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Extension > Youth Development > Minnesota 4-H > Projects > Animal Science > Dairy

Dairy Project

Explore the dairy industry, from raising a cow to dairy science and ethics to manufacturing and marketing dairy products. Topics include dairy cattle breeds, nutrition, feeding, identify parts of dairy cattle, desirable traits, stages of calving and care, and grooming and showing. Cows may be owned or leased.

Dairy Calf

State & regional events

To view county or local club events, visit the county website.

View all 4-H events

Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training

All youth participating as a State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbit, meat and dairy goat, and lama must have completed the Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics workshop. Certification is good for three fair seasons. The level of training required is determined by the grade of the youth at the time the training takes place.

Dates and locations vary by county. Check this list for more information.

Gopher 4-H Dairy Camp

A three-day workshop for teenagers wanting to improve their dairy cattle skills. The camp is open to all youth that have completed grades 6-11, but not yet started 12th grade. Activities include dairy workshops, dairy showmanship, the Gopher Gold Auction, dairy cattle judging clinic, and an evening activity. More info

  • June 2013 - University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus

Minnesota 4-H Dairy Showcase: Honoring Blue Ribbon Kids

This event recognized overall achievement of Minnesota 4-H Dairy Project exhibitors that have demonstrated year-round participation within 4-H and the dairy industry including:

  • success with the animal
  • knowledge of the dairy project and industry
  • involvement within 4-H and dairy communities
  • activities in school, church and community
  • More info
  • August 25, 2013 - Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul

National 4-H Dairy Conference

200 youth from 4-H dairy projects around the U.S. and Canada gather in Madison, Wisconsin for the National 4-H Dairy Conference held annually in conjunction with World Dairy Expo. Participants learn about production, processing, marketing and use of dairy products, and develop a broader understanding of careers available in dairy production, biotechnology, genetics, marketing and other areas. The conference consists of participatory workshops on the University of Wisconsin campus, speakers, tours and visits to the World Dairy Expo. More info

  • October 2013 - University of Wisconsin - Madison Campus

4-H Regional & State Project Bowls

Project Bowls are an exciting way for youth to explore a project area. Teams compete in quiz competitions with questions about specific project areas. Project Bowls are available for Dairy, Dog, General Livestock (Beef, Sheep & Swine), Horse, Poultry, Rabbit and Wildlife projects. Winners of the regional bowls advance to the State Project Bowl. More info

4-H Animal Judging Contests

Effectively evaluating breeding and market animals is highly important in the animal industry. Judging is an art developed through patient study and long practice. 4-Hers interested in Dairy, General Livestock (Beef, Sheep & Swine), Horses, Poultry, and Rabbits can learn to be a good judge by knowing the parts of the animal and their location, which parts are most important for meat and breeding stock production, making keen observations and comparing to the ideal, weighing the good and bad points of each animal, and much more. More Info

  • Check with your county for local county judging contests.
  • State fair contest details in the State Fair Premium Book - Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul

Minnesota State Fair

4-H plays a pivotal role in youth development and public education at the Minnesota State Fair. Over 7,000 4-H youth have the opportunity to interact with the public and educate fairgoers through 4-H exhibits, demonstrations, performances, and 4-H promotion. More info

Dairy Project resources

Beginning to learn about dairy:

Some experience with this project:

Looking for a challenge:

Learning resources for all levels:

Project leader resources

Other online resources

Project evaluation

4-H Youth record keeping

 


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