Academy invites youth interested in dairy industry to apply

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - High school students interested in pursuing a career in the dairy industry are invited to apply to the 2014-15 Indiana Dairy Youth Academy.

The academy helps participants develop leadership and communication skills, explore career opportunities and learn industry techniques. Students attend a series of workshops, conferences and industry tours that focus on specific areas, such as nutrition, reproduction, veterinary science and herd management.

Applications, available at https://www.extension.purdue.edu/dairy/news/2014DYAapplication.pdf, are due June 1. Eligible students must be in grades 10-12 by Sept. 1 and be enrolled in 4-H. Participants are required to attend academy activities that run from September 2014 through fall 2015.

A panel of Purdue Extension representatives will select 14 academy delegates based on their leadership experience and written application. The fee for accepted participants is $100.

The academy schedule includes the National 4-H Dairy Youth Conference in Wisconsin, a leadership and career retreat, a dairy reproduction and technology event in Michigan, animal sciences workshops at Purdue University and activities at the Indiana State Fair. The program concludes with a completion trip and report to sponsors in fall 2015.

The academy is sponsored by the American Dairy Association of Indiana, Indiana Dairy Producers, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Purdue Extension Dairy Youth Activities Committee.

For more information, contact Megan Hoffherr at Purdue Extension-Gibson County, 812-385-3491 or download the program brochure at https://www.extension.purdue.edu/dairy/news/2014DYA.pdf

Source: Purdue University