The North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge and Dairy Challenge Academy is coming to the Badger State next spring. More than 200 students from 36 colleges across the U.S. will put their textbook knowledge to work by evaluating a dairy operation and developing recommendations during the competition, which will take place in Green Bay from March 30 through April 2.

NAIDC is an innovative event for students in dairy programs at North American post-secondary institutions. The mission is to develop tomorrow’s dairy leaders to foster a sustainable future by providing education, communication and networking among students, producers, and agribusiness and university personnel.

“We are ecstatic to have the national contest return to Wisconsin,” said Ted Halbach, UW-Madison Dairy Management faculty associate and NAIDC Program Committee. “Students and their instructors will be visiting farms that are representative of the progressive dairy industry we have in the state. In addition, Dairy Challenge gives both producers and industry professionals in the area a chance to grow the next generation by becoming involved in volunteer roles such as contest officials, student mentors and sponsors.”

Contest participants will evaluate an operating dairy farm, analyze farm data and ask questions of farm owners. Each team then develops recommendations which will be presented to the farm owners and a panel of judges. Students will also participate in educational and networking activities such as farm tours, research presentations and agribusiness interaction in a career fair.

Source: Wisconsin Ag Connection