Dear 4-H animal science families,
It’s time to start working with your 4-H animal projects. We hope you find your projects both challenging and rewarding. You will need to identify all 4-H animal projects; breeding heifers, cow/calf pairs, prospect calves (steers and heifers), dairy, dairy goats, dog, horse, llama-alpaca, meat goats, poultry (doves and pigeons), rabbits, sheep, and swine.
Animals MUST be identified in 4-H Online by May 15, 2024. All market beef should have been identified by Feb. 15, 2024. Cloverbuds do not need to identify animals at this time.
Identification Steps:
- Read through the appropriate information sheet for the animal(s) that you will be identifying and the Minnesota 4-H AnSci Updates for 2024. These documents include information for identification, animal project rules, classes, State Fair participation and more.
- Do you need a 4-H tag? Double check the MN 4-H Animal Science identification requirements table. If so, contact the Swift County Extension Office for your 4-H tag(s) by completing the online livestock ear tag order form. All market project animals, commercial animals and prospect calves will need a 4-H tag. Note: Unused 4-H tags must be returned to the Extension office within two weeks of the ID deadline to be in compliance with MN Board of Animal Health and USDA official tag tracking. A very limited number of taggers are available for you to check out and use; please inquire about the return procedure.
- If your animal is leased, you must upload a Minnesota 4-H Lease Information Form into 4-H Online by May 15, 2024 with 4-H Online ID information. NOTE: Market animals may not be leased.
- Locate the appropriate species ID Worksheet to assist you in collecting the required ID information for entering your animal information into 4-H Online.
- Enter your animal identification information into 4-H Online by May 15, 2024. Note: All market beef should have been identified by Feb. 15, 2024. Utilize the animal ID’ing tip sheet for ease in entering your animal information. If you are unable to enter your information into 4-H Online, please bring your completed ID worksheet to the Extension office for assistance in entering your ID information into 4-H Online by the end of business day on May 15, 2024.
An after hours helpline is available for use if you are experiencing challenges with your identification process. Please use these helplines during the available hours only. All other calls for assistance should be directed to Becca Golden at the Swift County Extension Office during normal business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Friday by appointment or by email.
Helpline dates and hours:
- Tuesday, May 14, 4:30-9:00 p.m. at 507-338-5225
- Wednesday, May 15, 4:30-11:59 p.m. at 218-232-5174
Remember, by May 15, 2024, you must own your animal, have the appropriate ID applied, and enter the animal information into 4-H Online. Please contact Becca Golden at 320-843-3796 with any questions.