NH 4-H Working Steer Project

Introduction to the New Hampshire 4-H Working Steer Project

The 4-H Working Steer Project allows youth the opportunity to train a pair of steers (castrated males) to work together as a team. Oxen are not a special breed of animal, but simply a working bovine (neutered bull). Technically, an “ox” is a mature individual age four years or more. Prior to reaching maturity they are called “working steers”. A single animal is an ox and the plural is oxen.

Some of the classes offered at some NH Fairs include: *Fitting and Showmanship *Cart Class *Best Matched *Best Trained Pair *Pulling Class.

The working steer project requires a long-term commitment, dedication and a strong desire to work consistently and frequently to effectively train teams of steers.

Requirements to Show

Additional Requirements for 4-H Shows at The Big E

Resources

Events

Required Participant Age: 8-18 as of January 1 of the current year.
Required Animal Age: 4 - 6 months of age or older.
Animal Vaccination Requirements: Rabies vaccination must be at least 30 days prior to shows or events and must be current (not more than 1 year). Animals must be healthy/free from signs of communicable disease prior to attending any show or event. Certificate of veterinary inspection may be required by some events and is required to bring an animal outside the state of NH.
Animal Identification: Permanent ID – Ear tag (RFID preferred) or legible tattoo.
Working Steer project animals must be entered into a 4-H member’s ZSuite account by June 1 (including a copy of the animal borrowing/ sharing form if applicable) to be eligible to show at NH 4-H shows.

Youth 12 and older as of January 1 of the current year are eligible to show their working steer project animals at The Big E as part of the NH 4-H Working Steer Team (space is limited to 8 teams and one alternate). Learn more at NH 4-H Animal at the Big E.
Youth wishing to partake in this team need to complete the qualification criteria found in the NH 4-H Qualifying for ESE form.
Additional animal criteria and requirements can be found at: https://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/4-h/packets.