The number of dairy farms has declined to half the number it was ten years ago.  Despite this fact we still have 4-H members with a passion for the dairy industry.  One way we have helped them to cultivate that passion is by attending conferences like the National 4-H Dairy Conference held annually in Madison, Wisconsin.  Kentucky with the help of local sponsors sends delegates to this event most years.  The delegates are high school 4-H members who have been very active in the 4-H dairy project for many years.  The participants participate in workshops, tours and hands on activities with delegates from other states who are passionate about the dairy industry.  It is through this passion that many of these youth go on to pursue degrees in agriculture and jobs in the agriculture industry.  About five years ago one of the Kentucky delegates attended this outstanding educational event along with her father as the chaperone.  While they were at the conference they toured milking facilities and processing facilities in Wisconsin.  They developed some long standing friendships and connections that have helped them to reach their goal to milk their own cows and market the milk directly to consumers.  In March of 2020, their dream became a reality and the family began bottling and selling their own milk.  This family wants to provide a quality product to consumers and not rely on the traditional milk marketing cooperatives available.  They have developed their own niche market of pasteurized, non-homogenized milk.  This former 4-H member is active in the day to day operations of the farm and tracking and delivering orders.  It is no small feat to launch a new business during a very uncertain time.  This former 4-H member did not give up on her dream and love of cows that all began when she purchased that first calf at the age of nine.