4-H member with a dairy cow

The Dairy Project is for members who want to learn more about dairy animals. If ownership is not possible, this project allows you to have a contract with a dairy to care for one or more animals. Members usually start with a heifer calf or yearling heifer. Older members may start with a producing cow. Keep milk production records on all producing cows, using Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) guidelines. This project also provides an opportunity to start with a calf and raise it to a producing cow.

It may take three years to complete a level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project. 

 

Projects to learn

At level 1 of dairy cattle, students will learn

  • parts of the dairy cow
  • various dairy breeds
  • cost to raise a calf
  • how to care for a dairy animal
  • recognize desirable traits 

At level 2 of dairy cattle, students will learn

  • housing
  • hay quality
  • milking
  • animal health
  • parasites
  • behavior
  • food safety
  • ethical decision-making
  • judging

At level 3 of dairy cattle, students will learn

  • manage your herd
  • practice mastitis detection
  • balance a ration
  • detect pregnancy
  • deliver a calf
  • body condition scoring
  • selecting cattle through records
  • promoting dairy products 

Independent study is for any youth looking for new challenges and opportunities in 4-H. This allows a member to explore topics that have not been investigated while remaining enrolled in a 4-H project. Members enrolling in the independent study phase of a project should

  • develop a detailed learning plan for their work
  • identify an area of interest within the project area
  • set goals and locate resources (people, publications, materials) to carry out a project plan
  • determine specific experiences needed to accomplish project goals,
  • set a realistic timeline for completion
  • carry out the project learning plan,
  • share experiences with others
  • evaluate outcomes and determine what could be improved.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The individualized learning plan should be approved by a parent, 4-H adult volunteer leader or 4-H agent. For assistance in developing a personal learning contract, use Design Your Own project materials or other goal-setting materials. While independent study provides flexibility and creativity, it also requires serious planning, implementation and evaluation.

 

Materials you'll need

M Cowabunga!, BU8161

M Mooving Ahead, BU8162

M Rising to the Top, BU8163

M You Decide, 5314

L Helping Them Decide, 5315

L Dairy Resource Handbook, 4H127R

L Dairy Cattle Helper’s Guide, BU8164 Four chapters include Cow Talk Glossary Terms, Pedigree Power, a dairy pyramid game and a dairy skillathon as well as many other resources.

 

 

Animal Record book

To complete a project, you'll need to have an animal record book sheet filled out and signed by a program leader. Record books focus on reflecting on what you did and learned, along with keeping track of finances spent taking care of and selling an animal. 

Download record book sheet

 

Careers in Dairy Cattle

If you are wanting to explore careers in dairy cattle, below are some of the potential routes you can take. 4-H members interested in going to college can also visit the 4-H foundation website for scholarships in their county or reservation.