The project record book for market animals (Western Area 4-H Livestock Records) has been revised for use with Adobe Reader. Our goals were to make the project record more user-friendly by clarifying certain questions/sections, and to improve the format so 4-Hers (and their parents) wouldn't feel quite so overwhelmed! As you work through your record book this year, make note of areas or questions that don't make sense to you. At the end of the project year we will review any questions and suggestions you may have.
JUNIOR BOOKS - The financial pages in the record book (#4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) cover material the junior member may find difficult to understand, but completing these pages to the best of their ability will teach juniors about the over-all scope of their project and prepare them for their future years in 4-H. If the junior wants to enter the Record Keeping Contest at the N.J.L.S., he or she MUST complete all of the pages in the record book. Your livestock leader will be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
SENIOR BOOKS - A new requirement for senior 4-H members is the Résumé page (page #15). Preparing a résumé will help seniors develop skills that will prove invaluable in their future. We have offered guidelines to writing a résumé, but encourage creativity!
Although this revision tries to make the questions in the record book easier to understand and answer, there still may be areas that need further explanation. The following should clear up some misunderstood areas and provide some helpful hints:
- The project year for 4-H begins October 1 and ends September 30. *Remember, your market project begins the day you start feeding your animal, or put money into the project, NOT the day you weigh-in.
- The definition of a "homegrown" animal varies between species and shows. For clarification on your project's "homegrown" status, refer to the current year's rules governing the show your animal is entered in (ex. N.J.L.S., and Nevada State Fair livestock competition guide.)
- On certain pages, you will need to estimate various amounts through the project's ending date in order to complete your records accurately, as your record book is due before the project ends.
- Pages 9, 10, 11 and 12 (Animal Health Record, Ration Sheet, Market Animal Production Summary and Weight Chart) need to be completed for each animal in your project. For example, if you have a back-up, you need to complete a set of these pages for both animals. *If you don't have a back-up, remove the extra sheets from your book.
- There are different Record Book keeping requirements for different shows (ex. N.J.L.S., Nevada State Fair.) Check with your livestock leader if you are unsure of the rules.
- Remember to update your record book after shows (add ribbon placings, awards, premiums, etc.) and before County Awards if submitting your book for consideration.
Good luck with your record Book!
