Livestock Achievement

Literacy in agriculture and animal science is an important part of the 4-H program.  The Fresno County 4-H Livestock Achievement Program encourages livestock project members to become knowledgeable and skilled in the areas of -

• livestock anatomy
• physiology
• proper animal care and nutrition
• livestock management
• handling techniques
• livestock evaluation
• reproduction
• meat and milk production
• livestock exhibiting
• marketing

The Fresno County 4-H Livestock Achievement Program provides an outline of suggested information to be covered in each year of a livestock project. Members, leaders, and parents can click below to access study guides and other resources for each species of livestock-

Beef Cattle     Dairy Goats     Meat Goats     Sheep     Swine

Livestock Achievement Information

Study guides and other resources are also available for purchase or to borrow from the 4-H office.  In April of each year, livestock project members who are participating in the achievement program take a written test to determine their project knowledge.  In May, in conjunction with the 4-H Fair, those same members are given the opportunity to show off various skills related to their species of livestock. Written and skill tests are scored, and members are awarded medals or ribbons based on their proficiency. 

The Livestock Achievement Program is open to all 4-H members who are enrolled in a beef cattle, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep, or swine project. Participation in the program is strongly encouraged but is optional.  If a project leader does not follow the program, members are still eligible to participate on their own.  In that case, the written test will be taken with another club or individually, as needed.  All members will begin with Level I.  Members are eligible to participate in the Livestock Achievement Program for each species of livestock for which they are enrolled in a project.  Members do not need to earn a gold medal in order to move on to the next level the following year, however, members who do not medal, have the option to repeat the level the following year.  There are five proficiency levels for each species:  Beef Cattle, Sheep, Swine, and Meat Goats Levels 1 and 2 focus on market animal production; Levels 3, 4, & 5 incorporate breeding animal production as well as more advanced skills and knowledge including the processing and marketing of meat animals.  Dairy Goats Levels 1 and 2 focus on basic care and handling of dairy goats; Levels 3, 4, & 5 focus on more advanced skills and knowledge including milking and milk handling.

The Fresno County 4-H Livestock Achievement Program encourages livestock project members to increase their knowledge and skill development in their livestock projects, gain valuable life and leadership skills and experiences, and offers members an opportunity to excel outside of the show ring.