EAST LANSING, Mich. – There are many opportunities to practice skills and build dairy knowledge for 4-H members this summer. "Cow Camps" will be held in Oceana County on June 4, Allegan County June 16-17 and Isabella County on June 17. The camps will provide hands-on learning on many topics, varying slightly by location, in order to help 4-H members prepare for the show ring and grow their understanding of dairy cattle.
Youth interested in attending the event in Allegan County should contact Robyn Wixom at (269) 521-6201 or highwind@btc-bci-com. Those interested in the Isabella County camp can reach Cathy Fry at (989) 304-1983 or Jessica Fry at (989) 304-1201. For more information about the Oceana County event, contact Kate Deters at khuisjen@hotmail.com or (231) 578-9490.
Also June 16-17, the State 4-H Dairy Program and the Michigan Milk Producers Association will co-sponsor the 4-H/MMPA Milk Marketing Tour. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the dairy industry and how milk is marketed in Michigan, and tour a milk processing plant. Youth interested in participating should e-mail Michigan State University Extension dairy youth specialist Joe Domecq at domecqjo@msu.edu.
From July 18–23, 4-H Dairy Days will be taking place at the MSU Pavilion. This year's event is one day longer than in past years and will include additional opportunities for youth, including a new novice division in the dairy judging and management contests. Additionally, the grand champion showperson and those exhibiting the grand and reserve champion cows during 4-H Dairy Days will be eligible to participate in the third annual Michigan Livestock Expo Sale-abration. In lieu of selling animals, dairy products will be used to represent the three champions; each one will be guaranteed to receive $1,000, with monies above this amount donated to the Michigan 4-H Dairy Youth Program. Registration forms for 4-H Dairy Days for both the cattle show and all youth educational contests are due June 24. Find the forms online or contact a local MSU Extension office.
For more information about these and other Michigan 4-H dairy youth activities or becoming involved in the Michigan 4-H dairy youth program, contact Domecq at domecqjo@msu.edu or call (517) 353-7855.
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