Record Book · 2019-04-15 · 2 Alabama Cooperative Extension System End of Year Signatures At the end of the 4-H year, when your record book is complete, your 4-H Beef It Up! coordinator

Record BookFor use by all Alabama 4-H Beef It Up! Project members

Name: _____________________________________________________

Age as of January 1: _________ Grade: ________

4-H county: _________________________________________________

4-H year:____________ Years in project: _______________

Name of club in which I am completing this project: ______________________________

Club leader or program coordinator’s name:_____________________________________

2 Alabama Cooperative Extension System

End of Year Signatures

At the end of the 4-H year, when your record book is complete, your 4-H Beef It Up! coordinator will ask to see this record book.

I hereby certify as the exhibitor of this project that I personally have been responsible for the care of this animal, for record keeping, and for completion of this record book. I am aware that this record book may be on display after the Beef It Up! Show, thus all content will be appropriate.

Youth Signature:______________________________________________________ Date:_______________________

I, the parent/guardian, certify that my son/daughter has completed this project, has completed this record book, and has complied with all rules and regulations. I give permission for this record book to be displayed to the public and will ensure that all content is appropriate.

Parent/Guardian Signature:_____________________________________________ Date:_______________________

Check with your local 4-H staff to determine when your record book needs to be submitted and any additional guidelines or rules for completion.

Brigid McCrea, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, 4-H Animal Programs

Material is adapted and used by permission of Rutgers Cooperative Extension and Michigan Cooperative Extension.For more information, contact your county Extension office. Visit www.aces.edu/directory.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome!

New October 2017, 4HYD-2286

© 2017 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. All rights reserved.

www.aces.edu4HYD-2286

34-H Beef It Up! Record Book

Table of Contents

Keeping a Record Book 4

Guidelines for the 4-H Beef It Up! Record Book 4

Setting Goals 4

Tell Us About Your Project Animal 5

Taking Inventory 6

Tracking Your Progress 7

Project Communications 8

Animal Care and Management 9

My Feed Steer Project Animal 10

My Work Record 11

Project Finances 11

Other Beef Programs or Activities 16

Looking Back 17

Knowledge and Skills I Gained 18

Feed Tag Information 19

Important Lessons 20

Telling My Story 20

My 4-H Story 20

Thinking Ahead 21

Appendix 22

Record Book Scorecard 24


Keeping a Record BookKeeping a record book is an important part of the Beef It Up! Project. You will use it to set goals for the project year, document your accomplishments, and record important data on your animal. A record book is not meant to be a chore. It is a way for you to gain valuable knowledge and skills as you learn how to do the following:

• organize yourself• set reasonable goals for yourself• demonstrate what you’ve learned this year from the goals you reached• use what you learned in your 4-H project this year to compare your progress and successes from year

to year• explain what you’ve learned• keep track of the costs of your project• gather information needed to apply for awards and scholarships• complete applications and resumes for jobs and college• meet requirements to participate in your county’s Junior Achievement contest or the state Senior

Achievement Competition, where the top-placing individual is awarded a trip to National 4-H Congress as an official Alabama delegate

Guidelines for the 4-H Beef It Up! Project Record BookRecord keeping starts with possession of your beef animal and ends with the state Beef It Up! Show. Check with your local 4-H staff to determine when your record book needs to be submitted and any additional guidelines or rules for completion.

Setting GoalsThe beginning of the project year is a good time to think about what you would like to do or learn in 4-H during the upcoming months. Set at least three goals for yourself (see Appendix for ideas). You may aim for more goals or choose goals that are not listed. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Write your goals below and your plan for reaching each goal. Be sure to get the needed signatures.

My Goals This Year What I Need to Do to Reach This Goal

Example: I will learn how to give a public presentation.

Attend county public presentation workshop. Have my leader and parents help me pick a topic that will be good for me. Practice my presentation. Give the presentation at a club.


Signatures for Goal SettingI will work toward the above goals I have set for myself for the upcoming 4-H year to the best of my ability.

Member signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _____________________

I will support my child’s goals for the upcoming 4-H year.

Parent/Guardian signature: ________________________________________ Date: _____________________

I will help support this member’s goals for the upcoming 4-H year.

Beef It Up! coordinator signature: ___________________________________ Date: _____________________

Tell Us About Your Project AnimalCheck all that apply.

F I purchased my two animals from the Extension Office for $100.00. F I keep my project animal(s) in a facility at my home. F I attended the mandatory meeting. F I will be the one taking care of my project animal.


Taking InventoryList all the equipment and supplies you own at the start of your project. If you own several of the same item, you do not have to record each one (for example, list five water buckets instead of listing each water bucket separately). If the cost is not known, estimate the value. When you purchase new equipment and supplies, list these items in the (E1) Equipment Expenses section.

Item Year Aquired Description

Cost (If

Purchased)Value

Example: 1 feed scoop 2015 yellow, 1-foot long with handle $5.00 $5.00

Total Value of equipment and supplies (Add all values of equipment and supplies and put this number in the box to the right.)


Tracking Your ProgressIt is best to record your activities shortly after completing them; that way, you won’t forget important events.

Accomplishments Include the types of activities you engaged in this year, such as events participated in; leadership roles (offices held, committees led); special meetings and clinics; community service; public speaking; field trips; county 4-H fair; awards or recognitions earned; and shows and competitions.

Name of Event/Activity

Date and Location What I Did

Level (club,

county, state, national)

Award or Recognition

Earned?


Date Location Shown Placing Prize

Project CommunicationsList all communications activities related to the Beef It Up! Project.

DateType of Communication

(speech, demonstration, newsletter, newspaper article, radio, YouTube

video, local cable/tv show)Title

Location(school, club, city, county, regional, state, or national)

Placings and PrizesIf you competed in any other beef show, record the dates, places, and prize money you won.


Animal Care and ManagementBecause your project is a living creature, it requires regular care and management. Explain what you regularly do for or with your animal on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. Be as specific as possible. Do not forget to list the following:

• feeding and watering practices• disease prevention (biosecurity, proper ventilation, reduce bird contacts)• cleaning coops/cages, food and water containers• manure removal• checking and repairing as needed: coops, cages, brooders

What I Do for My Project AnimalDaily

Weekly

Monthly

Yearly


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My Work RecordDate Work Activity Time SpentExample: 1/1/17 Built feed trough 2 hours

Example: 1/1/17 Feeding and caring for my steer for the month

10 hours


Project FinancesIt is important to keep track of the money you spend on the Beef It Up! Project. Use this section to add up the cost to complete your project.

(E) ExpensesList the items you purchased or used for your project and their costs. This includes veterinarian and medical supplies, feed, and other materials, supplies, and equipment used to care for your project animal. You may attach more pages if necessary.

Expenses are divided into four categories:

• Equipment (E1), including hardware for repairing pens• Feed (E2) (reminder: cost of feed = the number of pounds of feed × the price per pound; when using

homegrown feeds, list feed cost at market value)• Health/medical (E3), including veterinarian and medicine costs• Other (E4), such as purchasing animals, breeding charges, shows, transportation

(E1) Equipment Expenses

Date Description of Expense (include quantities) Cost ($)

Example: 12/15/16 Example: 1 feeder $25.00

E1 Total (Add up all expenses from above and put the number in the box to the right)

(You may add more copies of this page if necessary.)


(E2) Monthly Feed Record Worksheet

Month Kind of Feed Price Per Pound Amount of Feed Total CostExample: SEPT Corn $0.045/lb 600 $27.00

TOTALS

Note: Record feed as it is fed to your animal. Total Feed Total Feed Cost

**To calculate cost, multiply price per unit of feed times amount of feed


(E3) Health/Medical Expenses (including veterinarian and medicine)


Example: 07/16/17 Veterinary visit $85.00

E3 Total (Add up all expenses from above and put the number in the box to the right.)

(E4) Other Expenses


Example: 03/15/17 Beef It Up! Project fee $30.00

E4 Total (Add up all expenses from above and put the number in the box to the right.)


(I) IncomeList any income received from your project this year. For instance, sales of any project-related items or cash prizes from contests or exhibitions. Income also may include composted manure or paid speaking engagements. It is possible that your project had no income. If so, enter none under description and 0 under Total Income. Remember, if products were consumed at home, list what you would have paid for them in the local store or what you would have received in cash if you sold the product.

(I) Income

Date Description of Income (include quantities) Cost ($)

Example: 2016-2017 Show premium $10.00

2017 Sold 1 steer at auction $1907.00

Total Income(Add up all income from above and put the number in the box to the right.)

List the locations and/or individuals to which you marketed your 4-H steer.

1.

2.

3.


(N) Net Project Cost or ProfitIf your project earned more than it cost, then your project made a profit! But don’t worry if you did not make money. Most likely, you spent more on your 4-H project than you earned from it. Although a business aims to earn a profit, a 4-H project is meant for learning. The important lesson here is that most activities have costs and you must be careful to spend money wisely.

Now let’s find out your net profit or loss. Gather the numbers from your total expenses and total income and write them below. If income was greater, you have a profit.

Total Expenses (include value of equipment and project animals)Total Equipment Expenses (E1—page 10) $

Total Feed Expenses (E2—page 11) $

Total Healthy/Medical Expenses (E3—page 12) $

Total Other Expenses (E4—page12) $

Total Expenses (Add up all expenses and put the number in box to the right.) $

Net Project Cost or ProfitTotal Equipment Expenses (from above) $

Total Income (I—page13) $

Net Project Cost or Profit (Subtract total income from total expenses.) $

Here is other information you need to know as you wrap up the Beef It Up! Project.

• What is your break-even price (cost per pound)? $______(total expenses ÷ the finished weight of your animal = break-even price)

• What is the current selling price of feeder cattle (per pound)? $______• Could you make a profit by selling your Beef It Up! animal on the open market? Why or why not?

____________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________• How could you decrease your break-even price to make a larger profit without decreasing the quality of

your project animal?

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________


Other Beef Programs or ActivitiesList any other programs or activities you participated in during the past year that are related to the Beef It Up! Project (for example, Livestock Quiz Bowl, Livestock Skillathon, Junior Beef Expo).

Project or Event Name Dates

Looking BackWhat I Learned This YearComplete this section at the end of the 4-H year. It is meant to help you realize all that you learned during the past year.

My Goals CompletedLook back at the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year. Use the space below to show how well you did in reaching your goals. If you added new goals during the year, include them, as well.

My Goals for This Year How I Met My Goals

Example: I will learn how to give a public presentation.

I attended county public presentation workshop. I had to change my topic three times. I should have practiced my presentation more before I gave it at the club meeting. I will start planning and practicing earlier next year!


Knowledge and Skills I GainedThere are many things to learn in 4-H. Check each item below that you learned or improved in during the Beef It Up! Project.

Personal SkillsFF ability to set goals for myselfFF ability to organize myselfFF ability to finish something I startedFF ability to pay attention to instructionsFF knowledge of my projectFF pride in myself and my accomplishments FF ability to make something with my handsFF ability to follow directionsFF willingness to try something newFF ability to accept changeFF ability to keep records of important informationFF ability to take responsibility for my own words

and actionsFF awareness of what is important to meFF awareness of what I am interested inFF ability to get more information about

something I am interested inFF ability to satisfy my curiosity about a new subjectFF ability to deal with winning and losing

gracefullyFF ability to be careful and practice safetyFF knowledge of how to explore a career interestFF ability to make wise choices and decisionsFF knowledge of new words and how to use themFF knowledge of how different things relate to

each otherFF ability to keep track of financesFF ability to give the 4-H Pledge

People Skills F ability to listen to other people F ability to lead others F ability to solve problems F ability to participate in a meeting F ability to work with adults F ability to give a public presentation F ability to feel comfortable speaking in front

of a group F ability to help others succeed F awareness and understanding of my strengths

and weaknesses F ability to make new friends F ability to get along with other youth F willingness to accept people who are different

from me F ability to work with others on a committee F ability to work with the club to complete a

community service project F ability to work with other youth F willingness to respect someone else’s feelings


Feed Tag InformationAttach a tag or label from one feed bag being used for your 4-H Beef It Up! Project.

1. What is the main ingredient of this feed?

2. Is this a medicated feed?

3. What is the crude protein level of this feed?

4. What production level or type of animal is this feed designed for (market animal, lactating animal, growing animal, maintenance)?

5.How much of this product do you feed daily to your animal and how did this feeding change over time?

Place Feed Tag Here


Important LessonsThink about all the skills you learned as part of the Beef It Up! Project. Now list the three most important ones to you:

The Three Most Important Things I Learned

1.

2.

3.

Telling My StoryUse this space to write a story that explains what you gained this past year in 4-H. Keep in mind the knowledge and skills that you checked. Use specific examples that are unique to you whenever possible. Feel free to relate what you learned in 4-H to school, family, or other activities in your life. Use extra pages, if needed. Attach photos or clippings if it helps to tell your story better. Be sure to label them with captions if you do.

My 4-H Story


My 4-H Story (continued)


Thinking AheadMy Goals for Next YearNow is a good time to begin thinking about what you would like to do or learn in 4-H next year. List some of your goals for next year and how you plan to accomplish them.

My Goals for Next Year What I Need to Do to Reach This Goal

Attach additional pages to this record book if needed.


AppendixBeef Knowledge and SkillsFollowing are goals to consider for the project year. You also may add skills that are not listed. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself!

Beginning SkillsItem # Beef Knowledge or Skill• BIU-1 Identify breeds of beef.• BIU-2 Select a breed/variety for your project animal.• BIU-3 Understand 4-H beef records.• BIU-4 Identify at least ten beef body parts.• BIU-5 Identify animal management problems, stress

factors, and direct factors causing disease.• BIU-6 Identify equipment needed to raise a beef

animal.• BIU-7 Calculate the average daily gain for your

beef animal.• BIU-8 Bathe your project animal.• BIU-9 Demonstrate one or more beef showmanship

techniques.• BIU-10 Show your Beef It Up! Project animal.• BIU-11 Organize a small beef showmanship contest.• BIU-12 Tour a cattle farm.• BIU-13 Identify criteria for a healthy beef animal.• BIU-14 Learn at least three common cattle diseases.• BIU-15 Calculate the cost of gain for your beef

animal.• BIU-16 Participate in a 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl.

Intermediate SkillsItem # Beef Knowledge or Skill• BIU-17 Identify another five cuts of beef.• BIU-18 Label the parts of a cattle digestive

system and give one function for each part.• BIU-19 Describe the differences between two beef

animals.• BIU-20 Recognize helathy and unhealthy cattle.• BIU-21 Identify parts and functions of a beef animal

skeleton.• BIU-22 Identify sources of nutrients.• BIU-23 Identify ten more body parts.• BIU-24 Help others learn cattle management

practices.• BIU-25 Identify and control cattle parasites.• BIU-26 Conduct a livestock skillathon.• BIU-27 Stock a first aid kit for your project animal.• BIU-28 Administer medication to your animal.• BIU-29 Learn how to do beef showmanship.• BIU-30 Investigate beef industry careers and/or a

cattlemen’s association.• BIU-31 Participate in the state 4-H Livestock Judging

Contest.• BIU-32 Participate in the state 4-H Livestock Quiz

Bowl and Skillathon.

Advanced SkillsItem # Beef Knowledge or Skill• BIU-33 Control rodents and predators.• BIU-34 Outline a herd health program.• BIU-35 Conduct a livestock judging contest.• BIU-36 Learn how to grade cuts of meat.• BIU-37 Set up a livestock quiz bowl.• BIU-38 Create a video presentation.• BIU-39 Plan and conduct a cattle judging clinic for at

least ten people.• BIU-40 Outline a plan for managing a small herd.• BIU-41 Participate in 4-H Meats Judging.• BIU-42 Teach a younger member how to do beef

showmanship.• BIU-43 Make a web of possible cattle careers and

divide into categories.• BIU-44 Shadow someone in a cattle-related career.

Personal Development ActivitiesFollowing are personal development goals to consider for the project year. You also may add goals that are not listed. Again, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself!

Item # Personal Development Activity • PD-1 Participate in 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl, Meats

Judging, Livestock Judging, or Livestock Skillathon

• PD-2 Participate in a community pride project celebrating 4-H Beef It Up!

• PD-3 Help prepare a display or booth related to 4-H Beef It Up! activities.

• PD-4 Serve as a member of a club committee. • PD-5 Attend 4-H Camp. • PD-6 Participate in your county fair. • PD-7 Assist at a 4-H Beef It Up! Show. • PD-8 Serve as a host for a 4-H meeting, making

everyone welcome. • PD-9 Provide refreshments for a club meeting. • PD-10 Help plan a fun activity for your club. • PD-11 Help with club/county 4-H fund-raisers. • PD-12 Write a newspaper story for your club about 4-H

Beef It Up! • PD-13 Serve as a chairperson of a club committee. • PD-14 Arrange for a speaker to talk to your 4-H Beef It

Up! group. • PD-15 Make arrangements for your club to go on a

field trip. • PD-16 Attend the National 4-H Livestock Judging

Contest. • PD-17 Attend National 4-H Youth Congress. • PD-18 Attend National 4-H Conference. • PD-19 Explore careers related to the beef industry. • PD-20 Assist a younger member in preparing a public

presentation. • PD-21 Assist a younger member at a 4-H Beef It Up!

Show.


Record Book ScorecardLeave this page blank. The person judging your book will complete the scorecard.

Points Possible Scoring Criteria Points Awarded by Judge

10NeatnessJuniors: legible writing, one color ink, well-organizedSeniors: typed, no spelling errors, appropriate grammar

15 Completenessall pages and sections, complete thoughts and ideas

5 Signatures obtainedmember, parent/guardian, county/regional coordinator

10 Accuracyno math errors, factual statements made

20Project workgoals set, evidence of work throughout the year, goals accomplished, book completed by 4-H member, not an adult

154-H participationmeetings, clinics, workshops, other 4-H beef programs such as Livestock Quiz Bowl, Livestock Judging, Meats Judging, Livestock Skillathon

15 Project storywell-written, original, creative, complete thoughts, grammar, mechanics

10 Photos, clippings, etc.at least one photo included, not more than four pages

100 Total Points Earned by 4-H’er

Scoring: 90–100 Blue, 75–89 Red, 74 or below White

Judges’ Comments:

Documents

Record Book · 2019-04-15 · 2 Alabama Cooperative Extension System End of Year Signatures At the end of the 4-H year, when your record book is complete, your 4-H Beef It Up! coordinator