The Carroll County 4-H Program has a large interest in their animal science programs. Each species offer a variety of opportunities to participation in activities and events throughout the year.
Dairy Steer Weigh-In and Tagging – This occurs the first Saturday in January (date may vary depending on when New Year’s falls on the calendar). Weigh-In and Tagging is held at the Carroll County Agriculture Center in the TRP Barn. Weigh-in is typically held from 8am-11am (check dates and time in the Tribune as they may vary year to year).
- Livestock Registration Form – You must complete a Livestock Registration Form, which can be found at the Carroll County Extension Office. This is a 2-part form that must be turned into the Carroll County Extension Office (date will be published in the Tribune). All 4-H members and their parents must sign the front of the livestock form, along with signing the Animal Science Code of Ethics on the reserve side (please note you must sign the back of the yellow and white pages of the Animal Science Code of Ethics).
- Tag Cost – There is a $2 fee (price may vary year to year, check the Tribune) per Maryland 4-H Ear Tag you will need for your animals.
- Ownership – Once an animal is tagged to the individual 4-H member, the animal cannot change owners.
Beef/Dairy Field Day - The Carroll County 4-H/FFA Fair Beef Committee host a Beef Field Day at the Carroll County Agriculture Center, TRP Barn. This event is normally held in April and ALL 4-H Beef/Dairy Steer Exhibitors are encouraged to attend this event. The day is full of educational programs, followed with a show including: showmanship, beef and dairy steer classes along with beef heifer classes offered.
Dairy Workshop - The Carroll County 4-H/FFA Fair Dairy Committee holds a dairy workshop once a year. This normally is held in May (check the Tribune as dates may vary). This workshops goes over everything you need to know about exhibiting Dairy.
Carroll County 4-H/FFA Fair - For more information on the rules and regulations of the Carroll County 4-H Dairy Steer and Dairy Cattle Shows, please go to www.carrollcountyfair.com. Each livestock department will have their set of rules/regulations for this year’s fair posted.
- Dairy Steers - Livestock Sale Guidelines – Go to www.carrollcountyfair.com for more information on the requirements to be eligible to sale a market animal at the Carroll County 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale.
Additional Opportunities -
- Livestock Skillathon – To learn more about livestock projects participate in the Maryland 4-H Livestock Skillathon contest. Working with a UME Volunteer practices will begin in late fall/January of each year. The focus of the Livestock Skillathon is to increase knowledge in livestock breeds, equipment, feeds, hay, wool, quality assurance and more! Weekly practices are held starting in January with a state contest held the first Saturday in March.
- Dairy Judging – Starting in May the Dairy Judging program normally starts for the summer months. 4-H members have the opportunity to learn more the dairy industry including evaluating cattle. Throughout the summer you will spend time learning how to evaluate dairy and learn how to defend your reasoning’s on your placings. This is an opportunity to learn how to evaluate livestock, which in return will help you in selecting your dairy cattle.
- Dairy Bowl – Dairy Bowl starts the end of January and they meet weekly until the state contest normally held in April. Dairy Bowl test the 4-Hers knowledge within the dairy industry.
- Dairy Skillathon – A State Dairy Skillathon will be held in February. 4-H members can learn about breeds, equipment, nutrition, etc. For more information on this program, contact the Extension Office.