4-H Livestock Project Information

All project enrollment deadline is July 2, 2025. Target deadline (to receive a Fair Book and Fair Pre-Entry packet) is May 1, 2025. Enrollment must be done through 4-H Online. Respective tagging/weighing deadlines must be met.

PLEASE read carefully for changes

4-H Livestock Tagging Policy, effective 10/1/21

Cowley County 4-H Catch-A-Calf Program

4-H Youth ages 10-18 years old will have the opportunity to learn about nutrition, health care, management, and showcasing their knowledge of beef production. The purpose of this program is to provide an educational opportunity for youth in Cowley County.

Interested youth need to fill out an application to be eligible for the contest. All applications must be emailed (slag11@ksu.edu) or submitted by September 19, 2025 by 5:00 pm at the Cowley County Extension Office. A committee will review all applications and schedule interviews. Once selections have been made. A Catch-a-Calf event will be held October 18, 2025. Following the event the calf will be the exhibitors responsibility until exhibition at the 2026 Cowley County Fair. To successfully complete the project, participants have several requirements including record keeping, interview, showmanship, correspondence with sponsors, average daily gain and live placings.

Cowley County 4-H L.E.A.D Program

Mini Grant

We are excited to introduce the L.E.A.D Program! This is a small specie mini grant program focusing on emerging Leaders, Empowering youth with Accountability and positive Development Opportunities. This opportunity comes from the generous donations of the House Foundation.

This program will be closely mirroring the Catch-A-Calf program. It will be available to Sheep, Swine and Meat Goat projects. Mini grants of $500 will be awarded to the selected participants to go towards their market project. Participants will be held to a higher standard to become more knowledgeable about the industry, grow as leaders in their clubs and communities, and push themselves to the next level. Their projects will be exhibited at the Cowley County Fair and sold in the Premium Sale. Their projects will automatically go on to compete in the new carcass contest in Cowley County for sheep, meat goat and swine. This contest will be an opportunity for all youth to participate in with the carcass evaluation/tour on Friday following the fair.

Applicaton and Expectations

2024 Livestock Tagging/Ownership Requirements for Cowley County 4-H

Market Beef:

All market beef must be weighed and tagged at the official weigh-in day Sunday, March 2, 2025. Please contact office prior to tagging if animals have EID tags already in their ears.

Registered Breeding Beef:

All registered breeding heifers must be registered in the 4-H members name by May 1, 2025.

Commercial Breeding Beef:

All commercial breeding heifers are strongly encouraged to be tagged at the official weigh-in day- Sunday, March 2, 2025. (to avoid additional travel fees) If heifers have EID tags already please contact office for direction. Deadline to be tagged is May 1, 2024.

Sheep, Meat Goats and Swine:

Must be must be weighed and tagged at the official weigh-in day. If swine have EID tags already in their ear please contact Office prior to tagging days. Sunday, April 27, 2025 1:30-4pm OR Tuesday April 29, 2025 5-7pm at the Winfield Fairgrounds.

Bucket Calves:

Bucket Calves born January 1 - May 31st of the current year will be required to have a local issued bucket calf tag that can be purchased at the Extension Office.

2nd Year Bucket Calves will be required to have a state issued EID tag and weighed at the Beef tagging day on March 2, 2025.

Dairy Goats:

Dairy Goats must be owned or leased by May 1, 2025. Complete the Dairy Goat Lease and Identification Form and turn in to the Cowley County Extension Office.

Dairy Cattle:

Complete 4-H Grade Dairy Cattle and Leasing Form by May 1, 2025.

Horse:

Complete Horse ID Certificate and signed by Extension Agent by May 1, 2025. MUST be the original form and pictures must be included.