LIFE LESSONS LEARNED THROUGH 4-H DAIRY PROJECTS

By Barbara Moran, 4-H Youth Development Program Manager

Calf to cow, the 4-H Dairy Project helps youth to learn and embrace the dairy industry. In previous years, dairy shows gained participation from kids that grew up on dairy farms and had access to the cattle. Today that is still true, however with the 4-H Leasing Program, more youth can join in the experience!

Youth participation in the Fair is focused on animal showmanship and kids are placed according to how well they show off their project animal. Yet along the way to this goal, kids have much to learn. Some of the subjects they must become familiar with include handling cattle, knowledge of the dairy industry, nutrition, and the finer points of raising a calf or cow.

Kids today are learning a little bit about hard work and dedication through the 4-H Dairy Project. Putting in the time and effort pays off in life skills and perhaps even the challenge of the show ring. When working with cattle, youth must learn how to be patient. They also learn about parts of a cow, feeding and incorporate math and science into a well-rounded project. The 4-H Dairy Project has skills embedded to create future leaders through commitment and responsibility. Extra skills such as learning aspects of the agricultural industry, plus having fun with the calves are bonuses to the project. Many kids dive into this project because they are interested in the dairy industry, while others may want to own their own dairy farms or are looking to create specialized products to sell someday. That said, the 4-H Dairy Project is helping youth learn more about their food supply, the products produced by their animals and the people who produce them. The youth get a hands-on, face to face experience with dairy cattle as well as the dairy farmer.