog Level 2 - Project Activity Guide (DOGS2) (4HCCS)

This intermediate project is planned for youth in grades 5-7. You will learn about surfing the web for dog information. You will do activities related to management, training, behavior, nutrition, health care, genetics and reproduction in dogs.

Leading the Pack, Dog Level 3 - Youth Leadership Guide  (DOGS3)(4HCCS)

This advanced unit is designed for youth in grades 6-9. You will learn to show a dog and organize programs to teach others about dogs. The activities will help you to learn more about dog nutrition, health care, behavior and management. Careers and service in the canine area are also part of the activities.

Dog Helper’s Guide (GBE236) (4HCCS)

DO YOUR OWN THING (DYOT6) (web)   $2

This project is designed for youth in grades 8-12 to explore a topic of their own design. Usually the project selected is one that is not included in existing project material in the North Dakota 4-H program or one where you need to challenge yourself to specialize or create more depth in learning in a project area. The “Do Your Own Thing” project allows you to outline your areas of interest and plan the activities you wish to conduct over the course of the project year. Completing this project means that you’re responsible for selecting a topic, deciding upon goals, obtaining resources and designing a way to evaluate accomplishment of goals. All individualized learning plans need to be approved by a parent or other adult 4-H leader. The success of the project depends on your initiative. This project provides an opportunity, not a “catch all.” You complete a project plan for each project you take. Exhibit areas may be limited.

Getting Your Goat, Goat Level 1 - Project Activity Guide   (GOAT1) (4HCCS)

This dairy and angora goat guide is for youth who are just beginning to learn about goats in grades 3-4. You may or may not have a goat of your own. If you don’t have a goat, some of the activities may help you to decide whether you want to raise or learn more about goats. You will learn about selection, judging, management, health, feeding, and the cost of raising a goat. You will also learn about fitting, showing, and goat products. You may take up to three years to complete this level.

 Stepping Out, Goat Level 2 - Project Activity Guide (GOAT2) (4HCCS)

This intermediate unit for youth in grades 5-7 offers challenges and opportunities to explore a wide range of activities related to goats and the goat industry. You will learn how to show and judge goats, manage goats, feed and keep a goat healthy. You will also learn about goat products and careers related to goats. You may take up to three years to complete this level.

Showing the Way, Goat Level 3 - Youth Leadership Guide  (GOAT3) (4HCCS)

This advanced unit is for youth in grades 6-9. You will learn about organizing and conducting a goat judging contest, and sharing your knowledge of goats with others. You will also learn about goat reproduction and genetics, management tips, rations and health.

Dairy Goat Helper’s Guide (GBG246) (4HCCS)

         “Goat Showmanship Manual” (GBG091) $2  -  reference for showing goats.

Goats used for exhibits must be owned and managed by May 1 of the current 4-H year. Any animal born after May 1 must be progeny animals owned from date of their birth by the exhibitor.

GOATS - Meat

These guides include activities related to breeds, health care, grooming, production, reproduction, management, showmanship, marketing and careers. The three youth manuals and helper's guide contain a wide range of experientially-based activities to develop and maintain the interest of youth. Grades 3-12.

Just Browsing,  Level 1   (GOAT4) (4HCCS)  

Youth will do more in Meat Goat 1 than 'just browsing'. They will explore goat body parts, goat selection, breeds, record keeping, meat goat and dairy conformation, show preparations, sportsmanship, goat health, feed selection and several management skills. Grades 3-5. (40 pages.)

Growing Meat Goats,  Level 2   (GOAT5) (4HCCS)  

Features activities designed for youth to actively explore goat diseases, the veterinary profession, selecting stock, identification of poisonous plants, body condition, water quality, goat predators, kidding, goat reproduction and showing meat goats. Grades 6-8. (40 pages)

Meating the Future,  Level 2   (GOAT6) (4HCCS)  

Youth discover how to control internal and external parasites, practice bio-security, conduct a meat goat judging clinic, judge goats, give oral reasons, select breeding sires, balance a ration, compare forage samples, practice sound ethics, prevent diseases, conduct an interview and explore meat goat products. Grades 9-12 . (40 pages)

Meat Goat Helper's Guide   (GBG247) (4HCCS)  

The Meat Goat Helper's Guide is packed with activities that involve the entire group. Youth will enjoy planning a program, completing a project record, developing a management calendar, completing a meat quality assurance program, participating in a quiz bowl, skillathon and tour, giving a presentation and exploring goat-related careers. Grades 3-12. (40 pages)

For youth who may or may not own a horse or pony of their own, but want to learn about horses. Horse behavior, terms, breeds, identification, body parts, selection, grooming, saddling and bridling, safety and equipment are explored.

          Head, Heart & Hooves,  Horse Unit 2 -  (GBH152) (4HCCS) $4

Horsemanship, judging, oral reasons, selection, unsoundness, tack, training, showing, trail riding, riding skills, parasites and feeding activities and information are included.

Stable Relationships, Horse Unit 3   (GBH153)(4HCCS) $4

Explores horse related careers.

Riding the Range, Horse Unit 4  (GBH154)(4HCCS) $4

Features beginning riding skills and everything youth need to know before they get on a horse for the first time. Activities include round pen workout, bridle in a bucket, saddle up, where do you ride, and basic riding.

Jumping to New Heights, Horse Unit 5   (GBH155)(4HCCS) $4

Youth discover the ins and outs of showing horses. Activities include quarter system, showmanship, self-rating sheets, goal selection and winning isn't everything.

Group Activity Helper’s Guide (GBH254) (4HCCS)

Get involved at group meetings using any of the 17 activities.

Horse: Yearling to Maturity (GBH156)

This project is for those who own or have available a colt or filly to care for and train. This is a five-year progressive project beginning with a yearling colt. The project is designed to help you select a foal and train it to maturity. You must be 12  years old or older during the current project year to enroll. (Montana publication)

Horse: Ranch Horse  (GBH157)

Horses in this project should have completed the Yearling to Maturity project or other equivalent training. This project is designed to enhance good ranchhands and further develop good horsemanship skills. Ranch horses must be able to go through a gate, ground tie or hobble and stand while mounting or dismounting. The rider will learn how to efficiently care for livestock on the ranch.  (Montana publication)

Additional Horse Project Publications:

North Dakota 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide (GBH092)  $2

“Horse Record” (GBH095)  - record for keeping information on a member’s horse.

“Horse Judging Guide” (GBH646)  $2 - reference for horse judging.

Horse videos are available for checkout from your local office of the NDSU Extension Service. For a complete list and short description of each video, click HERE.

A 4-H member exhibiting in the state horsemanship show must have owned or had free access to the management of the horse being exhibited by May 1 of the current year.

 

Youth who like to work outdoors and get their hands dirty, plant seeds and watch them grow will enjoy using these four activity guides.

• See Them Sprout, Gardening Unit A    (GARD1) (4HCCS)
• Let's Get Growing, Gardening Unit B  (GARD2) (4HCCS
• Take Your Pick, Gardening Unit C   (GARD3) (4HCCS)
• Growing Profits, Gardening Unit D   (GARD4) (4HCCS)
• Group Activity Helper's Guide  (GCC201) (4HCCS)
• Gardening Exhibit Guide  (GCC092) (4HCCS)

Additional Horticulture Project publications:   

Gardening (Fruit and Vegetables) - Everybody’s Garden Guide (GCC192) $2 - Reference for growing fruit and vegetable gardens.

Harvesting and Preparing Vegetables for Exhibit   (GCC091)   $2 Reference for preparing vegetables for exhibit.

Pet Pals, Pets Level 1 - Project Activity Guide  (PETS1) (4HCCS)

This introductory unit is designed for youth in grades 3-5. Through activities in this unit you will learn about picking a pet, getting to know a pet, and identifying pet body parts. You will also learn about finding information on caring for a pet, handling pets, providing a safe environment for a pet and preparing a care plan for a pet. You can work in this level for up to three years.

Scurrying Ahead, Pets Level 2 - Project Activity Guide  (PETS2) (4HCCS)

In this intermediate level planned for youth in grades 5-7. You will learn about getting to know your pet, exploring the cost of pet ownership, shopping for pet supplies, exploring pet products, the pet industry, and showing and fitting your pet. Additional topics included exploring pet digestion, choosing food and feeding pets, and keeping pets healthy.

Scaling the Heights, Pets Level 3 - Youth Leadership Guide  (PETS3) (4HCCS)

As youth move into this advanced level designed for youth in grades 6-9, you will have one or several pets and share your experiences with others. You will find activities to help you learn about pet reproduction and caring for newborns, developing a career and leadership skills, starting your own business, and teaching and helping others. You will also learn to photograph and classify pets, and about pet issues and ownership.

Pet Helper’s Guide (GBK267) (4HCCS)

Scratching the Surface, Poultry Level 1 - Project Activity Guide   (POUL1) (4HCCS)

Welcome to the world of poultry! Through activities in this beginning unit designed for youth in grades 3-4, you will learn about selecting and judging poultry, chicken eggs, cooking eggs, identifying feather patterns, raising poultry, analyzing poultry feed, and showing poultry.

Testing Your Wings, Poultry Level 2 - Project Activity Guide   (POUL2)(4HCCS)

Flocking Together, Poultry Level 3 - Youth Leadership Guide   (POUL3) (4HCCS)

Poultry Helper’s Guide (GBC227) (4HCCS)

What’s Hoppening, Rabbit Level 1 - Project Activity Guide   (RABB1) (4HCCS)    

Making Tracks, Rabbit Level 2 - Project Activity Guide   (RABB2) (4HCCS)

This intermediate project is designed for youth in grades 5-6. You will learn how to select, show and tattoo rabbits. You will keep rabbit records, learn to recognize rabbit diseases and treat health problems. In addition you will explore marketing rabbit meat, and harvesting and cooking a rabbit.

All Ears, Rabbit Level 3 - Youth Leadership Guide  (RABB3) (4HCCS)

This advanced project is designed for youth in grades 6-9 who want to learn about selecting rabbits for breeding, culling, and body types. You will plan and conduct a rabbit show, register a rabbit and learn about marketing by researching laws related to raising and selling rabbits and developing a marketing plan

Lambs, Rams and You, Sheep Level 1 - Project Activity Guide   (SHEE1) (4HCCS)

Shear Delight, Sheep Level 2 - Project Activity Guide   (SHEE2) (4HCCS)

Leading the Flock, Sheep Level 3 - Youth Leadership Guide   (SHEE3) (4HCCS)

Advanced level project designed for youth in grades 6-9. You will have opportunities to share your knowledge and experience about sheep with others and gain leadership skills as you plan a sheep judging contest, and teach others. You will learn to make a budget, search the web for information, about the reproductive system, and develop a plan for improving a flock. In addition you will learn about consumer preferences, promoting lamb, selecting quality forage, and sheep industry issues.

Sheep Helper’s Guide (GBJ262)

“Live Animal Evaluation Manual"  (GB090)    $2 - reference for evaluation of a live animal and preparing for livestock judging activities.

“4-H Showmanship Manual”  (GB092)   $2 - reference for preparing sheep for show.

“4-H Sheep or Beef Breeding Record”   (GB095) - record for keeping information on sheep raised for breeding.

“Market Animal Project Record”    (GB096) -  record for keeping information on sheep raised for market.

“4-H Sheep Breeding Project Lifetime Record”     (GBJ095) -  individual record for keeping information on a breeding ewe.

Sheep used for exhibits must be secured by May 1 of the current year. Any animal born after May 1 must be progeny animals owned from the date of their birth by the exhibitor.