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Requirements June 1972 until 1975

1. Name three beef breeds. Show or explain markings and other characteristics for which each breed is noted.

2. Pick a breed of beef cattle that would be your choice for where you live. Give reasons for your choice. give the history of the breed you choose.

3. Visit a farm or ranch. Interview a farmer who raises beef cattle under any of these systems:

(a) Feeding market cattle for slaughter.
(b) Raising feeder cattle for sale to commercial cattle feeders.
(c) Raising purebred cattle for sale as seed stock to other breeders.

            Tell how the cattle were handled. Tell what rations were fed. Give weight gains, time on feed, and other items emphasized by the farmer.

4. Explain what is meant by “baby beef production.”

5. Prepare an actual (or typical) cost accounting record for a specific cattle feeding program. Include:

(a) Date, price, weight, and grade of cattle when bought.
(b) Total feed used. Value of feed.
(c) Miscellaneous cost such as veterinarian’s bills.
(d) Date, weight, price received. Grade of cattle when sold.
(e) Profit.

6. Draw a plan of a feedlot, hay and grain storage facilities, and loading chute for 30 or more fattening steers; OR a corral plan with cutting and loading chutes for handling 50 or more beef cows and their calves at one time.

            This merit badge may be earned as a 4-H’er by completing a club project in that subject or as an FFA member by meeting these requirements through the FFA supervised program.