Boulder County 4-H Beef Project

• Colorado State 4-H Beef Project Info and Materials
• Colorado State Fair
• Beef Nomination Form
• 4-H Animal Care and Housing Form

Visit the 4-H State Website to access manuals and e-record book links.

4-H Record Books are also called e-Records. Each project has its own record book that members are required to complete each year. Record books have a few times to be checked on progress throughout the year:

1. In June, your 4-H leader will be sure your books are started and up to date.
2. Prior to showing at the Boulder County Fair, your record books will be checked by your superintendent to be sure they are up to date and complete as can be in order to participate and show at the fair.
3. Final livestock record books are due to be received at the Extension office by the second Thursday in September. (Please note: your 4-H leader may need an earlier deadline for review and signatures.)

We will be tagging and identifying Market Beef and Dairy Steer projects on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Barn C. Animals must be halter broken and have a halter on to smoothly go through the identification process.

Please review available slots and select one slot per trailer for up to three head of cattle. If you have more than three heads, you must select another adjacent time spot. Example: 6 steers in one trailer = 30 minutes reserved together. Sign up with your full name and the number of animals. Please be on time. If members arrive late, they may have to wait on site for an open slot.

Reminder: Bring $5 cash per animal tag.

Checklist of steps to prepare for tag-in:

• Obtain a brand inspection of your animals in the 4-H member’s name. Even if the animal was born on your property, you need to have a brand inspector write a brand paper for you in your 4-H member’s name (not a parent’s name).
• Download, print, and fill out the State Fair Nomination Form that we use for all Boulder County Market Beef.
• Get a Colorado Premise Identification number (LID#) where your animal lives. Each member must have a Premise identification number or Colorado Location Identification Number to participate in the Boulder County Fair. This is the location where your animal is housed. Obtain a premise ID or call 303-869-9130.
• If you have miniature beef cattle, have the miniature breed verification form completed by your breeder and bring it with you.

• Colorado Brand Inspection and 4-H Projects
• CO Dept. of Agriculture – Brand Inspection Division
• About Colorado Livestock Brands

All project manuals are received through the Extension office. These will be distributed to 4-H members through their organizational leaders (club leaders) after enrollment is complete.

ACMQA is a vital event for our 4-H members in Boulder County. It’s like a special training day that teaches young participants how to responsibly care for and prepare their animals for sale at the county fair or other livestock events. It focuses on two key aspects: ensuring the well-being of animals and maintaining meat quality.

Why Should Your 4-H Members Attend ACMQA?

Animal Welfare: ACMQA teaches young members how to properly care for their animals, ensuring their health and happiness. This is not only good for the animals but also a valuable life skill.

Market Readiness: They’ll learn how to get their animals ready for sale, which is essential if they plan to participate in the county fair or similar events. This can help them achieve better prices and recognition for their hard work.

Mandatory Training: Junior exhibitors must complete ACMQA training before they exhibit a livestock project for the first time. They also need to repeat the training the year following their 14th birthday. This requirement ensures that all participants are well-prepared and knowledgeable.

Knowledge and Responsibility: Attending ACMQA helps our young members become responsible animal caregivers. They’ll gain knowledge in areas like disease prevention, nutrition, and record-keeping, which can be applied beyond their 4-H projects.

Community and Learning: It’s a great opportunity to meet other 4-H members, share experiences, and learn from experts in the field. The event fosters a sense of community and encourages learning and growth.

In summary, ACMQA is a vital event for 4-H members because it equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to care for their animals responsibly and prepare them for market. It’s about ensuring the well-being of the animals, fostering a sense of responsibility, and providing opportunities for learning and community engagement.

The Colorado Simmental Association awards the youth who exhibit the overall market, breeding or open show grand champion at their county fair, whose project is registered Simmental genetics. County fairs must be held in Colorado. The winning animal must be registered Simmental or registered 1/2 blood Simmental or higher to qualify. All applications for awards must be signed by your county Extension agent.