Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference returned in 2025
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EmailMichigan 4-H youth and volunteers traveled to MSU for the 2025 Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference where they partook in informational sessions, dissections and a tour of the MSU Dairy Processing Plant.
On March 1-2, Michigan State University Extension hosted the return of the Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference. More than 45 4-H youth and over 20 Michigan 4-H volunteers from all across the state attended the conference, several attending the conference for the first time. Some attendees even participated in the conference as their first experience in 4-H dairy programming!
The conference hosted several speakers from the dairy and agriculture industry to teach each session. The participants attended sessions that covered artificial intelligence in the dairy industry, uterine immunity, reproduction, dairy nutrition, dairy judging and necropsies. Attendees also had the opportunity to dissect both udders and reproduction tracts. The conference concluded by going on a tour of the MSU Dairy Plant Processing Center.
Throughout the event, Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference participants were able to network and meet new 4-H youth and volunteers from other counties. In addition, it provided several hands-on experiences and an opportunity to judge practice classes of dairy cattle. The conference also helps 4-H youth and volunteers learn more about other 4-H dairy opportunities, like the National 4-H Dairy Conference held each year in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference is an overnight event that allows 4-H’ers to learn new skills, management techniques and explore new and emerging topics in the dairy industry. When asked about their time at the conference, 4-H youth Sofia B. said that she learned more about dairy judging and how to give reasons, as well as dairy cattle health, reproduction and milk products. Another 4-H youth, Kylynne M., reported that she learned about dairy judging, dissections, necropsies, and how people are using artificial intelligence for cow health. She also indicated she liked that she could talk with the conference speakers and the hands-on learning that the conference offered. A first time Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference participant, Griffyn V., shared that he would go to the conference every day of his life because he had so much fun.
To learn more about 4-H dairy programming, visit the MSU Extension website or contact your local county MSU Extension office.
