Larimer County, CO

Join Us

DAIRY PROJECT MEMBERS

These members own their own animal and are fully responsible for the care and feeding of their animal for the length of the project.

DAIRY E-RECORD BOOK

LEASE A DAIRY PROJECT MEMBERS

These members are sponsored by a local dairy and must visit their animal four times a month and record their visits on their Dairy Log.

LAD RulesLAD WORK LOGDAIRY E-RECORD BOOK
4-H dairy project members

Join the Larimer County 4-H Dairy Project 

January-September

Commitment Deadline: November 1st

We welcome all registered Larimer County 4-H members from the ages of 8-18. Whether you own your own animal or not, we are a dedicated group of members that love dairy cattle and want to learn more about the dairy industry.  We have two unique ways to be a part of our program: Dairy Project members own their own animals or Lease A Dairy Project members that are sponsored by a local dairy and are required to provide transportation to their dairy to work with their specific animals at least 4 HOURS a month.
Our project begins in January and will finish with the Larimer County Fair in mid-August.  All members are required to complete a record book and show their animals at the Larimer County Fair.

Q & A for the Dairy Project

Below are some of the most common questions we get about our Dairy Project.  If you have any further questions, please contact our Leader, Shari

WHO CAN JOIN?

A – Any child (8-18) enrolled in Larimer County 4-H.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

A – Cost is $50 to enroll in the Larimer County 4-H program. Any additional cost varies by the dairy sponsor and how far we have to travel to the dairy to work with the cattle. Average cost is under $100.

DO I HAVE TO OWN CATTLE TO BE IN THE PROJECT?

A – NO! This project is designed to give all kids an opportunity to work with heifers and cows at the dairy where THEY live. We travel to the dairy to learn and work with the animals.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE PROJECT?

A – We learn about dairy cattle, the dairy industry and how to show dairy animals at various shows around Colorado. As a 4-H member, you are required to complete a Dairy record book and turn it in in September.

IS THERE A LIMIT ON HOW MANY KIDS CAN JOIN THE PROJECT?

A – Yes. We work with a few dairies in Northern Colorado and they have a limited number of dairy animals that we can use. Sign-ups for the project are generally in November for the following year.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROJECT LAST?

A – Clinics start in January. We will meet once a month from January – April for the clinics and pick out our animals for the season. Depending on the sponsor, we will begin working with our animals in March and 4-H Dairy record books are due in September.

WHAT IS EXPECETED OF ME IN THE PROJECT?

A – Attend 75% of workshops/clinics and work with animal(s) on a regular basis for minimum of 4 hours per month and record time in log sheet. Participant is required to prepare animal for Fair/Shows This includes training, clipping, cleaning and arranging transportation to and from Fair. Members are also required to care for animal during full duration of animal at Fair/Shows. This includes cleaning stalls, washing animal(s) and feeding. 

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE LARIMER COUNTY FAIR?

A – Members are required to attend the Larimer County Fair in August. The fair lasts 3-5 days and all members are required to be with their animals for the duration of the fair (Barns close around 9pm and open at 6am). We have many other events at the county fair including poster contests, costume contest, showmanship, breed show and other special awards for members during the fair.

WHERE DO I SIGN UP?

A – Please fill out the form below and our Leader, Shari will get back with you to talk more about the project and to make sure you fill out all the proper forms. We look forward to having you!

Contact Larimer Dairy Project

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