Bucket Calf Project is designed to fit the size and maturity level of youth 8-12. It teaches proper health care and nutritional requirements of young cattle. It teaches basic feed management skills without a large investment, basic record-keeping skills and a better understanding of the feeder cattle industry. A bucket calf is an orphan or newborn calf, male or female, dairy, beef, or crossbreed fed on a bottle or bucket. Calf needs to be halter broken.
Return Bucket Calf Project is the calf shown at the preceding fair. It must be the same calf and have the same eartag as last year. If it is a heifer it may be brought back next year as a breeding project and if it is a bull it must be castrated. Clipping is allowed but not required.
General Rules – Bucket Calf and Return Bucket Calf
A. Number of Entries Per Exhibitor – An exhibitor may show one bucket calf and one return bucket. Calves shown in the bucket calf classes will not be allowed to show in any other classes during the current year’s fair including Clover Kids. This includes the showmanship classes. The show will be divided based on the 4-H’ers age on January 1 of the current year.
B. Identification and Pre-Entry – All bucket calf exhibits, to be eligible to show at the County Fair must be pre-entered on a Livestock Pre-Entry/ID form and turned into the Extension Office due on June 15.
C. Dress Code – See General Livestock Rules and Regulations.
D. Livestock Quality Assurance (YQCA) See General Livestock Rules and Regulations.
E. Calves shall be born between January 1 and June 15 of the current year.
F. Record Books – All Bucket Calf Record Books must be turned in by the deadline, found in the Important Dates section. You will complete the standard record book available on the website or at the office. The return bucket calf needs to include the record book from the previous year as well.
G. Scorecard – Dairy and beef quality of the calf will not be considered.
Evaluation of the completed record book (size no larger than 8 ½ x 11) 35%
Evaluation of member’s knowledge by interview 35%
Quality and condition of animal 15%
Evidence of training and showing 15%
Bucket Calf Show Classes
C) G049920 Bucket calf – Intermediate Division – 11 to 12 years of age
C) G049930 Bucket calf – Junior division – 8 to 10 years of age
C) G049940 Return bucket calf - up to 13 years of age