Dairy projects teach youth to explore all aspects of dairy showing including calf
selection, animal care, showing skills, and judging skills. Youth also learn about record eeping, keeping animals healthy, pregnancy detection and calf delivery, and dairy industry career opportunities.
Please note there are age restrictions on this project area:
Youth must be 8 by October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for:
- Competitive situations, such as livestock shows or sales
- Enrollment in large animal projects, including Beef, Dairy, Goat, Horse, Sheep, Alpaca/Llama, and Swine
- Enrollment in shooting sports projects
- Enrollment in projects using motorized vehicles
- Enrollment in food preservation projects
Cloverbuds, 4-H youth ages 5-7, may participate in a number of age-appropriate activities, though they may not participate in competitive events.
If you have questions about eligibility please, contact your county 4-H coordinator.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Learn basic principles of animal science through the owning, raising, and care of one or more animals
- Select a calf based on breed characteristics and feed, winter, house, and care for the dairy cow, as well as breeding the animal
- Obtain quality milk using proper sanitation and milking practices
- Fit, groom, and show a producing cow
4-H Dairy Curriculum
Available from the Extension office or online.
Youth explore dairy cattle breeds, select calves, identify body parts, recognize desirable traits, pack a show box, groom and show a calf and identify stages of calving and care.
Youth explore dairy cattle breeds, select calves, identify body parts, recognize desirable traits, pack a show box, groom and show a calf and identify stages of calving and care.
Advanced youth practice body condition scoring, selecting through records, mastitis detection, balancing a ration, pregnancy detection, delivery of calf, promoting dairy products and exploring career opportunities.
These activities will bring any meeting to life. Youth will play Dairy Bingo, and participate in dairy quiz bowls, dairy pyramid game and a dairy skillathon!
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
C0234E – 4-H Dairy Certificate
A form used to certify identification and ownership of 4-H project dairy cattle. Includes place to draw cow’s identifiable markings, instructions, and signature lines.
Sheet that record expenses and income for dairy projects.
C0914E – Animal Science Record
Sheet that records inventory, expenses, and income from an animal science project.
C1053E – Producer Affidavit & Dairy Heifer Health Record
Youth producers will record all relevant health information for their market heifers on this form. A sample form includes instructions for completing the form.
C1113E – Supplemental Animal Affidavit & Health Record
A supplemental sheet to go with the 4-H health forms for individuals that need to record more treatments, etc.
EM4877E – Dairy Cattle & Dairy Goat 4-H Member Advancement Member Manual
PNW614 – Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest
The comprehensive resource for anyone who manages livestock on pastures in the Northwest, this 208-page book offers pasture managers information and tools to enable their pastures and their livestock to reach their maximum production potentials
For adult helpers and club leaders
4-H104E – How to Make a Rope Halter
A step-by-step guide to tying adjustable rope halters for dairy or beef cattle. Each step is illustrated with photographs.
4H1109E – Dairy Cattle Judging – Giving Reasons
C0229 – Dairy Cow Anatomy Chart
EM4873E – Dairy Cattle & Dairy Goat 4-H Member Advancement Leader Guide
PNW614 – Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest
The comprehensive resource for anyone who manages livestock on pastures in the Northwest, this 208-page book offers pasture managers information and tools to enable their pastures and their livestock to reach their maximum production potentials
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Livestock E-Quiz – This website was created by the University of Illinois Extension to help you learn more about beef, dairy, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, forage, and meats.
World Dairy Expo is the place where the dairy industry meets. Much in the same vein, the National 4-H Dairy Conference is the place where leading dairy youth from across North America can come to interact with one another and build industry bridges that will last well into the future.
Tech in Agriculture: Milking – University of Minnesota Extension
In this lesson, youth explore the importance and impact of technology in agriculture by experiencing a milking simulation, seeing how farming has changed over the last 500 years through short videos and a timeline activity, and designing preliminary solutions for agriculture challenges.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Washington State University Extension – Dairy Cattle Resources
Extensive library of articles and reference material on dairy cattle.
Washington State Dairy Federation
Mission statement: The Washington State Dairy Federation develops and promotes initiatives directed toward the financial strength, political support, and public awareness of our industry to achieve a successful business climate for dairy farmers in Washington State.
The Dairy Farmers of Washington
Includes recipes and resources for farmers.
Washington State Department of Agriculture – Dairy Program
Cow Housing on Washington Dairy Farms (YouTube video)
The climate varies in different areas of the state, so dairy farmers use different types of housing to make sure cows are always comfortable—whether it’s hot, cold, rainy or dry. They have free access to food, water and a clean bed 24/7 and can do what they want when it’s not milking time. Many cows like to spend their time taking turns with the cow brush for a good scratching!
Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory – Cattle
A full range of testing and consultation services for cattle.
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
4-H Dairy Showmanship – North Dakota State University Extension 4-H (YouTube video)
The basics of Dairy Cattle Showmanship. Applicable regardless of location.
From Higher Education Institutions
Breeds of Cattle – Oklahoma State University
A comprehensive list of cattle breeds with links to information pages on each breed.
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
Veterinary Science Curriculum Collection
Livestock Curriculum Collection
Science Fun with Dairy Foods: The Case of the Missing Milk
Your kitchen will become a laboratory as you observe and experiment with dairy products. As a member of the Dairy Police Task Force you will learn the science behind butter, cheese, and curds while solving the mystery of The Missing Milk.
Dairy Cattle Curriculum Collection