University of Minnesota Extension

Minnesota 4-H


Sheep Project

Explore the sheep industry. Learn to raise and show purebred or crossbred yearling ewes, aged ewes or market lambs. Topics include budgeting, digestive systems, reproduction, genetics, lambing, ethics, marketing and careers.

Sheep Grooming

State & regional events

To view county or local club events, visit the county website.

View all 4-H events

Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training

All youth participating as a State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbit, meat and dairy goat, and lama must have completed the Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics workshop. Certification is good for three fair seasons. The level of training required is determined by the grade of the youth at the time the training takes place.

Dates and locations vary by county. Check this list for more information.

4-H Regional & State Project Bowls

Project Bowls are an exciting way for youth to explore a project area. Teams compete in quiz competitions with questions about specific project areas. Project Bowls are available for Dairy, Dog, General Livestock (Beef, Sheep & Swine), Horse, Poultry, Rabbit and Wildlife projects. Winners of the Regional Project Bowls advance to the State Bowl. More info

4-H Animal Judging Contests

Effectively evaluating breeding and market animals is highly important in the animal industry. Judging is an art developed through patient study and long practice. 4-Hers interested in Dairy, General Livestock (Beef, Sheep & Swine), Horses, Poultry, and Rabbits can learn to be a good judge by knowing the parts of the animal and their location, which parts are most important for meat and breeding stock production, making keen observations and comparing to the ideal, weighing the good and bad points of each animal, and much more. More info

  • Check with your county for local county judging contests.
  • State Fair contest details in the State Fair Premium Book - Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul

Minnesota State Fair

4-H plays a pivotal role in youth development and public education at the Minnesota State Fair. More than 7,000 4-H youth have the opportunity to interact with the public and educate fairgoers through 4-H exhibits, demonstrations, performances, and 4-H promotion. More info

 

Sheep project resources

Lambs, Rams & You

Sheep 1 - Lambs, Rams & You
Price: $3.95 (40 pages)

Shear Delight

Sheep 2 - Shear Delight
Price: $3.95 (40 pages)

Leading the Flock

Sheep 3 - Leading the Flock
Price: $3.95 (40 pages)


Lamb/Kid Pattern

Lamb/Kid Pattern
Price: $2.70

Sheep Manual
Price: $4.00 (40 pages)

Sheep Medallion

Sheep Medallion
Price: $7.50



Lamb Lead information and reference 24 pages - updated Dec 2011 (772 K PDF)

Sheep Safety & Quality Assurance Program Manual - American Sheep Industry Association

Sheep Production Handbook - Volume 7 - 2002 Edition - American Sheep Industry Association

The Ohio State University 4-H Sheep Resource Handbook - Ohio State University Media Distribution Bulletin Number 4-H 194R

4-H Youth Record Keeping

Sheep Crossword Puzzle (79 K PDF)

Sheep Chart (306 K PDF) Best when printed at least 17" x 22" 

Project leader resources

Sheep Helpers Guide

Sheep - Helper's Guide
Price: $3.95 (40 pages)

Sheep-Set of Four

Sheep - Set of Four
Price: $3.95 (40 pages each)

Exploring Farm Animals

Exploring Farm Animals - Helper's Guide
Price: $3.95 (40 pages)


Project meeting outlines

Project Meeting Outlines Lesson plans to be used with youth.
Blank Project Meeting Outline (61 K PDF)

 

Livestock Care and Showmanship (56 K PDF)
Herdmanship (45 K PDF)
General Livestock Project Meeting Outline 63 K PDF)

Clover Update

 

Project Policies

Scholarships & grants

You may qualify for funding for your
4-H project, your club or your university studies. Learn more.


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