Search

black and white pig being shown at a 4-H competition

4-H Swine Project

The swine project teaches why people raise swine, how to select a pig for your project, feeding and caring for your pig, learning about swine behavior, parts of a pig and how to fit and show swine.

two young males with their show goats at a competition

4-H Youth Experience in Animal Projects – Purposes

4-H Youth Development must place an importance on developing “youth experience” versus “contest participation and competition."

a woman with long blonde hair smiles at the camera

SDSU Extension welcomes new statewide 4-H Livestock Program Manager

September 11, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Sami Nordmann as the new statewide 4-H Livestock Program Manager.

SDSU Extension 4-H members win at Western National Roundup

February 29, 2024

It was a strong showing for SDSU Extension 4-H members, including a grand champion finish for Delaney Zoss from Sanborn County, who won the horse division’s individual demonstration for her talk on equine color genetics.

A girl in a cowboy hat holds two plaques and several large rosette awards

SDSU Extension 4-H recognizes 2024 Premier Exhibitor awards

November 04, 2024

Sixty 4-H members are being recognized for their hard work and accomplishments in the 4-H animal project areas with the Premier Exhibitor Award. The award is divided into four categories: large animal (beef, sheep, swine, meat goat); small animal/dairy (poultry, rabbit, dairy goat and dairy cattle); horse; and dog.

Three girls in button down shirts with matching purple scarves smile for the camera

SDSU Extension 4-H members earn high marks at national contests

April 01, 2025

SDSU Extension 4-H members continued to shine at national livestock contests in 2024-2025, including a third-place finish for the hippology team.

A young girl with a notebook observing a sprig of flower blossoms.

Projects & Resources

For schools, this page serves as a compendium of evidence-based curricula that our local 4-H professionals can teach or share. This page provides parents and volunteers with project resources and easy-to-digest “hot sheets” for navigating the latest trends/issues affecting youth.

4-H youth washing a black beef cow in preparation for a fair.

Fair Season Biosecurity

Fairs are a big part of youth livestock programs, but they come with a responsibility to care for animals the right way. With a few extra steps, you’ll be doing your part to keep your animals, your barn, and your community healthy, now and for the seasons to come.

4-H, Shooting Sports, Muzzleloading gun, Adolescent girl shoting a muzzleloading gun while 2 adolescent males watch

South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports State Plan

The South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports program focuses on developing safe shooting habits in participating youth members.

young male 4-H member showing a hereford heifer

Competitions & State Fair

4-H members showcase their knowledge and skills during county and state competitions.