NCDHIP RECORDS IN THE 4-H PROGRAMS

DAIRY HERD IMPROVEMENT
1985

ORTH, R.L., & SPIKE, P.W.
VOLUME: NCDHIP HANDBOOK

The 4-H Dairy Program helps young people learn the application and
use of sound business principles as they apply to the operation and
management of specific dairy projects. The program also helps them
obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and manage
a successful dairy herd.

Having a dairy herd enrolled in a production records program and
using that information is certainly a well-recognized sound
business principle. Therefore, 4-H members enrolled in the dairy
project should become familiar with Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI)
records and learn to interpret those records when making management
decisions.

Traditionally, programs relating to records and management have not
been as appealing to young people as have fitting, showing and
judging activities. Parents, leaders and Extension staff are using
many ideas to help young people learn about DHI records. Some club,
county, area, state and national events have begun to make learning
about dairy management more exciting. Dairy bowls culminating at
the National Dairy Bowl in Kentucky each November exemplify an
exciting and educational experience in learning about dairy
management.

Recordkeeping has long been an important part of the 4-H program.
The continuous, rapid adoption of new dairy technology has
increased the need for producers to keep and use complete records
to manage their operations. Including production records as part of
a complete, up-to-date and accurate project record is natural and
necessary. 4-H dairy records should be organized in the same form
as DHI records; this will eliminate confusion and adjustments.

As an initial emphasis on the importance of production records,
leaders and Extension staff should make sure that production
records are an integral part of each dairy project record. Record
requirements vary from state to state, but it is difficult to teach
sound business principles without requiring records. A minimum
expectation should be having production information on the sire and
dam of each project calf and on each cow after she has a calf. 4-H
members should be encouraged to select project animals that have
production information and acceptable levels of production in their
pedigrees.

Having records without understanding how to use them is worthless
from a management standpoint. Record guidesheets, project manuals
and other member materials must help explain the basics of
production records. Much of the learning by 4-H members takes place
at the local club and project meetings. Junior and adult volunteer
leaders need materials to help them teach 4-H'ers. Materials can be
as simple as a meeting outline, or as complex as a complete set of
visuals and sample copies.

Production records should be incorporated into each project meeting
or presentation. For example, production records can be emphasized
as a part of dairy cattle selection, feeding, breeding, judging,
showing and culling. Guest speakers should be used often at project
meetings. Having the DHIA supervisor discuss how producers use the
records and explain his or her service to producers can serve two
purposes. First, the members learn about records, and second, they
are exposed to the position of the supervisor as a possible career
choice.

Some states have statewide animal (dairy) science workshops, camps
or conferences for dairy project members to increase opportunities
for project development. Sessions on how to interpret and use
production records should be included in these state activities.
Other sessions on topics like feeding and breeding should include
discussions of using records. Activities suggested in Fact Sheet
J-5, Use of Records in College Courses, have worked well in
statewide 4-H events.

The National 4-H Dairy Conference and the Northeast regional dairy
conference recognize young people for their achievements and
provide opportunities for their continued growth. The subject
matter part of these conferences includes sessions on using
production records. In addition, the conferences provide a good
opportunity to explain the importance that records play in the
national dairy industry through animal improvement and research.

For many 4-H members, the showing of animals at a local, regional,
state or national show is important. These shows also provide good
opportunities to recognize animals with high production. Some shows
have classes only for animals reaching certain levels of
production. Others have special premiums, rosettes or trophies for
animals achieving certain levels of production. Others may give an
award to the top producing animal in the show.

Some states have different production activities for the dairy goat
classes, such as a 1-day official milk production test to obtain
recognition for certain levels of production.

Regardless of species or method of recognition used, it is
important that the young people and the audience at ringside
understand what production criteria were used and why production
records are a part of the 4-H program.

Some states have 4-H production contests that are separate from any
fair or show, where only the animal's production is scored--usually
on a 4 percent fat corrected milk (FCM) basis. Sometimes the top
milk record and the top fat record are recognized. A feeding and
management questionnaire may also be a part of the total scorecard.

At the National 4-H Dairy Bowl, questions explore the participant's
knowledge and understanding of production records. In the process
of studying for the contest, team members preparing for competition
learn about the importance of records.

Some states have a state management contest in which individuals
and teams compete for awards and scholarships by completing a
written test. Questions about dairy production records are an
important part of this test. 4-H provides many opportunities for
members to receive awards and recognition. Varied bases for these
awards may include success exhibiting cattle in the showing,
judging cattle and giving oral reasons, growth in cattle numbers,
excellence in recordkeeping and all-around achievement.  Selections
are made through a record book evaluation or an interview process.
Whichever system is used, evidence of understanding and use of DHI
records should be an important consideration in selecting
outstanding members.

People may question whether a young person is at a disadvantage
because the home herd is not enrolled in a DHI program. Many young
people-some without being from dairy farms --have excellent
knowledge of production records.  Young people will have to become
knowledgeable if they are going to compete in the dairy industry in
the future.

Many herds are enrolled in a testing program because of the
interest of 4-H members with only one or two animals. The herd may
be enrolled in an unofficial program, but that program can offer
the same management information.

Many local and state DHI associations become actively involved in
the 4-H dairy program by sponsoring 4-H awards related to
production or 4-H dairy banquets for young people completing the
dairy project.

If the 4-H dairy program is to be a laboratory for learning dairy
management skills, using and understanding production records must
be an important segment of the program. In 4-H, young people learn
by doing. They can experience the most growth by becoming actively
involved in making management decisions based on accurate and
complete records.




תתתתתתתתתתתתתתתתתתתתThe National Dairy Database (1992)תתתתתתתתתתתתתתתתתתתת
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%f TITLE;NCDHIP RECORDS IN THE 4-H PROGRAMS
%f COLLECTION;DAIRY HERD IMPROVEMENT
%f ORIGIN;Iowa
%f DATE_INCLUDED;June 1992