What is the Magic Valley Dairy heifer Program and how can I get involved?

The Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program is an educational program whose purpose is to increase the knowledge and interest in the dairy industry in the youth of the Magic Valley. Educational activities throughout the year provide opportunities to learn about nutrition, health and reproduction of heifers, and the MVDHP Sale at the end of the two-year project, provides participants the opportunity to sell their project animals. The program is overseen by the Steering Committee, which consists of a group of 4 dairymen, 3 4-H leaders, 2 FFA advisors, allied industry representatives and others.

Participation in the  program begins with the application process in January of each year. Applications are available at participating county 4-H offices, from FFA advisors, or from the Twin Falls County Extension Office, where the program is administered. Participants are drawn in February for selection of September-October calves the next spring. Participants complete the project when the animals are sold as a 23-24 month old springers at the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program Sale held each year at the Twin Falls County Fair.

Requirements and Conditions for Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in the program, the following conditions and requirements must be met:

-    -  Youth must be an active member of a 4-H club or FFA chapter in the Magic Valley. 4-H
   participants must be 8 years old by January 1, 2008, not past the 11th grade and must be
   enrolled in a dairy project.  A letter of recommendation from the participant's 4-H leader or
   FFA advisor is required with each application.

· --  Youth must attend all program activities as scheduled at the beginning of each year.      

· -  Youth are required to have shown at their own county fair in the appropriate 4-H/FFA dairy
   show.

· -  Youth must show in the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Show at the Twin Falls County Fair.

· -  Animals entered in the show and sale must meet all health requirements for the Twin Falls
  County Fair.

· -  All animals in the program must be offered for sale by the time they are springers.

· --  If a participant becomes ineligible or moves out of the area, the Steering Committee must
   be contacted immediately so arrangements can be made for the animal to remain in the
   area.

Required Activities

Each participant must understand that the activities scheduled at the beginning of the year are mandatory

to attend. The activities which require attendance include:

• Spring Sale and Education Day - this is when the calves are purchased and a program dealing with animal health, nutrition, selection and production records is presented.

• Achievement Day - during mid-summer this event is held with an educational program covering body condition scoring, determining the weight of the animals and fitting and showing.

• Fair - a completed record book is to be turned in at the participant's county fair, they are to show in the 4-H/FFA dairy show at their own county fair and then at the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program Show at the Twin Fall County Fair.

• Fall Education Day - topics covered during this activity include reproduction, mating, sire selection and animal health.

• The project is considered completed when the animal is sold at the MVDHP Sale at the Twin Falls County Fair and a stamped, addressed thank you note to the buyer is turned in to the office after the sale.

How Can a Dairyman Participate?

If you are a dairyman and are interested in providing a calf for the program, you may contact the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program at 208-734-9590. There are certain requirements the calves must meet in order to be eligible for the program. As much information as possible should be provided to the 4-H/FFA member. At a minimum, the sire and dam of the animal, as well as production information of the dam should be provided for calves. The Selection Committee requires that animals used in the program be bred artificially. Dam production and sire data is required as of the date of the spring sale.

How Can Businesses Participate?

Area businesses can support the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program through sponsorship of activities, donating to the Scholarship Fund, or by purchasing heifers at the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Sale held each year at the Twin Falls County Fair.

Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Scholarship Program

An additional benefit of this program is the opportunity for participants to apply for Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program sponsored scholarships as they enter their senior year of high school. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of excellence in program participation.

For more information contact:
Tianna Fife
Twin Falls County Extension Office
246 Third Avenue East
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Phone: 208-734-9590
Fax: 208-733-9645
E-mail: tiannaf@uidaho.edu