4-H member kneeling next to a goat

Meat Goat is designed for members who want to learn about breeds of meat goats, health care, grooming, production, reproduction, management, showmanship, marketing and careers. Youth wishing to enroll in Market Goat or Breeding Goat must also be enrolled in Level 1, 2, or 3.

It may take three years to complete a level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project. 

 

Projects to learn

At level 1 of meat goat, students will learn

  • goat breeds and selection
  • feeding and management
  • goat health
  • goat body parts
  • record keeping
  • meat goat and dairy conformation
  • show preparations and sportsmanship

At level 2 of meat goat, students will learn

  • goat diseases
  • identify poisonous plants
  • determine body conditions
  • water quality
  • goat predators
  • kidding
  • goat reproduction
  • the veterinary profession
  • selecting stock and showing meat goats

At level 3 of meat goat, students will learn

  • select breeding sires
  • balance a ration
  • prevent diseases
  • control internal and external parasites
  • practice biosecurity
  • practice sound ethics
  • conduct a meat goat judging clinic
  • judge goats
  • give oral reasons
  • explore meat goat products

Independent study is for any youth looking for new challenges and opportunities in 4-H. This allows a member to explore topics that have not been investigated while remaining enrolled in a 4-H project. Members enrolling in the independent study phase of a project should

  • develop a detailed learning plan for their work
  • identify an area of interest within the project area
  • set goals and locate resources (people, publications, materials) to carry out a project plan
  • determine specific experiences needed to accomplish project goals,
  • set a realistic timeline for completion
  • carry out the project learning plan,
  • share experiences with others
  • evaluate outcomes and determine what could be improved.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The individualized learning plan should be approved by a parent, 4-H adult volunteer leader or 4-H agent. For assistance in developing a personal learning contract, use Design Your Own project materials or other goal-setting materials. While independent study provides flexibility and creativity, it also requires serious planning, implementation and evaluation.

 

Materials you'll need

M Just Browsing, BU7909

M Meating the Future, BU7911

M You Decide, 5314

L Helping Them Decide, 5315

S Goat Resource Handbook, 4H135R
L Meat Goat Helper’s Guide, BU7912 Groups will enjoy planning a program, completing project records, developing a management calendar, conducting a meat quality assurance program, participating in quiz bowls, skillathons, tours, giving a presentation and exploring goat-related careers.

 

Animal Record book

To complete a project, you'll need to have an animal record book sheet filled out and signed by a program leader. Record books focus on reflecting on what you did and learned, along with keeping track of finances spent taking care of and selling an animal. 

Download record book sheet

 

Careers in Meat Goat

If you are wanting to explore careers in meat goat, below are some of the potential routes you can take. 4-H members interested in going to college can also visit the 4-H foundation website for scholarships in their county or reservation.