4-H Livestock Achievement Program

Literacy in agriculture and animal science is an important part of the 4-H program.  The Fresno County 4-H Livestock Achievement Program encourages members enrolled in the Beef Cattle, Sheep, Swine, Meat Goat, or Dairy Goat Projects to become knowledgeable and skilled in the areas of:

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

In April of each year, livestock project members have an opportunity to show off their knowledge and skills related to their species of livestock at Livestock Achievement Day.  Members are scored and awarded medals or ribbons based on their proficiency.  

All 4-H members who are enrolled in a Beef, Sheep, Swine, Meat Goat, or Dairy Goat Project are eligible to participate in the Livestock Achievement Program for that species.  Participation in the Livestock Achievement 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.  

All members will begin with Level I of the Livestock Achievement Program.  There are five proficiency levels for each species.  The focus for each level is: 

• Beef Cattle, Sheep, Swine, and Meat Goats
  • Levels 1 and 2 - market animal production
  • Levels 3, 4, & 5 - breeding animal production as well as  advanced skills and knowledge including the processing and marketing of meat animals 
• Dairy Goats
  • Levels 1 and 2 - basic care and handling of dairy goats
  • Levels 3, 4, & 5 - advanced skills and knowledge including milking and milk handling

By participating in the Fresno County 4-H Livestock Achievement Program, livestock project members will increase their knowledge and skill development in their livestock projects, gain valuable life and leadership skills and experiences, and have an opportunity to excel inside and outside of the show ring! 

For more information about the Fresno County 4-H Livestock Achievement Program, contact the 4-H office or Livestock Achievement Committee Member, Susanne Carroll (559) 269-9959.