The Cassia County, Idaho, dairy program has seen significant changes over the years, driven by the dedication of local dairy producers and individuals such as Brandon Brackenbury, a veterinarian turned extension agent.

Brackenbury, who managed multiple dairy accounts as a veterinarian, has brought his expertise and passion to the Cassia County 4-H and FFA programs, helping to shape the future of dairy projects in the region.

“When I first started, I had access to six different dairies,” Brackenbury said. “Each day, I would visit these dairies and select a few heifers, creating a pool for the kids to choose from. We would draw names and let the kids pick their project animal from this pool.”

This approach not only provided young participants with access to quality animals but also fostered a sense of community and fairness in the program. However, as time passed, the number of participating dairies dwindled, eventually leaving just one. This dairy producer stepped up in a big way, offering up to 150 heifers for the kids to choose from each year.

The dairy program saw steady growth, with the number of heifers available sometimes doubling. Last year, 85 to 90 heifers were shown, but this year, the program numbers dropped to fewer than 75. Brackenbury attributes some of the drop in numbers to the current cost of feed. Despite these challenges, the program remains strong, with about 25 families currently involved.

The fair, which kicked off this year on Aug. 10, showcased the hard work of 4-H and FFA participants. Over 70 dairy heifers were shown this year. One poignant moment this year involved the death of a family member. Five siblings, who were all part of the dairy program, were unable to attend the show due to the timing of the funeral. Volunteers stepped in to show the heifers on their behalf, ensuring the hard work of these children didn’t go to waste.

“Dairy has always been a significant part of Cassia County’s agricultural sector,” Brackenbury said. “But it was never really given the same attention as other large animals.”

To address this, Brackenbury and a group of dairymen began meeting on the morning of the 4-H sale to discuss project costs, helping to stabilize the market and ensure fair prices for participants.

Today, the dairy producer who supports the program (Brackenbury wished to keep them anonymous) continues to serve as a floor buyer, setting the market price at the sale. This consistent support has been crucial to the program’s success.

Looking ahead, Brackenbury hopes to see the dairy program grow proportionally to the county’s dairy industry.

“Our goal is to hover around 100 heifers,” he said, acknowledging the current space limitations. But growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about education.

“When I was superintendent, I introduced a requirement for dairy kids to give an oral presentation during the summer,” Brackenbury explained. “These presentations, judged by a panel based on age, cover a range of topics from the digestive tract of a cow to the benefits of Total Mixed Rations.”

This initiative aims to teach life skills such as public speaking and interview techniques, preparing participants for future challenges. FFA seniors, for example, must master a set of 100 questions, with younger participants focusing on a smaller subset.

Brackenbury’s own children have been active participants in the program, with his son raising goats and his two older daughters involved in dairy. As an extension agent, Brackenbury now oversees all aspects of the program, continuing to nurture its growth with the support of the local community.

“Without the community, this program wouldn’t be what it is today,” Brackenbury said. The dairy sale, held on its own day, has attracted more support from community members, contributing to the overall success of the fair.

With nearly 500 projects making it to the fair this year, the Cassia County dairy program remains a vibrant and essential part of the local agricultural community, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Brackenbury and the countless others who support it.

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