MANHATTAN, Kansas. – Developing the next generation of dairy industry leaders is the goal of the newly created Dairy U program. High school students with an interest in discovering opportunities within the industry are encouraged to apply now for this four-day immersive educational opportunity throughout southwest Kansas. The inaugural program will be open to ten students from across the country, June 19-22, 2018.

Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry will partner with leading dairy producers to provide this learning opportunity. Partnering dairies include: Ag Oasis, Forget-Me-Not Farms and Royal Farms. Lead donors for the program include: Kansas Dairy Council, Arm and Hammer Animal Health, Zoetis, American AgCredit, and Midwest Select Sires.

“The dairy industry in Southwest Kansas is continuing to grow and with this growth comes new technology and jobs,” said Mandy Fox, Ag Oasis Dairy education and outreach coordinator. “We hope to spark an interest in these students to consider options in the dairy industry, or directly linked to us, early on in their academic career. The hope is that once they complete high school they may choose an education or career path that helps our industry continue to grow and develop. We would like to expose them to all the options that exist in the dairy arena.” 

Students will meet in Dodge City and travel throughout Kansas to visit dairies and meet with leaders and industry stakeholders. Hands-on seminars will include a dairy industry overview, lifecycle of a cow, animal health, reproduction, milking systems and nutrition. Students will also receive financial education and communications training.

Applications are due April 2, 2018, and can be found at http://www.YouthLivestock.KSU.edu. Transportation to and from the event is the responsibility of the participant, along with a $50 deposit to reserve his or her space. All other costs are provided by the program sponsors. Please contact coordinator Sharon Breiner with questions at sbreiner@ksu.edu or 785-532-6533.

###