The Junior Herd Builder Program is a collaborative program between UGA Animal and Dairy Science and the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association that gives young cattlemen and women in grades 8-12 the opportunity to develop a pen of three heifers for the purpose of future production or sale.
Participants will promote animal and environmental stewardship and enhance their leadership, decision-making, and management skills. Participants will be responsible for securing three (3) heifers of similar age and genetics to develop through the beef production cycle, utilizing the UGA Extension Beef Management Calendar as a guide. Please view and complete the forms below.
Program Resources (PDF)
Important Dates
- November 4, 2026: Registration Deadline
- November 6, 2026: Orientation
- December 11, 2026: Online Module Completion
- December 18, 2026: Live Animal Declaration
- June 25, 2027: Record Book Submission
- July 2, 2027: Herd Evaluation and Awards (during the GCA Beef Futurity)
Program Contact:
Contact Dylan Davis, dylan.davis@uga.edu, or Sarah Williams, swilliams@gabeef.org, for more information.
Dylan Davis
Public Service Assistant
Animal & Dairy Science
425 River Road
Athens, GA 30602