MSU Dairy Education

Lynn Olthof, Michigan State University Department of Animal Science - June 12, 2024

Student succeed in the classroom and beyond.

dairy education students pose for a photo — Brianna Hill, Danielle Rummel, Adalee Thelen, and Irie Moussiaux at the National Dairy Challenge.

The 2023 to 2024 academic year was a great time for Spartan students studying dairy science! Students received scholarships, participated in extracurricular activities that took them across the country, and shared their experiences with prospective students.

Over 20 students joined the dairy education program in 2023, nine students graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in animal science with a dairy concentration, and three students completed a two-year dairy management program through the Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT).

Midwest Dairy Challenge

In February, nine dairy concentration students traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin to participate in the Midwest Dairy Challenge. The trip included visits to Diedrich Farms, Libertyland Dairy, and Tauchen Valley Inc., panel discussions, and networking with other students and industry professionals. Recent dairy concentration spring 2024 graduate, Danielle Rummel and her aggregate team placed first in the Dairy B division. Dairy concentration senior Adalee Thelen and her aggregate team placed second in the Dairy C division.

National Dairy Challenge

The 2024 MSU National Dairy Challenge Team placed second in a competitive division at the national contest in Visalia, California. The team consisted of Adalee Thelen, Irie Moussiaux, Brianna Hill, and Danielle Rummel. They were coached by Dr. Roger Thomson and Dr. Joe Domecq. The team had the chance to visit several dairies throughout the week, network with other students and industry professionals, and sight see throughout the state of California. A special thank you to Wickstrom Jersey Farms, Inc., Calori-D Holsteins, and Tollcrest Dairy for hosting the team practices in California.

Richmond Black and White Days Collegiate Dairy Judging Contest

Three MSU dairy concentration students traveled to Utah to compete in the 2024 Richmond Black and White Days Collegiate Dairy Judging contest. Congratulations to Brianna Armbruster, Elizabeth Hyman, and Clea Moore who placed third overall. Elizabeth Hyman also placed fifth individually in reasons. Wayment Dairy and the Utah State Caine Dairy Teaching and Research Center hosted visits for the team. The MSU Dairy Judging program is looking forward to beginning another great season in the fall of 2024!

Dairy education image 2.jpg — Elizabeth Hyman, Brianna Armbruster, and Clea Moore in Utah.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).