DAIRY ST R
Presents:
Plans for the Future DECEMBER 21, 2019
DAIRY EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
Be strategic when planning your future
Veterinarians, engineers among growing career options in agriculture By Andrea Borgerding andrea.b@dairystar.com
SAUK CENTRE, Minn. – Nothing can be more daunting than planning your future. Perhaps even more intimidating than deciding on a career is the path in which one takes to reach his or her career goals in a timely and nancially responsible way. Starting early and being intentional with college planning will result in a more successful college admissions process and will ultimately be key in plotting a course towards reaching career goals. “The college planning process should be enjoyable, but at the same time, it should be strategic,” said Heather Thiesen. “Too many students take the college planning process in a casual and lackadaisical manner which yields average or poor results.” Thiesen is a high school guidance counselor at Sauk Centre High School in Sauk Centre. Thiesen suggests following a month-by-month timeline (see page 12) to stay on track as students begin their senior year and begin college applications. Once students begin applying, students can face signicant life challenges that can impede their abilities to attend and succeed in college. Finances, family responsibilities, academic preparedness and disabilities can all play a factor in a student’s ability to apply, plan and ultimately attend college. A positive attitude, resourcefulness and an occasional helping hand can assist students in overcoming these common obstacles. “The challenges students face help to dene why they become in the future,” Thiesen said. “If we assist or teach them to positively deal with various challenges from a very young age, they can become self-motivated individuals in the future who aren’t afraid to take risks.” If a student is plagued with indecision in planning for college, Thiesen suggests discussing interests, fears, uncertainties and dreams you may have. “Once you begin to understand the reasons behind the
indecision, you can begin to discuss these and begin dening some goals,” Thiesen said. When planning for college and the best career choice, concentrate on your strengths. Nobody is tailor-made for a particular thing and nobody is t enough for everything that comes their way either. There are going to be things other people are exceptionally good at while you are not. Rather than give up or feel bad about something you could not do well, be easy on yourself. “You do not have to excel at everything that comes your way,” Thiesen said. “Sometimes it is the mere fact that you tried that matters the most.” Here are jobs in agriculture which offer substantial income potential and a positive employment outlook.
Career options in agriculture Agricultural engineers: Design systems, machines and equipment to support agricultural processes and solve problems. They apply principles of mechanical, electrical, computer and environmental engineering to enhance farming operations. The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of agricultural engineers will have grown by 5% between 2018 and 2028. Agricultural and food scientists: Agricultural and food scientists investigate ways to improve the productivity, quality and safety of eld crops and farm animals. They create new food products and modify existing products, and also improve on methods for packaging, preserving and delivering products. The BLS predicts that overall employment of agricultural and food scientists will have grown by 7% between 2018 and 2028. Hydrologists: Hydrologists study the structure of water supplies which is vital to any agricultural operation. They monitor and evaluate the impact of agriculture on water quality and research ways to minimize erosion and pollution. The BLS expects employment for hydrologists to have expanded by 7% between 2018 and 2028. Veterinarian technicians: Veterinarian technicians play a signicant role in the agricultural sector by supporting veterinarians as they examine and treat farm animals. Vet techs help to prepare instruments, perform tests, administer
medications and nurse animals. The BLS expects job growth in this sector to have expanded to a higher than average rate of 19% between 2018 and 2028. Soil and plant scientists: Soil and plant scientists study and research crop production. They investigate innovative methods for treating soil, controlling disease and pests, and breeding viable plants. Soil and plant scientists test the chemical, biological and mineral composition of soils. The BLS estimates employment will grow by 5% for soil and plant scientists between 2018 and 2028. Agricultural managers: Farm managers oversee agricultural operations. They may be responsible for hiring, training and supervising farm laborers; scheduling and implementing planting and harvesting processes; and recording data on production and output. The BLS anticipates little to no growth from the 1 million individuals employed as farm managers in 2018 due to the consolidation of smaller farms into larger operations. Veterinarians: Veterinarians care for farm and ranch animals, working to ensure animals are healthy and suitable for breeding, milking or slaughter. They examine animals, perform operations, diagnose illnesses, vaccinate livestock, euthanize animals and treat injuries. The BLS estimates opportunities for veterinarians will have grown by 18% between 2018 and 2028. Commodities brokers and traders: Agricultural commodities traders analyze price trends for products like soybeans, corn, coffee, sugar, cotton, milk and meat. They establish market values and execute trades. The BLS expects job growth for commodity brokers and traders to be at 4% between 2018 and 2028. Agricultural equipment and supplies sales: Agricultural sales representatives promote farm products like seed, fertilizer, equipment, tools, fuel, software or computers, greenhouses, storage structures and fencing. They negotiate terms of sales and secure clients while also educating and training farmers on new products they sell. The BLS predicts a 2% job growth for agricultural equipment/supplies sale representatives between 2018 and 2028. Information provided by the United States Department of Labor and The Balance Careers.
Page 2 • Dairy Education Special Edition • Saturday, December 21, 2019
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Dairy Education Special Edition • December 21, 2019 • Page 3
Educational opportunities meet industry needs
Southwest Tech prepares students for rewarding careers By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
FENNIMORE, Wis. – The average age of dairy farmers and industry persons is in the upper 50s, according to the U.S. Census of Agriculture, so the need for young, vibrate minds in the industry is more important than ever before. At Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, students are prepared to ll this void. “When our agricultural programs started in the late 1960s, there was a lot we did not know by today’s standards. We hadn’t heard of GMOs, sexed semen, precision agriculture,” Paul Cutting said. “Our programs have expanded to reect the current industry and where our curriculum ts into it.” Cutting is an agribusiness instructor at the college in Fennimore, where he oversees the college’s three agribusiness science and technology areas of emphasis: agribusiness management, agronomy and animal science. The school, which enrolls 150200 students in Agribusiness Science and Technology, Farm Operations and Management, Ag Power Service Technician and Farm Business Management programs each year, prides itself in providing students the technical skills and real-life experiences needed to be active members of the workforce following graduation. For Jori Campbell, the technical college was the perfect option for her to continue her education following high school. Campbell is a 2016 graduate from SWTC and is employed at Durst-Larse Farms, of Richland Center, where she works in the calf facility and alongside
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Jori Campbell cares for a calf at DurstLarse Farms in Richland Center, Wisconsin. Campbell graduated from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College with an associate degree in agribusiness science and technology in 2016. the herdsman. “Not knowing exactly what I was wanting to do (after high school), I thought (SWTC) would give me the opportunity to get a feel for different areas of agriculture,” Campbell said. “And, it allowed me to nd out what part of the agriculture industry I was really interested in.” At the time the alumna was a student, SWTC’s program was broad and did not include the three areas of emphasis. “But, that meant I took classes that touched on basically all aspects of agriculture,” Campbell said. Every day Campbell is reminded of the value her education provides. From being able to work at the 600cow dairy throughout school and taking advantage of internship opportunities with dairy cattle genetics companies, Campbell became well equipped for
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her current position. “I see my education come into play on a daily basis from reading rations for feeding calves to covering for coworkers or even working with sales representatives,” she said. While at school, Campbell maintained a part-time job while also attending classes. She enjoyed the exibility her schedule allowed. Oftentimes as a student, Campbell would commute between her classes and job at the dairy. Also, the college’s small class size and low cost of tuition appealed to Campbell and what she wanted to get out of an education. “It was great,” she said. “I had great teachers who not only were a teacher I periodically looked to for advice, but throughout my time at SWTC became friends who I still periodically work with.” As a faculty member, that has always been the goal for Cutting. “This is a golden opportunity to start networking and spend time with people in the same career,” Cutting said. In 2015, the college hosted a ve year reunion for its Agribusiness Science and Technology program. At that event, nearly 300 people attended with more than half being graduates. It was a chance for graduates to reconnect with their classmates and also make new connections with others in the same industry. “In the agriculture industry, there is such a value in understanding this network and working with other alumni,” Cutting said. “It really gives people the opportunity to see what is possible and realize what you can do.” As Campbell reects on her education, she is condent that SWTC was the right choice for her and encourages others to carefully choose their next step after high school. “It’s OK to not want to go to a four year university,” she said. “Take your time in deciding what you want.”
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Page 4 • Dairy Education Special Edition • Saturday, December 21, 2019
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Page 6 • Dairy Education Special Edition • Saturday, December 21, 2019
U of M education provides background for young dairyman By Sherry Newell Contributing Writer
RICE, Minn. – It has been nearly seven years since Jacob Achen graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Yet, he still nds the university important to him today in his role as managing partner of Silver Streak Dairies LLC. “I still call on professors when I have some problems that I need some guidance on,” said Achen whose bachelor’s degree was animal science. Silver Streak Dairies includes farms in Pierz, Sauk Rapids and Borup as well as one in Warner, South Dakota. Achen’s responsibilities include monitoring cow ow between the sites and managing cow numbers to match facilities. He also supervises the on-site activities in Warner for the Silverstreak operation. Along with those responsibilities, Achen is the on-site manager for Warren Dairy in Indiana, which is owned by Benton Dairies LLC. There, he manages dayto-day activities, monitoring milk production, reproduction results and overall calf health. Achen’s position has developed through his parents’ ownership and development of dairies across several states, including the Silver Streak and Benton Dairy operations. But during and after his days at the U of M, he put in the time to train for his role, building on his experience on the family dairy in Sauk Centre where he grew up milking, managing show cows and participating in 4-H and FFA dairy activities. While in college, Achen completed internships at one of the family dairies – Union Dairy in Sauk Centre – and then at Rolling Lawn Farms in Greenville, Illinois, where Neal and Connie Turley are owners. He also interned at Alta Genetics, doing on-farm mentoring with reproduction programs and breeding cows. During the school year, he also worked at the U of M’s dairy farm and meat lab, and at U of M Land Care. Then came graduation.
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Jacob and Jayne Achen are graduates of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Jacob is a managing partner of Silver Streak Dairies LLC. “At rst, I was at Warner Dairy. … And, most days revolved around working with employees and a lot of training in fresh cow and feeding management, and milking procedure. Eventually, that turned into being onsite manager, where I was doing a lot more with the big picture of that site: planning short- and long-term projects, and monitoring growth of the whole farm,” Achen said. Achen was assistant manager when Warner Dairy built a new 1,000-cow barn. “There was a lot of sweat equity that went into my knowledge and growth in those rst two years,” he said. “I was learning right alongside the new employees, building trust on both sides of the business – partners and employees.”
Achen slowly grew into his role and was given more control of the operation. He said it was one of the best ways to learn the business. “I moved into it as my father moved on to the next farm starting up,” Achen said. “He was still here for me to ask questions of and to monitor things. If I did something wrong, he could help me to do it right the next time.” Eventually, that sweat equity positioned him for a partnership in Silver Streak Dairies LLC. Looking back at his college experience, Achen said his dairy production class and senior dairy production class helped him prepare for his current job. On-farm analysis, records, troubleshooting, sick cows and high somatic cell counts were all covered in class. But more importantly,
he learned to how to nd answers. “I learned to research the data that helps to x those problems,” Achen said. Competing in the Dairy Challenge, a contest where students and teams apply theory and learning to a realworld dairy, and intercollegiate dairy judging also prepared him for his current work. “I would say 90 percent of my days are like a Dairy Challenge competition minus the presentation part,” Achen said. “And, I still use quite a bit of my skills learned in judging like how to organize thoughts and put them on paper. … I’m the connection between the senior partners and the day-to-day life on the farm. I have to condense that day-to-day into 30 minutes for a presentation to partners on how we are performing and what we should do differently to meet our goals.” All in all, Achen said he made the right choice for a college and his activities given how his career has developed. “I was outside my comfort zone and tried new things, where I was still comfortable being part of CFANS,” he said. “It gave me a good chance to be on my own, experience a different knowledge base and more diversity. I made my own connections and started my own path in this world.” He also met his wife, Jayne, who is a lawyer with Rinke Noonan in St. Cloud, specializing in agriculture and wetlands litigation. They were dairy judging teammates and now live in Rice. What would he change? “I wish I had taken a year or two of Spanish,” Achen said. “And, I could have used more agribusiness or nance classes.” In January, he and Jayne will chaperone the Gopher Dairy Club’s annual senior trip to California, a trip the two of them took as club members. His opportunities as an alum continue to take expected, and sometimes unexpected, paths.
FROM A COLLEGE GRADUATE
“You should visit all the campuses of the schools you are considering ...” Darin Dykstra Maurice, Iowa Dairy farming What college or university did you attend and when? What is your degree? I graduated from Dordt College (now Dordt University) in 1992 with a degree in agriculture. Why did you decide to attend the college you did and pursue the degree you chose? Growing up on a dairy farm in southern California and going to a Christian Reformed church, I had heard about Dordt’s dairy farm and what it offered for ag courses. I wanted to be at a Christian college, go farther away from home and study agriculture. I was also interested in being able to sing in Dordt’s choirs. What did you do after graduation? How does this compare to what you had planned? I came back to my family’s dairy farm. Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to be a dairy farmer. At that time, I certainly did not know I would eventually end up living 15 minutes from my alma mater. How did attending college help you reach your career goals? My career goals really were not changed by attending college. But by attending Dordt, it helped me have a better understanding that our world belongs to God, and what we do each day, no matter what our occupation, we are to do all our work in a way that glories God. Taking history, theology, psychology and other classes certainly broadened my knowledge and helped me gain perspective. What would you have done differently in your college career? I denitely would have gone on another A Mission Out Reach trip. We went to the Dominican Republic to help build a church building during my senior year. It was a great experience, and I wish I would have gone on a couple more. What advice would you give to people considering college? If you are considering a Christian university that offers degrees in agriculture, then Dordt is the place for you. You should visit all the campuses of the schools you are considering and talk to the professors and administrators. This will give you an understanding of the care and interest they have in you and give you a feel for the campus and community as well. Also, look at all the clubs and student activities offered.
Dairy Education Special Edition • December 21, 2019 • Page 7
UNMATCHED DOMINANCE!
Dairy cattle judging is strong at the University of Minnesota,
so strong that its teams have placed 1st overall in 8 of the 15 contests held over the past 5 years at the All-American Dairy Show (Harrisburg, PA), the North American International Livestock Exposition (Louisville, KY), and World Dairy Expo (Madison, WI). Also, the University of Minnesota has placed 1st or 2nd overall in 20 of the 30 contests in these 3 contests over the past 10 years. No other university comes close to this incredible record of success. If you want a career in the dairy industry, consider the University of Minnesota. In addition to participating in our highly successful dairy judging and dairy challenge
programs, you can join the Gopher Dairy Club, whose student members gain experience and industry contacts through many activities such as an all-expense-paid 10-day senior trip to California in January. Both inside and outside the classroom, our dairy professors make teaching and working with students their top priority. Learn more today at ansci.umn.edu
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Page 8 • Dairy Education Special Edition • Saturday, December 21, 2019
Falcon dairy students fly high at UW-River Falls
Small class sizes, down to earth atmosphere make a difference By Brittany Olson Contributing Writer
ETTRICK, Wis. – Making the decision to not only attend college but also choose the right college and right major to declare is no easy task for any student. For two farm kids from western Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-River Falls was the right t to both grow in their knowledge of dairy farming as professionals and individuals. Tom Wegner, who grew up near Ettrick in Trempealeau County, and his wife, Annaliese, who hails from Baldwin in St. Croix County, both graduated with a bachelor’s degree in dairy science from the four-year school. The couple operate Wegnerlann Dairy with Tom’s parents and have two children, Lane and Sage. Annaliese is also the face behind the blog Modern-Day Farm Chick. The Wegners, who met and fell in love during their time at UWRF, both said it was the smaller size of the school, which boasts a current enrollment of just over 6,000 students, and the down-home atmosphere in a town of 15,000 people that sealed the deal to become Falcons. “We chose UWRF because it was a small school with a
great ag program,” Annaliese said. “For me, it was also close to my family and home farm. We knew we would get a good education in a small-town atmosphere.” The dairy science department, heralded by Drs. Larry Bauman, Sylvia Kehoe and Steve Kelm, has one of the largest enrollments in the United States of any dairy science major with approximately 125 students declaring that major. The program offers a management emphasis for those wishing to take over a farm as well as a science emphasis for students looking to work in the dairy industry or attend some sort of postgraduate study in the eld. Having one-on-one relationships with faculty in and out of the classroom was also a priority for the Wegners which may not have been possible at a larger university. “(Another factor was) denitely the fact that it was a smaller school,” Annaliese said. “We are both small town, country kids, so being able to have smaller class sizes and good relationships with professors was a nice perk.” From hands-on learning
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Annaliese and Tom Wegner operate Wegnerlann Dairy with Tom’s family near EƩrick, Wisconsin. The two are pictured with their daughter and son, Sage and Lane. at the Dairy Learning Center at Mann Valley Farm located just outside of town, opportunities for training in articial insemination and hoof trimming, farm tours of prestigious dairy herds across the United States, to
professional development conferences such as ADSA and Dairy Challenge, opportunities abound for UWRF dairy science majors to grow in and out of the classroom and barn. Whether students plan on taking over the family farm
or working in the industry, the curriculum and prospects for extracurricular involvement abound with practical knowledge that can be applied to any path taken after graduation. The UWRF Dairy Club, in particular, is a bucket overowing with opportunities to network and learn, and maybe even meet that special someone. “Well, we (Tom and I) met at a dairy club event,” Annaliese said. “Being active in the dairy club not only found me a husband but helped build other friendships and relationships. Many of my friends today in the dairy industry are people I met through the dairy club.” While the Wegners and other graduates may be biased toward UWRF, they reiterated that no matter where someone chooses to attend college, the opportunity of a lifetime only exists within the lifetime of the opportunity. Whether someone chooses to attend a two-year or four-year program, their view of the world, network of friends and colleagues, and scope of knowledge can be greatly expanded if they allow it to be. “Our advice is that college is a great place to further your education and build connections that will last a lifetime,” Annaliese said. “Denitely participate in at least one or two clubs and be active.”
FROM A COLLEGE GRADUATE
“College offers good information, experiences and insights ... ” Steven Hanson Goodridge, Minnesota Dairy farming What college or university did you attend and when? What is your degree? I attended Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota, from September 2015 through spring 2017. I graduated with a dairy management degree. Why did you decide to attend the college you did and pursue the degree you chose? I attended Ridgewater because I knew they had good hands-on classes which I really enjoyed and offered both dairy and crop classes. I grew up on a dairy and cash grain farm along with my two older brothers. When they went to college, I decided I should follow in their foot steps as well and go for a degree in dairy of some sort. What did you do after graduation? How does this compare to what you had planned? After graduation, I returned to the family farm and continue to work there now. My plans always included coming home after school even if I decided to further my education after Ridgewater. How did attending college help you reach your career goals? It helped me better understand the small things I may have not paid as much attention to growing up on the farm and gave me additional training in dairy/crop management which is what I wanted from college. I continue to set new goals each time I accomplish one, and the college experience is always an inuence, more or less, as I move ahead. What would you have done differently in your college career? The only thing different I would have done was to go on for another two years at a university. What advice would you give to people considering college? As technology in agriculture develops, we need to develop with it. College offers good information, experiences and insights that will help make us better at what we do. There is also more to college than just academics that can be a valuable learning tool. And nally, enjoy it.
View this special section and other issues of Dairy Star FREE online at www.dairystar.com
Dairy Education Special Edition • December 21, 2019 • Page 9
Dairy Science
Dairy Science at UW-River Falls offers: • The Dairy Learning Center - a state-of-the-art teaching laboratory and dairy operation just three miles from campus. • A focus on teaching, with faculty specializing in dairy genetics, health, nutrition, production and welfare. • An on-campus dairy processing plant. • Numerous internship opportunities and strong industry connections. • One of the largest undergraduate dairy science programs in the U.S. and the nation’s largest active Dairy Club. • The Dairy Innovation Hub - a financial investment by the State of Wisconsin in education and research initiatives in the UW-System in support of the Wisconsin dairy industry. Learn more about Dairy Science and all that the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences offers.
www.uwrf.edu/cafes
Page 10 • Dairy Education Special Edition • Saturday, December 21, 2019
A nod to SDSU
Ode appreciative of rst-class collegiate education By Maria Bichler Staff Writer
BROOKINGS, S.D. – Alex Ode gave a thankful nod to his alma mater South Dakota State University of Brookings. After all, the college’s Dairy and Food Science Department helped him mold into the very industry he grew up in and the one which continues to provide for his family. “I had a love and a desire to be in the dairy industry, whether on the animal side or the manufacturing side,” Ode said. “I didn’t want to leave the dairy sector.” Ode and his wife, Alicia, and children, Ava, 3, and Aria, 1 month, live in Brandon. Ode is a 2010 graduate of SDSU with a dual bachelor’s degree – dairy manufacturing and dairy production with a business specialization. Ode is a full-time supervisor at the Bel Brands processing facility in Brookings and works at Royalwood Farms, his family’s 370-cow registered Holstein farm, in Brandon. Ode’s father and uncle, Gregg and Doug, own Royalwood Farms, and Ode’s grandfather, Robert, continues to be involved. Ode is a partner who owns 40 cows in the operation as the fth generation. “I am able to work full time at Bel Brands which gives me benets and a salary so I can reinvest into the family farm,” Ode said. Ode was familiar with
SDSU as various family members are alums, and he said the proximity to home inuenced his decision to attend. “But, when I went and talked to the head of the (dairy) department, he put the gures before your eyes of the graduation rate, the job placement and the starting career salary,” Ode said. “It kind of made it a no brainer.” Ode said he values the spectrum available at SDSU; students can follow the process from the cow to a nished product, as the college uses training at the SDSU Dairy Research and Training Facility, SDSU Davis Dairy Plant and SDSU Dairy Sales Bar. “If you are looking for my take, if you are looking to go into the food or dairy industry, the dairy manufacturing is hands down the top notch, I personally believe, best in the country,” Ode said. “From a dairy production side, I mean it’s got the farm, it’s got all the ag related classes. … So, you can tailor what you want to get out of it whether you are going to the family farm or any other sector of the animal livestock industry.” And, Ode valued the small class sizes which, he said, were conducive to cultivating a professor to pupil relationship. Leading the Dairy and Food Science Department as department head is Vikram
it.”
During his time at school, Ode said the class work and hands-on experience he gained put him in a position where he solidied his career path and was able to join the industry post-graduation. “It’s not like I had to sit back and learn things,” Ode said. “I already had a really good understanding and was able to put my boots on the ground and hit the oor running.” Mistry said besides SDSU, there is only one other university in the United States which offers a dairy farm to product experience integrated within one department. “In terms of uniqueness, students get a lot of hands on experience at these facilities either through classes or employment,” Mistry said. “The state-of-the-art Davis PHOTO SUBMITTED Dairy Plant offers students Alex Ode, holding daughter, Ava, and wife, Alicia, is a 2010 experience that is second to graduate of SDSU with degrees in dairy manufacturing and none. It is unique. So, the dairy producƟon with a business specializaƟon. Ode is a full- industry routinely comes to the Ɵme supervisor at the Bel Brands processing facility and works department to recruit students.” at Royalwood Farms. Ode said he would not change his time at SDSU and Mistry who has been in the and deep of an impact the is grateful for the knowledge position since 2002 and has department has had on the and personal connections he been with SDSU beginning in industry as a whole.” gained. His experiences led 1986 as a faculty member. The industry’s awareness him to a career in a eld he is Mistry said the department of SDSU’s students as potential assured is his calling. has about 100 undergraduate employees was an asset for “There is room for students spread across three Ode when recollecting on his virtually anybody that has the majors – food science, dairy collegiate experience. ability to put in an effort and manufacturing and dairy “The opportunities that is interested in a rewarding production – as well as 30 SDSU could line up right away and fullling career,” Mistry graduate students. And, the in the fall; there’s numerous said. “My advice is to give us department has been with the companies knocking at the a very strong consideration. university for over a century. door looking for summer Graduates have 100 percent “Alumni of the department interns and full-time positions job placement, and we provide have developed very successful all across the country,” he said. excellent scholarship support careers that have helped shape “There is never a shortage of to students at approximately the industry,” Mistry said. “It opportunities. You just have to $150,000 per year.” it is remarkable how broad take the initiative and go with
FROM A COLLEGE GRADUATE
“College ... opened my eyes to many other ways of farming.” Casey Pfaff Alma Center, Wisconsin Dairy farming, Pfaffsway Farms What college or university did you attend and when? What is your degree? I attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and graduated in 2012 with a degree in dairy science. Why did you decide to attend the college you did and pursue the degree you chose? I chose River Falls because of the smaller town kind of feeling and the vibe I got when visiting it. Everyone seemed to have the same kind of view, and yes, I pursued the degree I chose. What did you do after graduation? How does this compare to what you had planned? After graduation, I went straight back to my home farm and joined the family farm which is what I had planned on doing. How did attending college help you reach your career goals? College helped broaden my horizons and opened my eyes to many other ways of farming. Also college is a great opportunity to meet people with different ideas and to do a massive amount of networking. What would you have done differently in your college career? I wish I would have taken more business and accounting classes. In today’s industry, you have to be on your A-game to succeed and move forward with such tight margins like we have been experiencing. Also, summer internships can be a very good and useful tool for gaining experience and knowledge for your future business. I wish I would have done a few more of them. What advice would you give to people considering college? When considering what college to choose, make sure you go and visit all aspects of the college experience. Also, take the opportunities that are thrown at you and don’t let them slip through your ngers because you never know what they will lead to. The experiences and the networking you obtain out of the classroom can be the most valuable so don’t let them go.
Dairy Education Special Edition • December 21, 2019 • Page 11
South Dakota State University offers state-of-the-art research and processing facilities, acclaimed faculty and great opportunities in dairy production, dairy manufacturing and food science.
WHY DAIRY & FOOD SCIENCE? B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in dairy science and food science Opportunities for work-study, internships and undergraduate research 100% JOB PLACEMENT! Over $150,000 in scholarships available annually Starting salaries over $45,000 State-of-the-art Davis Dairy Plant and Dairy Research and Training Facility Active Dairy Club, Dairy Judging Teams and Food Science Club Manufactured by SDSU students in the adjoining Davis Dairy Plant, our cow-tocone ice cream process ensures visitors a memorable scoop. Food Network Magazine voted SDSU’s Cookies ‘n’ Cream ice cream as the best ice cream treat in South Dakota in 2013. Contact: Vikram V. Mistry – professor and head of the Dairy and Food Science Department vikram.mistry@sdstate.edu | www.sdstate.edu/ds | (605) 688-4116 printed on recycled paper
Page 12 • Dairy Education Special Edition • Saturday, December 21, 2019
Stay on track: A step by step breakdown on applying for college
Below is a month-by-month timeline to keep you on track as you navigate through senior year and complete your college applications. Some dates and information may vary, depending on the college or your own circumstances.
Summer before senior year 1. Start your list: This summer is a great time to work on your list of colleges. By the end of the summer, you should have narrowed your list of 20-25 schools down to 10 or 12. 2. Common application: Many colleges and universities use the Common Application, which can be found online. You can register a Common Application account and get familiar with it during the summer. Know what is required, sketch out an application timeline and begin thinking about your essay, a critical component of any application. 3. ACT: You can take or retake the ACT in June or September. Go online to conrm testing dates and register. This will give you time to take the test again if you’re not happy with your score. 4. Campus visit: Before you’re loaded up with homework and extracurricular activities, use the idle months of summer to visit some of the campuses on your list. Almost any college will be conducting tours throughout the summer.
September 1. Guidance counselor: Your counselor will give you valuable perspective about the schools on your list and help you chart out the application process. Also make sure that you’re fullling all of your requirements for high school graduation. 2. Letters of recommendation: As soon as you possibly can, ask two teachers to write you letters of recommendation. 3. Request applications: By now you want to have your list down to 4 or 6 schools, tops. With each application, write out a schedule of deadlines so you don’t miss anything down the road. This is especially important if you’re thinking of applying early decision or early action. 4. College essay: Students who have spent months reecting on the essay will stand out. These essay questions can be very broad, and it can be a real challenge relating it to your life. Make sure you talk to others about how to approach the essay. 5. Grades and Extracurriculars: If you’ve already been active in extracurricular activities, explore leadership opportunities. This can mean being captain of a sports team, starting your own club or getting involved with student government. October 1. Narrow your list: By this point, your list should be whittled
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down and you’ll probably have a couple favorite schools. Know whether or not your grades are in line with the academic standards of each school. 2. Work on applications: If you’re using the Common Application, make sure each application is tailored to the school. Don’t make the mistake of copying and pasting and forgetting to change the name of the college. 3. College fairs: Most colleges and universities host college fairs in the fall. This is an open recruiting forum where students and parents are invited to see the campus and learn more about academics and student life. 4. High school transcripts: Request your high school transcripts and verify that they are accurate. If anything is wrong or missing you’ll need time to correct it. 5. Testing: Around this time you should be taking the ACT or SAT exams. 6. Applying early: If you are applying to a school through early decision or early action, you will need to complete your application in October. November 1. Applications: By now you should know what schools you’re applying to 2 or 4 ideally. You’ve had a few months to look over the various applications and think long and hard about your essay. Give yourself ample time in November to complete all the applications and get feedback about your essay. 2. Financial aid and scholarships: Knowing what kind of aid packages are available will help you weigh the cost of different schools. 3. Testing: November is still within the normal window to take your ACT (or SAT if your college requires), but December will probably be your last opportunity to do so. 4. Grades: November is also a critical month for your high school classes. The semester will end in mid-December, so if you need to improve any grades, now is the time to get serious. December and January 1. Submit applications: Most colleges have regular application deadlines sometime in December. Make sure you’ve been keeping track of all deadlines; they can vary from school to school. 2. Finalize other application components: Conrm that your test scores have been ofcially submitted to every college to which you’re applying. Also verify that any letters of recommendation have been mailed. 3. Financial aid: Most colleges require you to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Start exploring nancial aid and scholarships at the colleges you applied to. 4. Early acceptance: If you applied to a school through early decision or early action and are accepted, you will receive a letter sometime in December. Make sure you completely understand the timetable and all deadlines. 5. Grades: As soon as possible, send your fall grades to every school to which you’ve applied. Even if this is after the application, admissions counselors will incorporate it into their decision.
February and March 1. Conrm applications: Most colleges will send you a conrmation that your application has been received and is being processed. 2. Financial aid: You submitted your FAFSA in December, and by now you should be receiving a Student Aid Report, or SAR. Review this carefully and verify that everything is accurate. 3. Late applications: Some schools have late deadlines or rolling admissions policies, meaning there is no set deadline and applications may be submitted anytime in the winter or spring. As with everything else, it is still wise to apply as early as you can. You never know how competitive open seats will be. 4. Acceptance letters: Acceptance, rejection and waitlist letters may start arriving as early as February or March. April 1. Make your nal decision: If you are accepted to multiple schools, weigh all your options before making a nal decision. Talk with parents, other family members, teachers, mentors and friends. Take a good, hard look at nances, including nancial aid and cost of living expenses at each school. If possible, visit campuses again. 2. Notify other schools: Once you’ve made your decision, notify the other schools that accepted you as soon as possible. 3. Open house: Similar to college fairs in the fall, many colleges host spring open houses for incoming freshman. Find out when this is scheduled and take advantage if you are able. 4. Appeals: If you were rejected from a school, you may be able to appeal the decision. If you feel you may have a chance to appeal, research that school’s admissions policies and talk to your high school guidance counselor. May and June 1. Deposit deadline: Typically, colleges will have a deposit deadline of May 1. You may have already signaled your intent to enroll, but now it’s time to commit nancially. 2. Final transcripts: Once you’ve graduated, send your nal high school transcript to your new college. This may help you secure a scholarship or qualify for other competitive academic programs. 3. AP exams – If you’ve been taking AP classes in high school, you’ll be taking your national exams at the end of the school year. A high score or 4 or 5 on your AP exam will translate to college credit. Some students begin college with much of their freshman requirements fullled through AP credits. Summer before college 1. Roommate: If you’ve already received your dorm assignment, you will also have the opportunity to make contact with your future roommate, including by phone, email or social media. 2. Register for classes: As soon as you can, start registering for classes. Take your time to review the schedule and nd classes that are right for you. 3. Go to college: Congratulations! You’re going to college. Time to start packing.
Dairy Education Special Edition • December 21, 2019 • Page 13
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Page 14 • Dairy Education Special Edition • Saturday, December 21, 2019
DAIRY SCIENCE PROGRAM UW-Platteville’s School of Agriculture offers...
• Courses that focus on Farm to Fork concepts for a better producer, consultant, and consumer • Opportunities for competition with other dairy schools through Pioneer Dairy Challenge Team & Pioneer Dairy Judging Team • A wide variety of industry support and resources available to Dairy Science majors through internships and other networking opportunities • Agriculture-focused Faculty-Led Education Abroad with Service Learning Components • Calf and Heifer Production Systems - class with excellent technology-based hands-on activities • Pioneer Farm - campus farm giving students opportunities for hands-on work experience
PIONEER DAIRY CLUB
Close to 100 members, learning about the dairy industry and giving back through a wide variety of philanthropic and service learning opportunities
Dairy Science major
50+ students and growing! MINORS Coming
Agribusiness Ag Engineering Technology Environmental Science Spanish Soil and Crop Science
Spring 2020:
Dairy Pilot Plant! A student-run ice cream business!
• Annual Pioneer Dairy Club Consignment Sale - student run sale held every fall • Opportunities for networking through Midwest ADSA and the PDPW Mentor program • Memorial scholarship fundraising over $12,500. We also design ice cream flavors every year for local businesses.
HANDS ON LEARNING IN CLASS
CAMPUS DAIRY FARM Robotic Milkers Coming 2020!
Plus 17 other clubs/ organizations and 6 other competitive teams in the School of Agriculture!
The Dairy Innovation Hub is bringing almost $2 million per year to UW-Platteville
https://campus.uwplatt.edu/agriculture
Dairy Education Special Edition • December 21, 2019 • Page 15
UW-Platteville: the perfect fit
Achterhof graduate of college’s budding dairy science program By Maria Bichler Staff Writer
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – When Jenna Achterhof graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the fall of 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in dairy science, she was one of few students to ever depart the school with that specic degree in hand. That is because Achterhof was a student during the development of the very program she became a part of. “Yes, maybe I didn’t get a full dairy science experience, but we got to create it for future students and got to make suggestions,” she said. “It was pretty awesome to say we were part of that creation. You have to give credit to the professors and facility to make this come about. They started talking about it, and boom we had it.” Achterhof is the herd manager on her family’s dairy, Albedarned Dairy LLC of Baldwin. Achterhof’s father and uncle, Bruce and Joey, own the 520-cow farm. The cows are milked in a double-17 parallel parlor and housed in freestall barns. When Achterhof entered college in the fall of 2014, she was part of the animal science program. UW-Platteville’s dairy science program began in 2016 and now hosts around 60 undergraduate students, said Dr. Tera Montgomery. “There are a lot more students
Lindemann’s education at ATCC setups for work in precision ag
interested in the dairy industry who are sort of hedging their bets and might be an animal science major or an ag business major and don’t want to fully commit to a dairy science major,” Montgomery said. Montgomery is an associate professor of dairy and animal science in the UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and is the animal science program coordinator. She also leads a short-term study abroad trip to Romania, and Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Montgomery is the advisor to the Pioneer Dairy Club and coaches the Dairy Challenge team. Achterhof said she had no intention of joining the family farm and was leaning toward the animal nutrition industry. Through internships and exposure to nutrition classes, Achterhof knew she should follow a different career path. After college, Achterhof worked as a milk tester before joining the family farm in August 2018. “It was something different, and I didn’t think I’d go into it,” she said of the job. “But, I learned so much. I wanted to apply that knowledge somewhere, and that’s why I came back to the dairy. Dad had asked me to come back.” Now, Achterhof hopes to one day take over the farm. And, she credits a bit of that inspiration to her time at UW-Platteville. “My biggest thing from Platteville is they send you everywhere to get more experience,” she said. “We got to go to a goat farm to take samples. … On top of that, the conferences we got to go to and the people we met and all
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Jenna Achterof graduated from the University of Wisconsin-PlaƩeville in fall 2017. She is now the herd manager on her family’ dairy, Albedarned Dairy LLC near Baldwin, Wisconsin. the connections I had. … The professors have real world experience which is so nice to have because they aren’t just teaching you from the book.” Montgomery said interest in the dairy industry is strong on campus; the Pioneer Dairy Club has 100 members. The university offers a dairy science major and minor, and a double major in agribusiness and dairy science. The small community is what drew Achterhof to Platteville; she admits she had never heard of Platteville before considering the school. “When I visited, I fell in love with it right away,” she said. “It was an opportunity to meet new people, go to a new part of the state. Everyone at Platteville was welcoming, and it is still a smaller town.”
Montgomery said the surrounding area offers an array of dairy operations for students to tour, from goat to sheep, organic and conventional, and the rarity in today’s industry, such as farms that solely bull breed and one which keeps the calf on the dam while also milking. “We offer our students, in terms of going to farms, a large variety,” she said. The UW-Platteville Pioneer Farm is a 430-acre beef, dairy and swine operation. Montgomery said the 150 milking cows housed at the farm will soon be milked in a robotic milking systems. The university also received a grant from the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America to support the opening of UW-Platteville’s Dairy Pilot Plant and the creation of a student-run ice cream production business. For students considering UWPlatteville for a dairy science degree, Achterhof said be sure to tour the campus and to not be discouraged because of the town’s population; instead, the close-knit community is an asset not to be overlooked. Both Achterhof and Montgomery encourage students to consider a diverse education including Spanish, environmental science, crop and soil science, and business. “It was one of the best times of my life,” Achterhof said. … “Sometimes people are afraid of the small-town aspect, and they shouldn’t be. Platteville is well known everywhere and absolutely is a good school – the people who surround you and the classes you are able to take and the opportunities that they provide you are awesome. Never be afraid to try something.”
A world beyond the barn
By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
ALEXANDRIA, Minn. – Dairy farming is far more than milking cows. In today’s world, it is all encompassing, and an industry Matt Lindemann never imagined he would be a part of. Lindemann is a branch manager and technology specialist for Puck Enterprises, of Worthing, South Dakota, where he specializes in manufacturing automation systems for liquid delivery equipment in the liquid manure industry. “As a student, I would’ve never imagined myself using my skills in the business I am in,” Lindemann said. “As simple and dirty and unsophisticated as (manure application) looks, there’s a tremendous amount of skill and technology that relates to the precise application of liquid manure.” Lindemann is a 2005 graduate of Alexandria Technical and Community College in Alexandria where he received an associate degree in mechatronics.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
MaƩ Lindemann stands in front of automated wire processing equipment at Puck Enterprises in Worthing, South Dakota. Lindemann graduated from Alexandria Technical and Community College and now uses his educaƟon in the precision agriculture industry. The alumni’s interest in automation and uid power started at a young age, watching his uncle manage a distributorship. “I started with a strong background and upbringing,” Lindemann said. “I taught myself a lot in light of how to make a particular process better or easier. I was always curious to know how we could take a redundant task and automate it, mechanize it.” For Lindemann, ATCC was the perfect place to continue his education and prepare for a career in mechatronics. The central Minnesota college is recognized as a
national leader in advanced technical skills education and has a 98% job placement for graduates. Lindemann was intrigued by the school’s continued relationship with industry persons to keep the school’s programs relevant. Extensive partnerships with local, state, national and international businesses and industries is a priority at the college. “They tried to align those programs to the industry needs,” Lindemann said. “For example, manufacturers would come in and talk about the industry from the business’s point of view. They wanted to make sure the
college’s program was on task and providing students with the skills we would need in the industry.” Those skills gave Lindemann the unique advantage to work across multiple areas. “I learned the basics of instrumentation, the basics of automation, mechanical concepts, 3D modeling…” he said. “It all blends well to be able to move into different industries and be an asset in industries like precision agriculture.” The alumni’s educational path even took him to Finland where he participated in the Skills USA – Fluid Power
World Competition. When choosing a degree or program, Lindemann encourages students to consider their future and identify skills or passions of theirs. Then, look at programs and degrees that focus on those skills. “Technical skills are really difcult to come by, and in our industry that’s even more true. We’re lacking being able to serve a growing industry as it becomes more advanced with technology,” Lindemann said. “Those skills are something they’ll fall back on the rest of their lives. Personally, I’ve trained those with technical orientation to ll high level positions.” And having the opportunity to develop those skills while at school has only boosted Lindemann’s career and passion. “Here’s a process, here’s how it’s done, and how can we make it better, easier and safer? What can we do to make it more accurate?” he said. “That’s what I enjoy thinking about, and for me, (ATCC) really tied everything together.” After more than 10 years following graduation, Lindemann is still appreciative of the opportunities he had while at school and how they continue to inuence his experiences beyond the classroom.
Page 16 • Dairy Education Special Edition • Saturday, December 21, 2019
A member of Minnesota State
Highest graduation rate of all Minnesota State colleges and universities 98% job placement for graduates
PROGRAMS IN MANUFACTURING & TRANSPORTATION
Students from these programs compete in SkillsUSA. Over the years, 145 ATCC students have placed in the top three nationally.
• Carpentry • Diesel Mechanics • Machine Tool Technology • Marine, Motorcycle, & Powersports Technician • Mechanical Drafting, Design, & Engineering Technology • Mechatronics • Professional Truck Driver • Welding Technology
www.alextech.edu/star www.alextec c | star@alextech.edu | 320-762-0221 888-234-1222 | 1601 Jefferson Street | Alexandria, MN 56308 A Member of Minnesota State An Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator This document is available in alternative formats by calling 888-234-1222 ext. 4673 or 320-762-4673