[Image: Beef Grazing Award recipient]Lorna Klein was state and parish winner in the LSU AgCenter/La Cattlemen’s 4-H/FFA Jr. Beef Grazing Project for feeding 4 heifers that gained more weight than heifers raised by other youth participating. Lorna was recognized August 29 at an awards program during the La Cattlemen’s Summer Meeting in Dry Creek, Louisiana, where she was presented a check for $550.
Any enrolled 4-H or FFA member can participate in the Beef Grazing Project and compete in the contest. Participants are allowed to enter as many pens as they desire in each division (Steer, Heifer, and Bull). A pen of four calves winter-grazes on 2-1/2 acres (multiples of this if more than one pen are grazed together) from December 1 through mid-May. Scoring is based on the total amount of weight gained, the increase in value of the calves and the cost per pound of gain. The highest-placing pens in each division (Steer, Heifer, and Bull) compete for awards within that division. Lorna’s pen of four heifers scored 713.6 points. Heifer scores from seven parishes involving 12 youth ranged from 403.35 to 713.6.