Dairy students compete in Western Regional Dairy Challenge
By Ag Weekly
Friday, March 24, 2006 2:31 PM CST
MODESTO, Calif. -- Dairy college students from throughout the western United States gathered in Modesto, Calif., in early March to participate in the Western Regional Dairy Challenge. WRDC, conducted under the guidance and support of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, drew more than 50 students from eight western universities. Students from Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo, Fresno State University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Tartleton, Texas A & M, Utah State University and Washington State University participated in the event.
Shortly after arriving at the event, students were assigned to one of 10 “aggregate” teams. No more than one student from any of the participating universities was assigned to a given team. Students were provided with financial information and management data on the host dairy and had the opportunity to observe the operation and ask questions of the dairy’s managers.
Later, the teams were given time to compile a report discussing the operation’s strengths and improvement opportunities. Their report was presented to a panel of industry judges. Each team member was required to present a segment of their findings.
Charles Ahlem Dairy, Hilmar, Calif., hosted the students as they observed milking procedures, measured freestalls and water troughs, and observed feedstuffs and feeding protocols.
The Dairy Challenge provides an opportunity for students to recall basic dairy-management principles and their practical application, while testing organizational, time management, data analysis, public speaking, leadership and teamwork skills. Agribusinesses and universities from throughout the western states cooperated to stage this event to increase students' knowledge and comprehension of dairy business management, and thereby promote a strong future for the dairy industry. It was the first time a regional event was held in the West.
“This is a contest I would put above any collegiate contest I’ve been involved with. It’s a contest that requires students take their learning out of the classroom and apply it to the industry in a real-world situation,” said Jon Robison, professor at Fresno State and coach of the Fresno State team. “It’s a very positive experience for the students.”
Two teams were awarded the top-ranked platinum award. Members of one team included Gary Thompson, Cal Poly; Oscar Sanchez, Washington State; Adam Wolf, Texas A & M; Jordan Stebbins, University of Idaho; and Garrett Trschida, Oregon State. Members of the other platinum team included Mark Aguiar, Cal Poly; Jeramie Voss, Washington State; Raymundo Aguirre, Texas A & M; Junko Nagatsune, Utah State; and John Verwey, University of Idaho.
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