National 4-H Dairy Conference

The National 4-H Dairy Conference is for 4-H members ages 15-18 who are interested in the dairy industry and who carry out dairy and dairy-related projects under adult leadership in their community.  This event is conducted annually in Madison, Wisconsin, in conjunction with World Dairy Expo.  The conference offers young dairy leaders an opportunity to interact with young people from the US and Canada, corporate representatives, and dairy specialists.  The educational objectives of the conference are to help selected 4-H youth: 

• learn more about the dairy industry;
• learn more about careers in the dairy industry;
• develop additional competence in a special-interest area of the diary industry; and 
• practice leadership and group participation skills.

Two delegates from Virginia will be selected to attend the National 4-H Dairy Conference each year. Delegate travel, lodging and conference fees will be paid from the Virginia 4-H Foundation dairy account. To be eligible a youth must:

• be enrolled as a 4-H member in Virginia;
• be 15 but not more than 18 years of age as of January 1 of the year of selection; and 
• have participated in 4-H dairy projects and activities for a minimum of three years.

Interested youth will submit an application to the extension dairy youth specialist.  A selection committee will select up to six candidates to be interviewed via telephone.  The following points system will be used in the selection process:

• 4-H dairy projects and activities - 25 points
• Leadership and citizenship/community service - 20 points
• Educational and career plans - 20 points
• Statement of interest - 20 points
• Interview - 15 points