Indiana 4-H Dairy Youth Academy

2025-2026 Sponsors 

The Dairy Youth Academy is for youth in grades 10-12 (as of September 1, 2026) interested in learning about the dairy industry.
The program consists of a series of hands-on workshops focusing on specific facets of the dairy industry, including veterinary science, dairy nutrition, and production management.
The Dairy Youth Academy exposes participants to progressive and profitable agricultural businesses and helps prepare them for employment as managers, technicians, and other agri-service professionals.

 Academy Objectives

• Expose young people to herd management, crop management, and farm business management techniques on farms in the Midwest
• Explore career opportunities through interaction with dairy industry leaders and professionals.  
• Enhance teamwork approaches to problem-solving
• Develop and improve communication skills
• Develop leadership skills to make positive changes and contributions to the dairy industry. 

Academy Cost: $500*

*Fee due upon acceptance into the academy

 (If you need assistance with the academy fee, consider reaching out to your local Farm Bureau or local Cattle Associations) 

4-H Dairy Youth Academy schedule*

• Monthly Zoom Meetings Dates TBD
• National 4-H Dairy Conference
  • September 27, 2026- October 1, 2026 
• Leadership, Careers, Resumes, Industry
  • November 20-22, 2026
• Multi-State Dairy Industry Tour
  • March 19-23, 2027
• Indiana 4-H Dairy Class Graduation
  
  • Summer 2027
• Indiana State Fair
  • Action Demonstration & 4-H Junior Skill-a-thon, August, Day 1 of State Fair Dairy Exhibition
    • Indianapolis, Indiana

 * (some dates subject to change to avoid conflicts with other activities)

Applying for the 2026/2027 Indiana 4-H Dairy Academy can be completed via the 4-H Online Event Registration here: https://dairyacademyapplication2026.4honline.com

To be eligible to participate in the academy, the top 12 delegates will be selected based on their leadership and written application by a panel of industry and Extension representatives.  

Upon acceptance in the Academy, delegates must pay a fee of $500.  Most expenses will be generously covered by our sponsors. 

Registration Questions and Information are needed when applying via the link above.

1. Applicant Name
2. Male or Female
3. Mailing Address
4. County
5. Applicant Email
6. Applicant Cell Phone
7. Parent/Guardian Name(s)
8. Parent/Guardian Email(s)
9. Parent/Guardian Cell Phone
10.  Grade Applicant for 2026/2027 (Grade 10-12 as of September 1, 2026)
11. Applicant Age
12. Number of years in the 4-H Dairy Project
13. Do you have any potential conflicts with the scheduled program dates?
14. Applicant's Auxiliary aides and services due to a disability or dietary restrictions? 

Create the following documents and attach them to the 4-H Online Indiana 4-H Dairy Academy Event Registration. 

1. Essay: Write a brief essay addressing the following points.  Please limit your response to a maximum of three double-spaced pages. 
   1.  Please discuss why you would like to participate in the Dairy Youth Academy
   2. Describe your enthusiasm for the dairy industry, how it originated, and how it plays a role in your daily life.
   3. Describe any additional activities, leadership, or responsibilities you have achieved that would make you a great academy delegate.
   4. Please describe your goals for a future career in the dairy industry or your dairy interest.
      
      
2. References:
   1. Reference from a parent
   2. Reference from an adult who is not your parent
3. Photo
   
   1. Attach a recent photo or headshot of yourself

If you are in need of accommodations to participate in this program or need an interpreter or translator, please contact Michele Jones by August 31, 2026, at 765-342-1010 or jonesm@purdue.edu 

For special dietary needs contact Michele Jones at 765-342-1010 or jonesm@purdue.edu, by
August 31st.

Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the
basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status,
parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.