Welcome to the Larimer County 4-H Dairy Project
The Larimer County 4-H Dairy project is open to all Larimer County 4-H members interested in learning about the dairy industry. We hold workshops, visit area dairies and participate in the Larimer County Fair.
LEARN MOREOur Leader, Shari
I was almost literally
born in a dairy barn!
I was almost literally born in a dairy barn! It was on the historic Willis Farm in Timnath, CO. My dad was milking cows and my mom was in the barn waiting for him to get done because I was on the way! Cows came first. When I was 2, my father went in partnership with another family and we had East Glade Dairy in Masonville, CO. In 4th grade, we sold out and after a little more than a year, we started Homestead Dairy in Bellvue, CO. I started showing Dairy cattle in 1972. At 14, I got a loan through the Jr. FHA program and bought 14 head of cows. My herd grew to 40 before we had to sell the dairy in 1983 (a hard time for many dairy farmers in the area.) I was also on the Larimer County Dairy Judging team for several years and even went to Nationals one year.
I won the State Dairy Enterprise award through FFA and went on to win in the regional division. My family started working for DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association) following the sale of the dairy, and I continued being a DHIA supervisor for 14 years. Those dairy families became part of my family and I still care for them all so much to this day. I also helped Valentine Holsteins and Haake Farms Brown Swiss, showing and picturing cattle. I was just helping out at the Larimer County Fair Dairy show and somehow got to become a county leader – and have been the County Dairy Leader since 1995!
My son Thomas showed dairy cattle and many other projects in 4-H and school and my husband helps out when he can. I have been blessed by sharing what little I know along with many other terrific leaders and sponsors with many kids through the Larimer County 4-H Dairy Program. We have an awesome bunch of kids, parents and other supporters of the 4-H dairy program every year, and that’s what continues to keep me a leader in this great program.
4-H Members and their cows
The Larimer Dairy Project offers 4-H members a chance to work with cows who may not otherwise get the chance. Through our Lease A Dairy program, members can choose an animal from our local dairy sponsors and work and learn about their animal for the 4-H year. Animals will be brought to the Larimer County Fair for members to show as a culmination of their project. You do not have to own or live on a dairy to participate.
Bulletins & 4-H News
March 2024 Dairy Workshop Notes
Here are the videos and websites that we talked about regarding dairy ethics, showmanship & fitting at the meeting.
Read moreApril 2024 4-H Clover Connection
County Fair Book & Schedule available – The 4-H exhibitor schedule and Livestock Fair Book are now posted on the Larimer County Fair website . The Fair Book includes yellow highlighted changes.
Read moreFebruary 2024 Dairy Workshop Notes
Thank you to Kristie Magnuson for speaking with us about dairy nutrition. Here is the information she provided on age specific diets.
Read moreMarch 2024 4-H Clover Connection
Round Robin Workshop – The Extension office will be hosting a Round Robin Clinic that will have all 7 species. Extension office will use experienced showman to help demonstrate how to show each of the respected animals.
Read more