The Dairy Cattle project provides youth with hands-on experience
caring for and managing dairy animals while learning about animal
health, milk production, and recordkeeping.

Dairy Cattle, Level 1

This level is for beginners who may or may not own dairy cattle. Through the activities in this level, members will learn about the parts of a dairy cow, various dairy breeds and the cost to raise a calf, how to care for a dairy animal and how to recognize desirable traits when selecting calves. Youth will also learn how to care for a dairy animal and how to recognize desirable traits when selecting calves.

Complete a minimum of seven activities and three learning experiences each year to complete this project. It may take three years to complete this level.

Dairy Cattle, Level 2

Level 2 offers new challenges and opportunities to explore a range of activities related to dairy cattle and the dairy industry. Youth will also learn about ethical decision making, judging and careers. 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.

Complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project. It may take three years to complete this level.

Dairy Cattle, Level 3

Advanced youth practice and learn about body condition scoring, selecting cattle through records, mastitis detection, balancing a ration, pregnancy detection, delivery of calves, promoting dairy products and exploring career opportunities.

You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.