California Ag Network

Tag: dairy education

  • NAIDC Elects New Leadership for 2026-2027

    North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge® (NAIDC) recently elected new leadership, including one new board member and the 2026 – 2027 Executive Committee. As stated in the NAIDC mission statement, the organization strives to “Develop tomorrow’s dairy leaders and enhance the progress of the dairy industry, by providing education, communication and networking among students, producers and agribusiness and university personnel.”

    In its 24-year history, Dairy Challenge has evolved significantly to meet the ever-changing needs of the dairy industry. The Program originally beganin 2002 with 56 students from 13 colleges competing in one national event. Today there are more than 500 dairy students participating annually throughout the national competition, Dairy Challenge Academy and four regional events. The volunteer Board of Directors represents the many university professionals, dairy producers and industry sponsors who contribute to these opportunities.

    Newly elected to the 15-person volunteer NAIDC Board of Directors is:

    •  Brian Waymire, Nedap Livestock, CA. — Brian Waymire serves as a Large Herd Specialist for Nedap Livestock, working with dairy producers throughout the Western United States to implement technology-driven management solutions that improve dairy performance, labor efficiency and animal health. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, Waymire began his career in dairy management in 2010 and has managed dairies ranging from 400 to 7,000 milking cows. His previous management experience includes Giacomini Dairy in Petaluma, Tony De Groot Dairies in Hanford, Alhem Family Partnership in Hilmar and Jones Farms in Stevinson. He later served as a Premier Account Manager with Alta Genetics before joining Nedap. A proud alumnus of the Western Regional Dairy Challenge, Waymire has remained actively involved with the program by hosting Dairy Challenge practices, mentoring students at regional contests and Dairy Challenge Academy, judging both regional and national competitions and serving on the Western Regional Planning Committee. He credits Dairy Challenge with providing foundational skills that continue to shape hisprofessional career and values the program’s ability to bridge classroom learning with real-world dairy management.

    The NAIDC Executive Committee for 2026–2027 includes:

    •  Chair: Ted Halbach, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI.

    •  Vice Chair: Gail Carpenter, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

    •  Associate Vice Chair: Erin Spangler, Riverview, LLP, Morris, MN.

    •  Promotions & Engagement Chair: Elizabeth Eckelkamp, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.

    •  Finance Chair: Heather Weeks, Farm Credit East, Bedford, NH.

    •  Program Committee Chair: Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.

    Continuing their terms on the board are:

    ·         Doug DeGroff, Progressive Dairy Solutions, Tulare, CA.

    ·         Jeff Elliott, Balchem, Amarillo, TX.

    ·         Jordan Fisher, Mapleview Dairy, Madrid, NY.

    ·         Matt Groen, Cargill, Guelph, ON, Canada.

    ·         Jen Lane, Cargill, Hanford, CA.

    ·         Lauren Mayo, North Carolina A&T University, Greensboro, NC.

    ·         Linda Parreira, Farm Credit West, Tulare, CA.

    ·         Craig Walter, Valley Ag Software, Poynette, WI.

    The Board also recognizes the service of retiring board member Megan Mouw, Elanco Animal Health, Riverdale, California. Throughout hertenure, Mouw contributed her leadership and expertise in support of Dairy Challenge’s mission to prepare the next generation of dairy industry professionals. The organization extends its appreciation for her years of volunteer service and dedication to Dairy Challenge.

    — Story contributed by Dairy Challenge

  • Students Face Nation’s Top Collegiate Dairy Program

    At Fresno State, senior Alexis Jackson found a calling in the animal science field, thanks to a series of campus farm positions that started when she was a freshman working at the campus dairy.

    As a sophomore and junior, the Antelope Valley native lived at the dairy unit, where she was responsible for milking cows, feeding calves and assisting with their health needs. Those experiences involved real-life problem-solving as well as managing late-night and weekend responsibilities as calves were born or cows needed medical treatment.

    That experience made her a strong candidate to help a team of Fresno State students compete at the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge national event held April 12 to 14 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

    Together with fellow seniors Drake Bair (of Merced), JonMichael Silva (Visalia) and Diego Olivares (Bakersfield), the team placed fourth in the nine-team D panel, which was won by Iowa State University.

    Senior Jose Vargas (Tulare) competed on an aggregate team of individual students from various universities in another panel.

    Junior George Gioletti (Turlock) also competed on an aggregate team that won their panel in the Academy Division. This section followed the same contest format and is ideal for students who are new to the event and may compete in the future, and emphasizes practice and learning.

    Overall, 36 of the 43 universities in attendance had students competing in the national team competition, which was divided into four groups, or panels. Additional students from many of those same universities participated in the Academy Division.

    “We had practiced for many months for this event, but there were still a lot of things for us to adjust to, since dairies in the Midwest oftentimes do things differently than what we see out here,” Jackson said. “It was fun to see the differences and meet other students and professionals from across the nation. We owe a lot of thanks to our faculty adviser, Dr. Jessica Townsend Graybeal, and industry professionals who gave us great training beforehand in how to analyze dairies.”

    At the event co-hosted by Dordt University, Iowa State University and South Dakota State University, students also participated in team-building activities, met professionals to learn about industry topics and networked at a career and innovation fair.

    Fresno State prepped for the national event by competing at the Western Regional Dairy Challenge March 5 to 7, organized by the University of Alberta in Camrose, Alberta. The regional event, one of four held nationally, included 77 students from 15 schools.

     After their presentations, judges selected Jackson’s and Bair’s team presentations as the best in their four-team panels, and Olivares and junior Jaleesa Sousa’s teams received runner-up honors.

    The host dairy posed a unique challenge for students, as the Canadian national production quota system limited some of their potential suggestions, such as increasing milk production or herd size. Fresno State instead offered feedback to increase profitability by improving health monitoring and reproduction practices for younger heifers, so more could be sold at higher prices to other dairies in the United States, which did not have production quotas or herd size limits.

    Like the national event, the regional contest was funded through the support of more than 100 agribusinesses and dairy producers, and was one of four held across the country.

    To prepare for both events, Fresno State students were advised by campus dairy supporters Rick Rocha (Valley Ag Software), Denise Athy (Valley Ag Software) and Ryan Cabrera (Ag West Financial Credit).

    Students also evaluated Central Valley dairies in the contest format that are operated by Fresno State alumni Caleb Zwart (Mineral King Dairy in Visalia), Matt Strickland (Double Creek Dairy in Merced), Alex DeJager (Vista Verde Dairy in Chowchilla) and Johnny Serpa (Black Diamond Dairy in Riverdale).

    A Jordan College endowment organized by another supporter, Tony Campos, helped fund the team’s travel to the regional event.

    “As they approach their careers, our students gained invaluable insight through the professional connections and networking at the event’s career fair and through our training,” said Townsend Graybeal, the assistant professor who served as the team’s coach. “This event is made possible by the generous support of our industry, which helps keep costs low, from registration to hotels, and allows more students to take advantage of this opportunity.”

    Graybeal, who joined the faculty this past fall and teaches dairy science classes, traveled with the students to both events. She also teaches the Advanced Commercial Dairy Management Evaluation Class (ASCI 164), a requirement for all dairy science students.

    “It was great watching the students come together as a team and come out of their shells,” Townsend Graybeal said. “They really bonded while they were learning about the industry, so it was a great return for the team, which hadn’t been active for several years. I’m incredibly proud of how hard they worked throughout the process. I know our graduating seniors will go on to do amazing things, and I’m excited to have several students returning to the team next year.”

    Graybeal said she was drawn to the Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education Department because of the teaching, research, campus dairy opportunities and strong ties to the industry. In recent years, she completed her doctoral degree, conducted animal genetic research and worked with undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Simi Valley native had previously received an undergraduate degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and conducted research at its campus dairy.

    Fresno State’s dairy program started in 1954, and its current facility is named after donor Manuel Mancebo, Jr., and Katye Mancebo. The unit has over 250 Jersey and Holstein cows, and gives classes and nearly 20 student assistants hands-on experience in dairy production, animal health and welfare and genetics. California is the nation’s leading state in milk production, and the Central Valley is the state’s leader.

    For Jackson, a dairy science major, her passion for the industry continues to grow, and she can see herself working in many areas. Following her role at the Fresno State dairy, she gained experience at Standard Cattle, a calf ranch and feedlot in San Joaquin, and now works at the Fresno State beef and sheep units. This summer, she will compete on a campus quiz bowl team at the Recriprocol Meat Conference in June before she finishes her dairy science degree this fall.

    “Dairy Challenge is something we have heard about from alumni who have shared their experiences, and we are thankful to have a team again at Fresno State,” Jackson said. ”This was an amazing experience that allowed us to learn more about the industry, connect with others through networking and build friendships with students from across the nation.” — Story contributed by Fresno State University

  • USJersey to Offer More than $47,00 in Scholarships

    The deadline is July 1 to apply for scholarship and educational awards administrated by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

    The AJCA has more than $47,000 in scholarship money to award to Jersey youth in 2026. This funding will go toward young Jersey enthusiasts pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey cattle. Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a 2.5 minimum grade point average, on a 4.0 scale, are eligible to apply for the awards.

    The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies ($5,000) will be awarded to a graduate dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production or manufacturing or dairy product marketing student.

    The Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000) will be offered for the third time. Those who are incoming or current undergraduate students in any post education institute studying a dairy related major are eligible Applicants must also be working toward a two-or four-year degree and demonstrate satisfactory academic performance. Recipients can receive the scholarship a maximum of two times but must reapply for reconsideration.

    The Lineweaver Scholarship ($5,000) will be awarded to an undergraduate who has completed at least one year of study in a four-year program focused on dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis) or dairy products.

    The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($3,250) will be awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing.

    The William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) is offered to those who will begin their studies at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2026. Students who have completed at least one year of their studies are eligible for the V.L. Peterson Scholarship($2,500). The Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,500) will be awarded to an eligible nominee in the Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

    The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) was established from a generous donation of Bob and Pam Bignami, Orland, California, from the sale of BW Graduate-ET in 2020. Those who have graduated high school and attended Jersey Youth Academy are eligible to apply. These students must also be heading to or enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university majoring in an agricultural-based degree.

    The Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($2,000) will go to either an undergraduate or graduate student working toward a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing. Students must also demonstrate significant progress toward their intended degree and a clear intention of an agriculture career through coursework completion and a goal statement.

    The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) is for continuing college students in any degree program area. The recipient of the AJCA Directors’ Scholarship ($1,500) is determined based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award ($2,000) can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.

    The recipient of the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350) will be selected from among applicants for the national achievement contest and/or scholarship program to recognize abilities and leadership potential and, in turn, challenging the recipient to achieve his/her potential through continuing Jersey activities.

    Also, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award will be presented to an eligible resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to be used for educational expenses or to travel to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of Jan. 1, 2026.

    Apply here: https://usjersey.com/wp-content/uploads/Youth/26_CowlesYouthAward.docx

    For application forms and instructions, visit the “Youth Corner” page on the USJersey website and select the scholarship option. Recipients will be recognized on Saturday, November 7 at the Youth Awards Ceremony held in Louisville, Ky.

    For more information, contact the AJCA by email at info@usjersey.com; or visit its web site at USJersey.com.     

    — Contributed by American Jersey Cattle Association

  • California Milk Advisory Board Offers Opportunity For Student Ambassadors With International Audiences


    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced the return of its student internship program where young agriculture ambassadors will represent Real California Milk internationally. Applications are now open for summer representatives in  CMAB’s partner countries.

    The interns, selected from students enrolled in agriculture-related programs at colleges and universities throughout the state, will be chosen based on academic achievement, connection to the dairy industry and a willingness to travel abroad and learn more about international dairy sales and marketing, as well as a plan to work in the California dairy industry in the future.

    Over the six-week period, interns will spend time with CMAB marketing organizations overseas in order to gain a better understanding of these markets, consumer buying habits and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry.

    “Over the last decade, the CMAB has worked closely with partners in Mexico and Asia to develop markets for California dairy products. This program is focused on providing insight into international marketing for future leaders who will work in the dairy business and one day serve on dairy industry boards and lead industry groups,” said Glenn Millar, Vice President of International Business Development for the CMAB.

    Interested candidates must submit a completed application, essay, and other requirements by Friday, November 14, 2024. Additional information is available here.

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

  • How to Bring the Dairy to the Classroom & Educate Students

    With so many misconceptions about the dairy industry among the public and the growing gap between the consumer and the farmer, it is more critical than ever for the industry to reach out and educate consumers in their youth true facts about the dairy.  But we can’t very well bring all California students onto the dairy.  So how do we reach out to them?  One great way the Dairy Council of California has been reaching out is through the Mobile Dairy Classroom program.  Watch this brief interview with classroom instructor Mishael McDougal from the Dairy Council as she describes how they bring the dairy to the classroom.  Read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.