College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Animal Science

Extension

Faculty in the Department of Animal Science partner with campus faculty in other departments and MSUE Dairy Educators located in different regions of the state to form the MSU Dairy Team. The team develops and delivers science-based, unbiased, scholarly information related to dairy science, production management, veterinary medicine, engineering, and economics for sustainable Michigan dairying. Many different approaches, options, and technologies are presented for the state's dairy industry to evaluate for potential implementation into their businesses. Adult extension education programming is delivered locally, statewide, and regionally as workshops and conferences, newsletters and other printed materials; and via the Internet, case studies, farm visits, round table discussions, and demonstration and applied research projects.

MSU Education Dairy Team           DairyMSU

  DairyatMSU                                    DairyMSU        

Youth Extension

The Dairy Youth Extension Program coordinates state-level 4-H and youth dairy activities. Major activities include the Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference, the MMPA Milk Marketing Tour, and Michigan Dairy Expo and 4-H Dairy Days held each July. The state 4-H and FFA Youth Dairy Judging Contest, Quiz Bowl Contest, and Dairy Management Contest are all part of 4-H Dairy Days. The Michigan 4-H Dairy Judging teams are also part of the program and represent the state of Michigan in 3 national dairy judging contests. Educational workshops are held across the state for youth, parents, and leaders. This program is often the first experience youth and parents students have with Michigan State University and provides a basic foundation of knowledge about the dairy cow and dairy industry.