The Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management Career Development Event (CDE) helps students develop skills in dairy cattle selection and herd management. Participants evaluate the cattle’s physical characteristics, explain their various classes and analyze a herd record as a team.

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Teams of our four students develop skills in observation, analysis, communication and team communication through this competitive CDE. Each participant contributes to the team’s total score through both team and individual activities. For the team exercise, judges provide a dairy farm management scenario with problems and solutions that must be identified as if they were a hired consultant advising a dairy producer. As individuals, team members complete a general knowledge exam, evaluate and select six dairy animal classes, and provide oral reasons.

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Students in this event gain a greater understanding of dairy cattle management and become knowledgeable in areas that include animal welfare, biosecurity, business management, current issues, environmental management and safety practices.