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Utah 4-H Commercial Cattle Project

Extension Education

Reganne Briggs
Utah State University
Randolph

Abstract

The Utah 4-H Commercial Cattle Project (CCP) was developed in 2022 to provide youth with hands-on experience in the commercial beef industry while expanding learning opportunities beyond traditional junior livestock shows. Many youth livestock programs focus primarily on show ring success, while commercial beef production emphasizes performance data, carcass merit, and profitability. The objective of the CCP is to help youth develop practical beef production knowledge and industry-relevant skills through experiential learning. The project includes three competitive phases designed to mirror commercial industry practices: (1) performance evaluation using average daily gain (ADG) and ultrasound-derived carcass characteristics, (2) record keeping and oral presentation focused on production and financial documentation, and (3) live animal evaluation based on muscling, finish, and structural functionality. Participants are ranked within each phase and scores are combined for an overall project ranking. Since its implementation, the CCP has been incorporated into two junior livestock shows in Utah. Participant evaluations indicate positive educational outcomes, with youth reporting increased confidence in discussing the cattle industry (4.5/5), improved ability to apply production data such as ADG and carcass traits (4.25/5), and enhanced livestock evaluation (4.25/5) and public speaking skills (4.25/5). The CCP demonstrates a practical model for integrating commercial production concepts into youth livestock programs. By emphasizing data-driven decision making, record keeping, and industry communication, the project helps prepare youth for future careers and engagement in the beef industry.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Reganne Briggs, Jessica Hadfield, Steven Price
  1. Briggs, R. Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84064
  2. Hadfield, J. Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University, Utah, 84648
  3. Price, S. Extension Associate Professor, Utah State University , Utah, 84501