The 4-H Dairy Skillathon Contest is designed to help youth learn more about our dairy industry. Youth will compete as a member of a team or as individuals in a fun and interesting contest format that will include, but not be limited to:
- Identification of dairy products
- Identification of feedstuffs
- Identification of milking and dairy equipment
- Evaluation of forage samples
- Evaluating and judging dairy cattle
- Problem-solving
One statewide 4-H Dairy Skillathon Contest will be held each year, in conjunction with the 4-H Dairy Quizbowl. Each county may enter an unlimited number of senior and/or junior teams. Counties must designate teams by age categories: Senior or Junior Division. A county team shall consist of four members. Multi-County teams that are composed of youth from different counties may be entered as a ‘county team’. However, the team name must list the counties represented in which the youths reside. The intent of the ‘Multi-County team’ designation is to provide youth with activities that are not otherwise available in their area. All four members compete in the contest; the one with the lowest score will be declared the alternate and that score will not be counted in the team score. A county with only three members may enter the team competition, all scores will be counted. If a county has less than three participants, they may compete on an individual basis. If a county has more than four individuals in either division, additional contestants may compete as individuals. Awards will be presented to winners at the conclusion of the contest.
Any youth, age 9 to 19 and currently enrolled in 4-H may participate. It is the responsibility of each team coach to verify age and 4-H membership status. Individuals 9 to 13 as of January 1 of the current year may compete as juniors. If they have turned 14 as of January 1 of the current year, they must compete in the senior division.
