Thanks to senior animal science major Chelsey Patch for sharing the post below about her and fellow students’ experience at the National Dairy Challenge last month:
Four UVM students and two coaches traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin in late March to compete in the National Dairy Challenge. Emily Surrell, Kate Rowley, Hannah Roberts, and myself toured, analyzed, and collaborated to develop farm recommendations for a well managed dairy.
Nutrition, production, milking procedures, animal health, facilities, cow comfort, farm strategy and more were assessed, and all recommendations were backed by data and research to increase farm profitability. Our findings were presented to the producers and a panel of judges; all professionals in the dairy industry. We were coached by Wanda Emerich from the Miner Institute, and Dr. Steve Wadsworth, UVM lecturer and CREAM program advisor.
We had a wonderful trip, and enjoyed the contest as well as the additional farm tours, tour of Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field, and the career fair, which was a valuable resource for students to network with industry professionals and Dairy Challenge stakeholders. We are grateful for our coaches, as well as the support that allowed us to travel and compete. UVM hopes to increase participation in future contests to allow more students to attend both the contest and the Academy. Students are preparing for the Northeast contest held in Saratoga Springs, NY this October, and are excited to attend!