Dairy Goat
Although beginners do not need to own a goat, the more advanced levels of the project are designed for those who have one or more goats to care for. Raise a goat for milk, mohair, meat or even for packing. Youth wishing to enroll in Breeding Goat must also be enrolled in Level 1, 2 or 3.
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 goat, students will learn
- learn about dairy goats (raised primarily for milk)
- Angora goats (raised for mohair)
- parts of the goat
- breeds
- costs to raise a goat
- how to care for a goat while developing important life skills
At level 2 of dairy goat, students will learn
- keep your goat healthy
- feed them for maximum production
- prepare for kidding
- develop judging skills and milk a goat properly
At level 3 of dairy goat, students will learn
- genetics and breeding
- careers in the goat industry
- diseases
- biosecurity
- body condition scoring
- pedigrees
- quality assurance
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 Getting Your Goat, BU8352
M Stepping Out, BU8353
M Showing the Way, BU8354
M You Decide, 5314
L Helping Them Decide, 5315
S Goat Resource Handbook, 4H135R
L Goat Helper’s Guide, BU8355. Plan group meetings to get youth involved and excited to learn about goats. Youth will enjoy playing goat-related games, conducting skillathons, giving demonstrations, participating in showmanship contests and other fun group activities.
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.
Careers in Dairy Goat
If you are wanting to explore careers in beef, 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.
