In order to compete in this state contest you must qualify in the top 40% at an area contest.	Ted Halbach, Superintendent Room 261 Animal Science Building (608) 263-3305 tjhalbach@wisc.edu

General Rules

1. Participants will report to the Event Superintendent for registration to pick up their cards and receive instructions at 7:30 a.m. in the UW Stock Pavilion.
   
2. The contest will start promptly at 8 a.m. and should end at approximately 12:30 p.m.
   
3. You are not allowed to touch any of the animals.
   
4. If you have any questions during the contest – ASK YOUR GROUP LEADER!
   
5. No one but contestants and contest officials are allowed on the Stock Pavilion floor.
   
6. The most current and updated information (DHI, linear, etc.) will be used as industry standards change.

Dairy Cattle Placing Card

The dairy contestants registered will receive at the contest a packet of eight placing cards. There will be one card for each placing only class, two for each placing and oral reasons class and one for the pedigree class. The cards may be marked with pen or pencil. BE SURE YOUR CARDS ARE MARKED WHEN YOU TURN THEM IN AND MAKE ANY CHANGES CLEAR. THE CARDS MUST NOT BE BENT OR MUTILATED!

Contest Purpose

To provide a competitive event for agricultural education students, emphasizing skills in dairy cattle selection and dairy herd management.

Objectives

1. To provide agricultural students with dairy interests a practical experience that will serve them well in industry positions or in management of a modern dairy herd.
   
2. To develop students' skills in observation, analysis and communication.
   
3. To provide experience in the evaluation of dairy cattle type, production records and dairy herd management.
   
4. To encourage agriculture instructors to seek assistance from various resources in the dairy industry. (Examples: dairy breed associations, artificial breeding associations, state extension dairy specialists, state DHI associations, dairy equipment manufacturers, local dairy farmers and breeders, etc.)

Event Format

A. Dairy Management Exercise

1. The exercise will consist of a 50-question written test involving dairy management practices and DHI records. Students will analyze individual cow production records and/or herd management summaries answering 15 questions concerning their use in making management decisions. The remaining 35 questions will be concerned with various dairy management and industry-related topics. “Learning About Dairy . . .,” a resource guide available through University of Wisconsin - Extension Publications (NCR 593), and the PDCA Dairy Cow Unified Score Card will serve as references.
   
2. Appropriate information necessary to answer the DHI questions will be provided.
   
3. The dairy management exercise is worth a maximum of 100 points. Participants will have a minimum of 30 minutes to complete the exercise.

B. Pedigree Class

1. One class of pedigrees (no animals present) will be ranked as to their indication of the animals' ability to transmit superior production and type traits to offspring. This exercise is worth 50 points for a perfect placing.
   
2. Other factors include completeness (number of records), accuracy (reliability), level of performance (type and production) and profitability.
   
3. Sample pedigrees are attached on pages 9-10. The official placing for these two pedigrees is 2-1.

C. Linear Evaluation

1. Two Holstein cows will be evaluated for 10 primary linear traits and for final classification score. The linear traits evaluated are: Dairy Form, Front Teat Placement, Udder Depth, Rear Udder Height, Rear Udder Width, Fore Udder Attachment, Rear Legs Side View, Rump Angle, Body Depth and Stature. (100 points maximum)
2. Cows will be numbered 1 and 2.
3. Participants will be afforded a close-up view of each cow. Evaluations will be completed at a distance of approximately ten feet from each cow. Participants will not be permitted to handle them.
4. Correct evaluation of the 10 linear traits of each cow is worth 40 points.
   a. Four points will be awarded for each trait scored within four points of the official judges' score.
   b. Two points will be awarded for each trait scored within five to six points of the official judges' score.
   c. Example: If the cow's trait were rated 25 by the official judges, points would be awarded to participants as follows:
   

   19-20: 2 points

   21-29: 4 points

   30-31: 2 points

5. Correct evaluation of final score for each cow is worth 10 points.
   1. 10 points will be awarded for a final score within 3 points of the official judges' score.
   2. Scores that are between 4 and 9 points different from the official judges score will be deducted the
      same amount as the difference. Scores 10 or more points different from the official judges' score will lose the full 10 points.
6. A minimum of 15 minutes will be allowed for the linear and final score evaluation.

D. Evaluation and Selection

1. Five classes of four dairy animals each will be placed on type. Classes will be selected from the recognized breeds of dairy cattle. The class selection committee, however, shall give priority to selecting quality cattle in the breeds available, and not be obligated to having all breeds represented in the judging classes. Classes will consist of heifers, young cows or mature cows.
2. Participants will be permitted to view the animals from all angles but will not be permitted to handle them.
3. Animals will be numbered 1-2-3-4 Right-to-Left as viewed from the rear. The holders will wear numbers that identify the animals.
4. Each class is allowed 50 points for a correct placing (250 points maximum).
5. Participants will have a minimum of 12 minutes to place each class. For classes on which oral reasons will be given, participants will be given a minimum of 15 minutes.

E. Oral reasons

1. Oral reasons will be required on two classes, which will be designated by the event superintendent prior to the actual judging of the class.
2. Oral reasons will be given immediately following the judging classes.
3. Each class is allowed 50 points for a perfect set of reasons (100 points maximum).
4. Participants should not use notes during delivery of reasons, with the exception of a card showing only their placing order. If notes are used, a maximum score is 40.
5. Participants will have at least 12 minutes to prepare each set of oral reasons. No more than two minutes may be used to deliver the reasons before the judges.

Scoring Summary

Dairy Judging Instructional Resources

“Learning About Dairy . . . ,“ a 75-page resource guide designed to provide basic dairy information for helping youth learn more about dairy cattle, dairy management and the dairy industry. Cooperative Extension 4-H Publications (NCR 593), University of Wisconsin – Extension, Publications. Cost: $1.35

“Dairy Cow Unified Score Card,” a 2-page document that defines the major dairy cattle traits, weightings for evaluations and breed characteristics. The Purebred Dairy Cattle Association. Cost: $1.00

“The Wisconsin Dairy Youth Web Site,” has an every other month judging contest and 10-question quiz bowl. In addition, resource material is available for dairy cattle judging workshops and practices. University of Wisconsin – Extension, http://www.uwex.edu/ces/dairyyouth/

Annual Cow Judging Contest official entry form and booklet with color pictures of the five classes of dairy cows to be judged before March 15 of the contest year. Available after January 1 of the contest year. Hoard's Dairyman. Free.

*“Oral Reasons for the 2002 Hoard's Dairyman Cow Judging Contest” a 14-minute video that features the national champion UW-Madison dairy judging team. Students give sample reasons for each breed class. Intended for 4-H dairy judging teams and high school vo-ag judging classes. PROGRAM GUIDE, PICTURE SHEETS. Ted Halbach. Cost: $25.00

“ Hoard's Dairyman Judging Guide,” a 38-page booklet that features linear scoring, with analysis of frame, udder, body capacity, feet and legs, and dairy character, explained and illustrated. Includes 3 warm-up practice classes, and then 15 judging classes, 3 of each breed. Printed insert gives judges' placings and reasons. Hoard's Dairyman. Approx. cost $7.00.

“Focus on Linear Scoring,” an 8-page insert that focuses on linear scoring, with analysis of frame, udder, body capacity, feet and legs, and dairy character, explained and illustrated. Hoard's Dairyman. Approx. cost $2.50.

*“Dairy Cattle Judging: Fundamentals – VideoActive,” a 45-minute video that teaches the skills of linear evaluation needed to appraise udders, feet and legs, frame, body capacity and dairy character. The Purebred Dairy Cattle Association (PDCA) scorecard for judging dairy cows and heifers is also explained. The program features interviews of current and past judges to encourage young people who want to judge. STUDENT QUIZZES, ANSWER KEY (CEV00488). Creative Educational Video, Inc. Approx. cost $95

*“Dairy Cattle Judging: Cows – VideoActive,” a 50-minute video that discusses parts, terminology and skeletal structure of the dairy cow. Each section of the PDCA scorecard, using contrasting pairs of cows to evaluate udders, dairy character, feet and legs, frame, body capacity, and faults and defects are explained. Information regarding judging and reasons from the judge's viewpoint is also presented. STUDENT QUIZZES, ANSWER KEY (CEV00486). Creative Educational Video, Inc. Approx. cost $95

*“Dairy Cattle Judging: Heifers – VideoActive,” a 25-minute video that illustrates in an understandable, concise manner the methods for evaluating dairy heifers. Sections include Frame (40 points), Feet and Legs (25 points), Dairy Character (20 points) and Capacity (15 points). STUDENT QUIZZES, ANSWER KEY (CEV00487). Creative Educational Video, Inc. Approx. cost $95

*“Dairy Cattle Judging: Oral Reasons – VideoActive,” a 48-minute video that covers all phases of reasons, from the benefits of reasons to good note taking and presentation advice. How reasons are scored for accuracy, emphasis, terminology, presentation and completeness is discussed. Student judges provide examples of both poor and good reasons with critique. STUDENT QUIZ, ANSWER KEY (CEV00489). Creative Educational Video, Inc. Approx. cost $95

“Practice Dairy Heifer Judging,” 27-minute video that provides five practice classes with views from rear and to and with animals walking and posing - - four breeds (CEV00507). Creative Educational Video, Inc. Approx. cost $49.

“Practice Dairy Cow Judging,” 31-minute video that provides five practice classes with views from rear and top and with animals walking and posing plus close-ups of udders - - three breeds (CEV0506). Creative Educational Video, Inc. Approx. cost $49.

*”Practice Dairy Cattle Judging I, II, III, IV,” 38-minute video that provides classes of heifers and cows of various breeds (three to four classes per video plus linear evaluation on II) with views from rear ad top and with animals walking and posing plus close-ups of udders - - three breeds (CEV00511, CEV00513, CEV00514, CEV00515). Creative Educational Video, Inc. Approx. cost $49 per video.

*”Linear Evaluation & Final Score Assignment,” 85-minute video that explains and demonstrates final score assignment procedures for Holstein classification. The biological range (1-50) is defined for all 15 linear traits by using a ruler and specific anatomical locations on the cow (CEV00500). Creative Educational Video, Inc. Approx. cost $70.

“Linear Classification Program,” revised 16-page booklet with complete introduction to the current descriptive type traits in the Holstein classification program. Holstein Association. Approx. cost $2.00.

”Practice Linear Evaluation I,” a 31-minute video with sample evaluation of six Holstein cows for 15 traits with official scores (CEV00516). Creative Educational Video, Inc. Approx. cost $59.

”Practice Linear Evaluation II,” a 33-minute video with sample evaluation of six Holstein cows for 15 traits with official scores (CEV00520). Creative Educational Video, Inc. Approx. cost $59.

“Dairy Cattle Judging and Evaluation,” 120-minute video that provides an introduction to judging and three practice classes (IMS Cat. #9557). Instructional Material Service. Approx. cost $60.00.

“Dairy Cattle Judging Techniques,” (4 th Edition), revisd 356- page illustrated textbook that covers basic type evaluation, selection within the herd, show-ring judging, fitting and showing, show-ring procedures, placings and reasons in youth and college student judging contests. Trimberger, Etgen and Galton. Waveland Press ISBN 0-88133-678-5. Approx. cost $39.95.

“Techniques of Judging Dairy Cattle” (5 th Edition), revised 50-page booklet with helpful pictures of dairy cows and heifers, showing ideal parts and defects. Sample reasons included. Excellent for the inexperienced judges. Hartman. Approx. cost $7.50.

(* Note: Videos are available for rent from the UW Extension Media Collection, phone 1-800-353-3514 or order from their web site at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/media/orderform.html)

Source List

•  Hoard's Dairyman. PO Box 801, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0801.

Phone: (920) 563-5551. www.hoards.com

•  Creative Educational Video, Inc., PO Box 65265, 5147-A 69 th Street, Lubbock, TX 79464-5265. Phone: 1-800-922-9965. www.cev-inc.com

•  Instructional Materials Service (IMS), Texas A&M University, F.E. Box 2588, College Station, TX 77843-2588. Phone: (979)845-6601; Fax: (979)845-6608. http://www-ims.tamu.edu

•  Ted Halbach, 1675 Observatory Drive #261, Madison, WI 53717-1284

•  Dennis Hartman, 2709 Mt. Vernon Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

•  Holstein Association, 1 Holstein Place, Brattleboro VT 05302-0808.

Phone: (800) 952- 5200. www.holsteinusa.com

•  The Purebred Dairy Cattle Association, 2820 Walton Commons West – Suite 101, Madison WI 53718-6797. Phone: (608) 224-6455.

•  University of Wisconsin Extension—Publications, B18 45 N. Charter St., Madison, WI 53715. Phone: (608)262-3346; Fax: (608)265-8052 http://www1.uwex.edu/ces/pubs/

•  Waveland Press, Inc, P.O Box 400, Prospect Heights, IL 60070. Phone: (847)634-0081; Fax: (847)634-9501 www.waveland.com