Michigan 4-H Youth Dairy Days from a youth’s perspective
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EmailA Michigan 4-H dairy youth was interviewed about their time during the event, and they had several positive thoughts about their experience.
Michigan 4-H Dairy Days is an annual summertime event that includes several educational contests. Each year, well over 100 Michigan 4-H youth and 4-H volunteers gather at Michigan State University to compete, learn and make memories that will last a lifetime. During the event, youth have the opportunity to win awards, network with industry professionals, and interact with likeminded youth from across the state. Viktor R-W, an Ottawa County 4-H member, offered to share his thoughts and experiences in hopes of encouraging others to participate in the event.
Read on to hear Viktor’s personal reflections.
What was your favorite part of 4-H Dairy Days?
Personally, my favorite part of 4-H Dairy Days has to be the community. While we may be competing against each other, everyone is ready to jump in to help you. I had a run in with this myself; this year when I realized my show whites didn't fit, it didn't take much to ask around before someone ran to grab their extra pair and completely saved my day.
More than just the youth, volunteers and educators make such a huge difference. Anytime I had an issue or question, there was always someone there to make sure it was answered, even when it might have been self-explanatory. You can truly tell everyone there wants to help and make sure we succeed, and that made a huge impact on me.
What are the benefits of competing at 4-H Dairy Days?
Some of the benefits of 4-H Dairy Days might seem obvious: connecting with current and future dairy professionals, learning more about dairy cattle and products, and strengthening your showmanship. However, some other advantages are less surface level. Dairy judging forces you to put your ideas into words and recall facts from several minutes to hours ago. Quiz bowl requires that you’re able to bring your knowledge forward under pressure. Management puts into question several moving parts that need to be factored in order to make a decision. Showmanship pushes you to present your work in the best way possible. Those are all skills you need in any career, not just in the dairy industry.
On the more materialistic side, most of the contests come with travel opportunities and prizes, so it's hard to regret doing 4-H Dairy Days when it provides you with the opportunity to look at some of the best cows in the country in Louisville, Madison or Harrisburg.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about coming to 4-H Dairy Days for the first time?
My advice to anyone considering coming to 4-H Dairy Days for the first time would be to take the leap. Sometimes the educational contests (especially judging) can seem a little scary, but when you make the step to compete, you realize they are super fun and honestly teach you so much about dairy science, how to convey your thoughts, and networking.
I find you benefit the most from 4-H Dairy Days when you choose to go for it all and compete in all four contests. They build off each other; judging makes you a better showman and management gets you to hit the buzzer quicker in quiz bowl. So, if your gut is telling you to go, follow it and what you put into 4-H Dairy Days will come back to you!
Any program offered through Michigan 4-H can have lasting and positive impacts on both youth and volunteers in our communities. If you are interested in learning more about the Michigan 4-H Dairy Youth Program, contact your local Michigan State University Extension office.
*Some answers have been edited for clarity.
