Just as dairy producers must invest in promising young stock to keep their herds strong, the dairy industry must invest in the next generation of its leaders.”The future of the dairy industry really rests in the heads, hearts and souls of our young people,” says Joe Domecq, Michigan 4-H dairy youth specialist and coordinator of the program. “By all working together — breeders, various industry leaders and representatives, the youth themselves, and 4-H leaders, FFA advisors and other mentors — we can continue to build on the solid foundation that’s been established and feel confident that we are molding future dairy industry leaders. It’s fulfilling to see what can be done when we all work together.”
Sonoma County believes that offering youth with an avid interest in learning more about the dairy industry access to hands-on learning opportunities is an important element in fostering leadership skills. The Dairy Heifer Replacement Project, a program he founded many years ago to teach the practical skills associated with raising a dairy animal, is one such program.
The Dairy Heifer Replacement Project is open to 4-H members between the ages of 9 and 19. Any breed of dairy heifer — registered or grade — can be entered, though sires of the heifers must be registered, and their dams must meet breed-specific minimum production requirements. Participants must keep accurate and detailed feeding, health and reproduction records, and supply pedigree and identification information.”The Dairy Heifer Replacement Project provides youth with an opportunity to learn about and gain valuable experience with the dairy industry through the process of selecting, raising, breeding and marketing a dairy animal. “Though the primary objective is for tomorrow’s dairy producers to gain knowledge about dairy cattle and the dairy industry, this program also gives participants a chance to earn money by selling their project animals during a special sale held at the Sonoma Marin Fair in Petaluma, CA.”
