In honor of National Dairy Month, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting several events throughout the state of Iowa, to educate the public about the dairy industry. Iowa ranks 12th overall in the nation?s total milk production, with over 5 billion pounds of milk being produced. There is also around 2,110 pounds of milk produced per cow, ranking Iowa as 8th in the nation?s milk production per cow. The state represents 2.45% of the total U.S. milk production. The dairy industry provides us with healthy, but mostly tasty treats like cheese, ice cream, chocolate milk, and more.
Iowa State University?s (ISU) Dairy Research and Teaching Unit hosted one of these events on June 10th from 7AM to noon. The event was led by ISU staff, ISU students, and the ISU Extension and Outreach. People of all ages got to talk to them about the industry, take guided tram rides throughout the dairy farm, learn more about sustainability, and watch milk production take place.
As I was there, I had the chance to talk with an Associate Teaching Professor within the department of Animal Science at ISU and Dairy Judging Team Coach Christen Burgett about how the Dairy Judging Team and her as a coach are impacted within the dairy industry.
At Iowa State University, many facilities and hand on experiences are used throughout their teaching. Burgett talked about the involvement that her Dairy Science 235 class has on the dairy farm and how they utilize it to have a better understanding of the dairy industry.
There are many opportunities and ways to get involved within the dairy industry at ISU. Burgett talked about the different ways you as a student at ISU can go about involving yourself, whether it be taking one of her classes or simply having a discussion with her about joining the Dairy Judging Team.
Burgett reassured that you don?t have to already be involved within the dairy industry or have that dairy background to pursue a future within the industry.
For more information, visit Iowa State University?s website.
