DAIRY EDUCATION | Dairy Production

Dairy education in dairy production has greatly changed during the past 50 years. This article highlights the trends and progress in dairy education. The student population has changed, with more female students, decreased number of students from farms, less emphasis on dairy within the changes in universities, and a large increase in the use of technology. Changes in the dairy industry during the last 25 years have greatly impacted dairy education. The current education curricula and programs continue to emphasize science, but recent education programs emphasize more experiential learning to supplement classroom learning. The North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC) program focuses on all facets of a dairy farm business. This program has had a significant impact on teaching and education in many universities in the United States and better meets the industry and student needs. Since 2002, about 2216 college students have enhanced their education by participating in the NAIDC program discussed in this article. The partnering of universities and industry is an important factor in the success of NAIDC. This program and its impact on dairy production education are discussed in this article.