4-H Project Ideas for Dairy

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

Ideas for Your Project:

1. Visit a farm with dairy cattle.  Talk to the owner and discover how he got interested in milking cows and raising dairy cattle and what he likes most/least about his job. You might also ask to visit his herd.

2. Contact a member of the Allamakee County Dairy Promotion to learn more about the efforts they are taking to promote dairy products in our county.

3. Attend a Livestock Project Days. You'll have the opportunity to learn from cattle experts and those that have shown dairy for many years. You'll gain helpful hints in the selection of your project, proper nutrition and care of dairy cattle, good showmanship techniques, and getting your animal ready for the county fair.

4. Take your cattle for daily walks. When a heifer or cow enters the show ring, it's easy to determine if she’s been well trained or not. Spend time early on getting to know your animal and working with it, and it will cooperate much better in the show ring.

5. Learn about some of the diseases that dairy farmers try to protect their herd from contracting.

6. It's important to get your animal the proper nutrition it needs.  Talk to Dale Thoreson, Dairy/Beef and Forage Field Specialist for ISU Extension, or visit your local farmer's co-op and talk to a nutritionist. They can help you determine what kind of rations your animal is going to need.

7. Research the actual dairy products in the dairy case at your grocery store.  If you aren’t sure if something is a dairy product, look for the “real seal”.  Create a list of dairy foods and products.  Add in some products that are not made from milk and test your family and friends.

8.  Search for recipes calling for dairy products in cookbooks or online. Surprise your family by cooking a special meal for them and include dairy products in all of the dishes.

9.  Come up with your own activity, or call the Extension Office for more great ideas. We also have several dairy project books you can check out. These books are full of hands-on ideas for you to learn more about your dairy project.

Links to Visit for Further Information and Ideas:

Please note: these links will take you to non-ISU Extension web sites.

Dairy Management Inc.: links to information on the Dairy Checkoff, Real Seal use, Got Milk?, and educator materials.

National Dairy Council: nutrition information, health professional resources, tools for schools, recipes, healthy weight tips and more!

Ayrshire Breeders Association

Brown Swiss Association

The American Guernsey Association

Holstein Association USA

American Jersey Cattle Association: More Cow to Milk.  Less Cow to Feed.

American Milking Shorthorn Society

Red & White Dairy Cattle Association

If you need more help or ideas, we have a variety of resources for you in the Extension Office. Feel free to stop by or give us a call at 563-568-6345.