Dairy Cattle Project

Project Description 

Dairy Cattle

The Dairy Project is for members who want to learn more about dairy animals. If ownership is not possible, this project allows you to have a contract with a dairy to care for one or more animals. Members usually start with a heifer calf or yearling heifer. Older members may start with a producing cow. Keep milk production records on all producing cows, using Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) guidelines. This project also provides an opportunity to start with a calf and raise it to a producing cow.

Project Requirements

Project Books Required? No

Project books can be purchased here

*** Please note, if you do not attend at least one workshop in your project area during the 4-H year, you will be required to complete activities in your project book and turn it in with your record book. The number of activities required to complete a 4-H year in each project book can be found here.

what needs to be accomplished to move on to level 2?

  • Attend 2 workshops a year
  • 3 years in the project

What needs to be accomplished to move on to level 3?

  • Attend 2 workshops a year
  • 6 years in the project

What needs to be accomplished to move on to the next level?

  • Attend 2 workshops a year
  • 6+ years in the project 

Project age limit? 8 and up

What should new members know?

  • You do not need to own the animal they exhibit. However, the training and grooming must be done by the member.
  • All cows must be dehorned
  • All members must have current Quality Assurance training
  • Supplies needed for fair:
    • Show Halter 
    • Shampoo
    • Water bucket

Dates for the 2024-2025 4-H Year

  • October 17th 1:00-2:00 p.m. How to safely produce raw milk
  • March 3rd 3:00-4:00 p.m. Healthy cows equals healthy milk
  • April 5th 3:00-4:00 p.m. Breeds
  • May 3rd 3:00-4:00 p.m. Fun with milk
  • June TBD Showmanship

Project Superintendent Information

Dairy Cattle Superintendent: Marlee Johnson
Contact: mdahlranch@gmail.com or 406-465-7732
How will you be contacted? Email or text

Junior Superintendent: Rebecca Gruber & Alyssa White


The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and the Montana State University Extension Service prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Jeff Bader, Director of Extension, Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717