Ten students from three states comprised the first cohort of the Dairy U program, recently in southwest Kansas. This four-day immersive educational opportunity allowed high school students to get up-close and hands-on with the dairy industry.
The inaugural class included: Walker Clawson, Meade; Malorie Depenbusch, Udall; Jessica Kirkpatrick, Valley Center; Kenzie McAtee, LaCygne; Reese Meng, Garden City; Caleb Peckham, Woodstock, Connecticut; Lane Potts, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Simon Schmitz, Axtell; Ben Schrag, Galva; and Wyatt Slade, Haviland.
The program was inspired by dairy operators in southwest Kansas who wanted to reach out and involve younger generations. Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry partnered with leading dairy producers to provide this learning opportunity. Partnering dairies included: Ag Oasis, Noble Dairy and Royal Farms Dairy. Lead donors for the program included: Kansas Dairy Council, Arm and Hammer Animal Health, Zoetis, American AgCredit, and Southeast Select Sires. Additional sponsors included Diamond V, Dairy MAX, Merck Animal Health, Alta Genetics, Kansas Dairy Ingredients and Milk River.
“One of the most important aspects that I gained from Dairy U was meeting so many people interested and involved in the dairy industry and being able to have those connections for my future interests,” said participant Malorie Depenbusch. “I will definitely tell people who are interested in the dairy industry about this camp.”
Walker Clawson explained, “This program is important because there isn’t another program like it. Dairy U gives youth the opportunity to become informed about the rapidly growing dairy industry in Kansas.”
Students also appreciated touring businesses important to the dairy industry. “I was also allowed to tour a milk ingredients plant which helped me understand the vast number of products that can be made with milk,” Clawson added.
Students traveled throughout southwest Kansas to visit dairies and businesses. They met with leaders and industry stakeholders from Dairy Max, Merck Animal Health, Royal Farms Dairy, Dairy Nutrition and Management Consulting, High-Plains Feed, Kansas Dairy Ingredients, Ag Oasis, Rocking Heifer and Noble Dairy. Hands-on seminars included topics of nutrition, animal health, reproduction, milking systems and breeding. Students also received financial education from American AgCredit and communications training from Nebraska farmer and broadcaster, Trent Loos of Loos Tales.
The group continues plans to offer more opportunities for youth in the future. For information about the event, contact coordinator Mandy Fox at [email protected] or 785-410-2633; or Sharon Breiner at [email protected] or 785-532-6533.
