Beef

Learn all about beef cattle breeds, production, selection, grooming, nutrition, and more with the Williamson County 4-H Beef Project! Master important life skills, such as communication, decision making, and effective leadership, through your project animal. By working with your project animal, you gain hands-on experience in beef production and care. A student does not have to own an animal to show one – they may lease a heifer to show. See “Important Show Information” to learn more.

This project is open to students from 3rd – 12th grade. 3rd grade students interested in showing steers are only eligible to compete in the County show. 4th – 12th grade students are eligible to compete in the County, Region, and State shows as well as the Jr. Livestock Expo. Please see below if interested in showing animals.

There are no capacity limits for this free-to-join project!

If showing in the County, Region, or State shows, each animal costs $25 to enter.

The Beef project meets during the Animal Science program meetings. See meeting times here.

Market Steer Tagging – Sunday, February 2, 2025 – All Market Steers must attend Steer Tagging on Feb 2, 2025 to complete the entry process. Tags and Tattoos will be applied and DNA samples will be taken on each entry.

2025 Market Steer Entry Form – This entry form must be completed by January 29, 2025. Registered Steers showing in breed classes must be registered in the name of the exhibitor prior to entry and a copy of the registration papers must accompany the animal to the tagging/entry event on February 2, 2025.

Market Steers – Steers that will weigh more than 900 lbs by July 9, 2025.

Prospect Steers – Steers that will weigh less than 900 lbs by July 9, 2025. If you have a prospect steer that you think might weigh 900 lbs. by July 9, 2025, you are encouraged to bring it to the Feb 2nd tagging event.

Heifers – Heifers may be commercial (classes by weight) or registered (classes by specific breed and birthdate) must be tagged, owned and entered by April 20, 2025. Registered heifers must have a copy of the registration papers in hand and must be registered in the name of the exhibitor by the tagging/ownership deadline.

Beef Expo Handbook – contains all rules and regulations regarding the shows.

Heifer/Ewe Lease Agreement – An exhibitor does not have to own a heifer to be able to participate. They may lease a heifer to show. The Lease agreement must be completed, signed and submitted at the time of entry on or before April 20, 2025.

Beef Showmanship

Steer Feeding

Steer Selection

County Show

Region Show

State Show

County Beef Show

The Williamson County Beef Show is held in conjunction with the Williamson County Fair. Please see fair website for show times.

Registered and Commercial Heifers will show on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Beef Steers will show on Monday evening, August 4, 2025.
Both shows will include Showmanship and shows by appropriate classes of entries.

If you plan to show a Market Steer:

Market Steer Weigh, Tag, and Entry will take place on Feb 2, 2025 at 2:00 – 5:00PM at the Ag Expo Park.
The Market Steer entry form must be completed by Jan 29, 2025 if you plan to show a market steer.

If you plan to show a Heifer or Prospect Steer:

The County deadline for entry is April 20, 2025.
Heifer and Prospect Steer Weigh, Tag, and Entry will take place on April 20, 2025.

Region Beef Show

The Central Region Beef Show is open to all 4th – 12th grade exhibitors registered with Williamson County 4-H by the entry deadlines listed for Market Steers, Prospect Steers, and Beef Heifers.

The show will take place from July 9 – 10, 2025 at the Wilson County Fairgrounds, 945 E Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37087.

Each animal costs $25 to enter.

State Beef Show

The State Beef Show is open to all 4th – 12th grade exhibitors registered with Williamson County 4-H by the entry deadlines listed for Market Steers, Prospect Steers, and Beef Heifers.

The show will take place from July 10 – 12, 2025 at the Wilson County Fairgrounds, 945 E Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37087.

Each animal costs $25 to enter.

We encourage all of our exhibitors to also compete in one of several educational contests at the State Beef Show:

Beef Expo Sales Talk
Career Development Contest
Graphic Design Contest
Photography Contest
Promotional Poster Contest

Class Policies

Some meeting times may have to be moved due to weather or personal emergencies. It is our policy to communicate these as soon as possible and try to find a makeup day that works for everyone.

What is 4-H?

4-H is a youth development organization dedicated to hands-on educational programming and offers a unique blend of learning and fun! 4-H instills essential life skills like recordkeeping and responsibility, setting your student up for success in academics and beyond. With access to college scholarships and leadership roles, 4-H empowers youth to thrive as future leaders. 4-H’ers get many opportunities to exercise citizenship, which fosters a sense of community and global awareness and nurtures well-rounded individuals.

Through fun, educational experiences and the lifelong friendships forged within the 4-H community, your child will grow both academically and personally, laying a strong foundation for a bright and promising future!

Interested in more classes with Extension?

Doug Berny

A native of South Texas, Doug grew up on a family owned and operated Dairy Farm and is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Animal Science. Doug has extensive experience in poultry, beef cattle management, communications, and coordinates the Livestock project groups and associated judging teams.