Dairy Science Department |
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Dairy Challenge
North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC)
About the Program The goal is to participate in an intercollegiate dairy management competition based on the examination of all aspects of a dairy business. This competition will challenge students in recall of basic dairy management principles and their practical application, while testing organizational, time management, data analysis, public speaking, leadership and teamwork skills. Latest Competition Results A team of four students from California Polytechnic State University won a Gold Award in the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC) held March 27 and 28 in Syracuse, NY. A total of 29 teams from the United States and two from Canada competed in the eighth annual event, hosted by the Northeast Region NAIDC committee. Dairy Challenge was designed by professionals from the allied dairy industry and university educators to bring classroom training to life in the real world for students preparing for dairy careers. The Cal Poly team spent two days at the contest. On the first day, they combed through cow and farm management data, as well as financial records, then conducted an on site evaluation. Later that day, they also interviewed the farm owner. After they identify opportunities to increase efficiency and profitability for the herd owner, the team presented its findings to a judging panel comprised of a dairy business owner and four experts in dairy nutrition, herd health, reproduction, and financial management. Teams were judged on their analysis of the operation, recommendations, and overall presentation. The mission of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge is to facilitate education, communication and an exchange of ideas among students, agribusiness, dairy producers and universities that enhances the development of the dairy industry and its leaders. The 2010 national contest will be held April 8 through 10 in Visalia, Calif., with four regional contests scheduled for late fall 2009 and winter 2010. Prior to the National contest, students also participated in the Regional Contest held in Visalia, Ca on February 27-28, and a practice contest with Fresno State on February 20. More than 30 Cal Poly Dairy Science majors and minors participated in some level of the Dairy Challenge competitions. For more info an the Dairy Challenge competition go to their web page: http://www.dairychallenge.org/
Dairy Challenge Regional Contest, Visalia - February '09
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Cal Poly Cheese
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