The Pennsylvania 4-H sheep program helps youth to gain a better understanding of the basics of sheep production, nutritional needs of sheep, how to keep sheep healthy and how to correct health problems, and more.

Welcome to our flock.

Kids in 4-H who work with animals understand them so much better when they learn about what to feed them, how to safely train them and how to enhance the animal’s environment. That's why it's called animal science! The 4-H Animal Science program focus is providing the best education to our members on raising, managing, marketing products, and directly selling their livestock as a food source. Caring for an animal is a big deal, members participating in a 4-H Sheep animal science project will learn to be responsible and keep good records. Practicing best management while raising an animal gives members the opportunity to engage in science-based, hands-on education. There's nothing like working with sheep or lambs to help young people feel connected and boost confidence.

Learn about:

  • Animal Care and Ownership
  • Honesty and Sportsmanship
  • Animal Health and Biosecurity
  • Quality Assurance and Food Safety
  • Animal Housing and Facilities
  • Animal and Environment Relationships
  • Human Health
  • Ethics and Conduct
  • Career Exploration

Participant outcomes:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem solving and critical thinking
  • Sportsmanship

Youth interested in sheep can explore careers like:

  • Sheep Herdsman
  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Livestock Buyer
  • Grazing Specialist
  • Artificial Insemination Technician
  • Shearer
  • Fiber Mill
  • Extension Educator
  • Veterinary Science

Projects:

  • Breeding Sheep
    • Wool & Fiber Arts
  • Market Sheep

* Not all projects may be offered in every county, contact your County Educator for more information.

Cloverbud Animal Science Opportunities:

Youth between 5 and 7 can participate in our 4-H Cloverbud program! This non-competitive program introduces young children to the world of animal science while focusing on safety.

Explore more programs and events