June 2009

A prominent Springfield dairy farm played host to 43 youth age 10-16 from Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas as part of the Missouri 4-H Dairy Cow Camp May 27-29.

According to Karla Deaver, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, the world-class Robthom dairy farm has hosted Missouri 4-H Dairy Cow Camp for thirteen years.

Organizers from University of Missouri Extension say the camp is significant for two reasons. First, it is designed to encourage youth wanting to go into the dairy industry. Second, it provides campers with an opportunity to learn teamwork, cooperation, and responsibility.

“This camp draws attention to the importance of farming and its important role in Missouri’s economy. It provides youth a “hands-on” opportunity to care for dairy animals and learn about many aspects of dairy production while learning life-skills at the same time,” Deaver said.

Campers work in pairs under the direction of adults and take part in workshops to learn about judging dairy animals, dairy management, animal care ethics and showmanship. Persons working in the dairy industry visited with campers about careers in the dairy industry as well.

In addition to educational workshops on dairy heifer nutrition, showmanship, dairy cattle judging and quiz bowl, campers participated in skillathon sessions enabling them to be certified in Show Me Quality Assurance. Skillathon is a method of involving 4’H’ers and their parents in challenging, learning-by-doing activities. The activities, designed as a series of learning stations, help 4-H’ers develop both personal and project skills. Stations included identifying parts of the dairy cow, animal health tools, and learning to give injections. Campers also made rope halters and learned to make butter.

A judging contest and showmanship competition provide the culmination for the camp. Youth were judged in various age divisions.  In addition rookie and all-around camper awards were also given.

4-H Dairy Cow Camp is a cooperative program between University of Missouri Extension and a number of industry sponsors, including Robthom Dairy, Dairy Farmers of America, Southwest Dairy Farmers, Main Street Feeds, Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Holstein Junior Association, Missouri Jersey Cattle Association, Missouri Ayrshire Breeders Association, Missouri Dairy Association, Brunswick Country Outfitters, State Farm Insurance – Karla A. Woods, Ash Grove MFA, Mac’s Vet Supply and Lucky Layla Yogurt.

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For more information about cow camp, contact your county MU Extension office or Karla Deaver at 417-466-3102 or deaverk@missouri.edu.

Note:  Photos are from 2008 Cow Camp