Dairy Cattle
The dairy project is for youth wanting to learn more about caring, raising and managing dairy animals. 4-H members usually start with a heifer calf or yearling heifer learning how to select, lead and show. 4-H members with mature cows learn about feeding and milk production.
Project Leaders
Jim Hefley(620) 674-8853
Things to Learn/Do in the Project
Age 7-9
- Identify the six breeds of dairy cattle
- Identify the body parts of a cox
- Select and raise a diary calf
Age 10-13
- Judge a class of diary cows
- Discuss animal health issues
- Identify safe practices for handling milk and milk products
Age 14 and Older
- Evaluate the body condition of dairy animals
- Learn about animal welfare issues
- Determine the nutritional quality of dairy feed
- Explore career options in the dairy industry
Project Materials
Reasonably priced materials are available for every project in Kansas 4-H. You can order the materials for your project online or contact your local Extension Office.
Dairy Bucket Calf (DC100)
Dairy Heifer (DC200)
Dairy Cow (DC300)
Project Leader Resources
- Kansas 4-H Dairy Cattle Project Leader Notebook
- Level I (ages 7-8)
- Level II (ages 9-11)
- Level III (ages 12-14)
- Level IV (ages 15+) - Dairy Cattle Helper's Guide
General Dairy Cattle Resources
- Kansas 4-H Dairy Cattle Project Promotional Brochure
- 4-H Grade Dairy Cattle or Leasing Identification Form
- Kansas 4-H Generic Record Form
- Youth Livestock Safety
Additional Resources - Veterinary Science
- From Airdales to Zebras (ages 7-10)
- All Systems Go (ages 11-13)
- On the Cutting Edge (ages 14+)
- Veterinary Science Helper's Guide
- Nebraska 4-H Veterinary Science
- Holstein Foundation Educational Workbooks (7 including Dairy Judging and Showmanship)
Events and Activities
Kansas All Breeds Jr. Dairy Show
When: August
Where: Salina, KS
Donor: Co-sponsored by Salina Chamber of Commerce
Kansas 4-H State Dairy Judging Contest
When: August
Where: Salina, KS
Kansas 4-H State Dairy Quiz Bowl
When: August
Where: Salina, KS
Donor: Kansas Dairy Association
Award: Trip to the North American International Livestock Exposition, Louisville, KY
Awards and Recognition
*Includes both Dairy Cattle and Dairy Goats
County Level
Award: Medal presented at your 4-H Achievement Banquet
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund
State Level
Award: Medallion
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund
National Level
Award: $400 National 4-H Congress Scholarship
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund
