Applications Open for 2026 SC 4-H Dairy Heifer Project
February 18, 2026
Laurens County 4-H is encouraging eligible youth to apply for the 2026 South Carolina 4-H Dairy Heifer Project, a hands-on program that allows participants to raise, manage, show, and market a dairy heifer while developing valuable life and leadership skills.
Open to South Carolina 4-H and FFA members, the project provides participants with a dairy heifer to care for over multiple years while gaining real-world experience in animal husbandry, record-keeping, and show preparation.
Application Deadline: Must be postmarked by March 20, 2026
Project Cost: $800 per participant
Participants will choose from several dairy breeds, including Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, and Guernsey. Monthly reports and weight submissions are required, along with participation in approved shows and the South Carolina State Fair Junior Dairy Show. The project concludes with the 2028 SC Dairy Bred Heifer Sale.
Kick-Off & Heifer Draw:
July 17, 2026
Union County Fairgrounds
Applications must be mailed to:
Tina Horn
York County Clemson Extension Office
120 N. Congress St.
York, SC 29745
Applications and additional information are available here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1VjES2wdLtWyVsnTVIG2PyViScTmsfpU1
Families with youth interested in agriculture and dairy cattle are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
