UNION — Thanks to Union County 4-H, local youth will have an opportunity to explore the world of dairy cattle and the dairy industry.
The 4-H/FFA (Future Farmers of America) Dairy Heifer Project program will be offered to the youth of South Carolina during the 2013-2014 year. Any youth ages 9 to 17 can raise and show a registered dairy heifer for 18 months.
Participants will keep detailed records about their project animal — as well as their learning experiences — by completing a project record book. After 18 months, the project will culminate at the S.C. State Fair in October. Participants will show their calf in the Heifer Project class during the dairy cattle show, and all the calves will be sold in the Bred Heifer Sale. The participant will keep the money earned from the sale of their calf, minus any fees.
Youth who are interested in applying for the project should submit applications by Feb. 28. There are currently three breeds of dairy cattle used in the project — Holstein ($700), Jersey ($650) and Guernsey ($650). Youth can list their first, second and third choices of breed on their applications.
Youth will receive their heifers at the Dairy Heifer Project Kick-Off, which will be held at the Saluda County Fairgrounds in the early spring.
To receive a Dairy Heifer Project Application Packet and/or more information, contact Anne Brock at the Clemson Extension Office, 120 Kirby St., Union, South Carolina; call the Union County 4-H Office at (864) 427-6259, ext. 113; or send an email to abrock@clemson.edu.
Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@heartlandpublications.com.
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