4-H member posing with a sheep

In this project, learn about the modern sheep industry either by directly caring for a lamb or by learning about sheep through the achievement program in each level. You may enroll in either a market lamb or breeding project at any level. Youth wishing to enroll in Market Sheep or Breeding Sheep must also be enrolled in Level 1, 2, or 3. If you enroll in the independent study, you must have already completed all three levels of the sheep project and set learning goals for your independent work.

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 sheep, students will learn

  • identify the parts of a lamb
  • breeds of sheep
  • sheep behavior
  • uses of wool
  • sheep by-products
  • fitting a sheep for show
  • showing a sheep
  • how to determine the health of a lamb
  • judging lambs
  • develop a management plan

At level 2 of sheep, students will learn

  • sheep parasites
  • meat safety
  • judging
  • using medications safely
  • digestive system of sheep
  • health problems
  • management practicecareers
  • sheep production cycles
  • managing money
  • meat cuts

At level 3 of sheep, students will learn

  • teach others about sheep
  • explore career opportunities in the sheep industry
  • set production goals
  • make a budget for a sheep enterprise
  • address contemporary issues related to sheep production
  • learn about marketing and reproduction
  • plan and organize a judging contest
  • explore genetics.

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

 

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 Sheep

If you are wanting to explore careers in sheep, 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.