Who: 4-H youth who:
• Have completed 10th grade (15 years old).
• Have completed three years in the 4-H dairy cattle or goat project.
• Have not previously attended the National 4-H Dairy Conference.
• Have provided significant leadership in the dairy project at the local level.
What: National 4-H Dairy Conference is a leadership conference for 4-H dairy project members
held in conjunction with World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The intended
outcomes are to promote and sponsor an educational program which will provide a better
understanding the operations involved in production, processing, marketing, and
use of dairy products, as well as related areas.
It offers a means by which various individuals and groups interested in the dairy industry and
youth can cooperate to achieve educational objectives based on the developmental needs of
youth. The Conference allows youth to increase understanding of the dairy industry, learn about
vocational and professional career opportunities, and practice good citizenship and group
participation.
Where: Madison, WI
When: September 27 – September 30, 2026
Cost: 4-Hers are asked to pay a deposit of $350 when they accept the invitation to participate.
Youth may need to cover any meal that is not part of the National 4-H Dairy Conference.
Additional Information:
• Participants are selected through an application and interview process. Youth are not
eligible who are competing on a dairy judging team at the Madison Dairy Expo.
• The group may participate in the World Dairy Expo showmanship contest prior to the
conference. Costs may be the responsibility of the participants.
• This trip is made possible by generous support from the MA 4-H, MA 4-H Foundation,
MA 4-H Dairy Advisory and local 4-H Advisories.
Applications are now being accepted for the National 4-H Dairy Conference. To request an application, please email Andrew at asamuelson[at]umass[dot]edu.