The 4-H Dairy Heifer Program
A partnership teaching livestock, leadership and ag literacy
Lessons from a Dairy Heifer
The 4-H Livestock program offers incredible family-based projects that build community, character and life skills like no other piece of the 4-H program. The hard work, dedication and perseverance required for a child to take an animal that outweighs him or her 10 times and learn to handle, train and show it is unmatched by any other project. The opportunities for learning about agriculture, animal husbandry, science and food systems add experience layers that make these projects a life-changing opportunity for participants and their families.
Our 4-H Dairy Heifer Program opens the door for any youth to participate in these high-impact programs. Many of the traditional projects are beyond the reach of the average family because of the need for land, facilities, equipment and funds to dedicate to 6-month+ livestock project. We borrow dairy heifer calves from generous farmers and research partners, find volunteers to house the calves and open their farms for Calf Practice, have supporters who donate feed, money, equipment, supplies and labor. All with the goal of eliminating barriers to participation and providing the whole experience - with minimal expense - to participating families. In 2024 we had over 260 youth participating from more than 24 counties competing in 7 different dairy shows across the state! In the 20 years this program has been operating, we have reached over 2000 youth and their families!
Contact your local Cooperative Extension Agent for more information
