Indiana 4-h Dairy Youth Academy

Sponsored by 

 Evansville Young Dairymen

Prarie Farms

Central Star 

The Dairy Youth Academy is for youth in grades 10-12 (as of September 1, 2025) 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.

Download the Indiana 4-H Dairy Youth Academy Flyer Here

 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. 

4-h Dairy Youth Academy schedule*

• National 4-H Dairy Conference
  • September 28, 2025- October 1, 2025 
• Leadership, Careers, Resumes, Industry
  • December 5-7, 2025
• Multi-State Dairy Industry Tour
  • March 6-10, 2026
• Indiana 4-H Dairy Class Graduation
  
  • Summer 2026
• Indiana State Fair
  • Action Demonstration & 4-H Junior Skill-a-thon, August, Day 1 of State Fair Dairy Exhibition
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
• National Dairy Quiz Bowl  
  • November 2026

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

Applying for the 2025/2026 Indiana 4-H Diary Academy can be completed via the 4-H Online Event Registration here: https://dairyacademyapplication2026.4honline.com/

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 2025/2026 (Grade 10-12 as of September 1, 2025)
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 Jeff Pell by August 10, 2025, at 317-745-9260 or jpell@purdue.edu