WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A new program aimed at reaching high school students interested in a career in the dairy industry is now accepting applications.

The Indiana Dairy Youth Academy will begin its inaugural year this fall. The program will offer participating students exposure to innovative agricultural practices and businesses in the dairy industry.  

The academy aims to develop knowledgeable dairy professionals by helping participants improve communication skills, develop leadership ability, explore career opportunities, and gain understanding of industry techniques.

Students will attend conferences, tours and workshops throughout the year. Most of the events will be in Indiana, but students also will have an opportunity to travel to Wisconsin and Canada.

Applications are available at http://www.extension.purdue.edu/dairy/ and are due by Aug. 1. Students interested in attending the program should demonstrate an interest in the dairy industry and a desire to pursue a career in a dairy-related field.

To be eligible, students must be in grades 10-12 by Sept. 1, 2012. Additionally, participation in the 4-H program is required, and the student should demonstrate an ability to commit to the program. Students who are exhibiting dairy animals at the World Dairy Expo or who are participating the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest during the current year are not eligible.

For more information, contact Kelly Heckaman at kheckaman@purdue.edu, 574-372-2340, or download the program brochure at http://www3.ag.purdue.

edu/counties/gibson/Documents/2012%20DYA.pdf

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Dr. Joe Domecq, Michigan State University (MSU) youth dairy specialist, coordinator of the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology dairy management program and animal science academic specialist, has been awarded the Hoard’s Dairyman Youth Development Award, the dairy industry’s highest award recognizing a dairy youth educator. 

The award was presented to Domecq on July 17 during an awards ceremony at the 2012 joint annual meeting of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) and the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) in Phoenix. 

Domecq is widely recognized by his peers as a leader in dairy youth development and exemplifies the characteristics of a valuable dairy mentor. 

“His leadership, guidance, and support of the Michigan 4-H Dairy Youth Program are unparalleled. He volunteers numerous hours and timeless energy to the dairy judging program and to youth activities and educational sessions throughout the state,” says Sheila Burkhardt, director of member relations and public affairs for the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA). . “Whether in the role of teacher, advisor, student mentor, dairy youth specialist, or dairy judging coach, Domecq is passionate about guiding students on their individual paths to reaching short- and long-term career and life goals.”

Domecq has personally affected the lives and career paths of hundreds of young people. He became the coordinator of the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology dairy management program in 1992, while still a graduate student. He joined the MSU Department of Animal Science faculty in 1994.

More than 350 students have graduated from the dairy management program under Domecq’s leadership. Of this group, more than two-thirds are employed in the dairy industry or another agriculture field.  Domecq estimates that among this group, at least 25 percent of the dairy cow population in Michigan, or 100,000 cows, are managed by one of the graduates of the dairy management program, including some of the largest and highest producing herds in the state.

The Hoard’s Dairyman Youth Development Award was created in 2006 to recognize a candidate who has had significant involvement in dairy-related youth activities either in a professional or volunteer capacity for a minimum of 10 years. 

The winner need not be a member of the ADSA, and may have worked with youth of any age, in many possible capacities such as coach, counselor, teacher, advisor, mentor, chaperone or supervisor.