UW-River Falls Students at Midwest Regional Dairy Challenge Competition

Feb. 22, 2012 -- Four University of Wisconsin-River Falls students participated in the Midwest regional competition for the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC) Program Jan. 31-Feb. 2 in St. Joseph, Mo.

One of the UWRF students, Carl Lippert of Pittsville, finished on the first place team. Other students from UWRF included Steffani Koch of Mayville, Todd Speltz of Eyota, Minn., and Lauren Wendt of Marshall. Each student was assigned to one of 16 separate teams composed of five students from different schools in the Midwest and Canada. Each team received information on a specific local dairy operation, including production and management data which the team then visited the operation to assess the nutrition, reproduction, milking procedures, animal health, housing, and financial management.

Following the visit, each team presented their analysis and recommendations to a panel of dairy industry representatives. Two dairy farms in eastern Kansas, one Holstein and one Jersey operation, served as the host farms this year.

Lippert, a UWRF senior majoring in dairy science with a management emphasis, was on the first place team that visited and evaluated the Holstein farm.             

The NAIDC was established in 2002 as a management competition incorporating all aspects of a specific dairy business. The event receives financial support from dairy industry companies, foundations, and dairy producers to help cover the cost of lodging and meals for the participating students. Receptions and evening events give students and sponsors the opportunity to network with one another.