1. MISSOURI 4-H DAIRY COW CAMP
Probert, T.R. 1; Deaver, K.J.2; Fay, R.A.3; McNary, R.L. 4; Moreno, J.A.5; Rickard, T.R. 6
1Regional Dairy Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Hartville, MO, 65667
24-H Youth Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Mount Vernon, MO, 65712
34-H Youth Development Program Assistant, University of Missouri Extension, Greenfield, MO, 65661
44-H Youth Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Carthage, MO, 64836
54-H Youth Development Program Assistant, University of Missouri Extension, Marshfield, MO, 65706
6Regional Dairy Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Cassville, MO, 65625
Abstract
Missouri 4-H Dairy Cow Camp was developed for 4-H dairy project youth in 1997 and has been held annually since its inception. The three-day event is designed to 1) Increase youth’s knowledge of care and
management of dairy animals 2) Develop awareness of ethical issues involved in the care of animals 3) Give youth an opportunity to learn about various aspects of dairy production and dairy’s supporting industry
4) Provide dairy youth the opportunity to develop important life skills 5) Certify youth in Show-Me Quality Assurance. Dairy Camp is conducted by a team of extension faculty with reliance on assistance from
numerous volunteers. A major focus of camp is training in fitting, showing and care of project animals. Additionally, campers participate in educational workshops covering various dairy industry topics. Sessions are
included that earn campers certification in the Show-Me Quality Assurance program. A judging contest and showmanship competition provide the culmination of the camp. Camp attendance averages about forty
per year. More than six hundred youth from six states have participated over the history of the program. Dairy Camp participants were surveyed to determine benefits received from the camp experience.
Respondents indicated improvement in a number of life skills as a result of participation. Additionally, the majority said Dairy Camp was valuable in introducing them to opportunities in agriculture, valuable
to them educationally, and that the experience had positively influenced their pursuance of post-secondary education. Missouri Dairy Camp is funded through participant fees and industry donations.
Objectives
 Increase the knowledge of youth about care and management of dairy animals
 Develop awareness of the ethical issues involved in the care of dairy animals
 Give project members an opportunity to learn about many aspects of dairy production and dairy’s
supporting industry
 Provide an opportunity for dairy youth to develop important skills that will be useful to them for a
lifetime
 Certify youth in Show-Me Quality Assurance
Campers receive individual training in showing and fitting techniques.
Dairy Camp Activities Program Impact
Over 600 4-H youth have attended Dairy Camp since 1997. Participants were surveyed to
During their three days of Dairy Camp campers participate in a variety of activities including: determine the benefits they had received from their camp experience. They responded as
indicated below when asked if Dairy Camp had influenced their personal development in the
 Training and hands-on practice in fitting, showing and care of project animals
following areas:
 Educational workshops covering a variety of dairy industry related topics
 Training in evaluation of dairy cattle and delivery of oral reasons
 Dairy cattle judging practice contest
 Showmanship competition
Educational workshops address industry A showmanship contest provides the
issues and topics. Here campers learn culmination of Dairy Camp activities. This Additionally 91.3% of respondents indicated that their Dairy Camp experience was valuable
about the use of ultrasound technology for competition allows campers the opportunity to or very valuable in introducing them to opportunities in agriculture, 90.9% said that Cow Camp
reproductive management. showcase what they have learned during their was valuable or highly valuable to them educationally and 82.5% said the experience had
week at camp. influenced their decision to attend a particular college, university or technical school.