High school seniors interested in studying dairy science are encouraged to apply for admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the fall 2001 semester. Applications can now be submitted on-line at http://www.undergrad.cals.wisc.edu/. The deadline to apply is February 1st, 2001.

The Department of Dairy Science is one of the nationally ranked programs at the UW-Madison. Dairy science majors find career opportunities in both production agriculture and the life sciences. “There continues to be more industry demand for our graduates than we are able to supply,” reports Lou Armentano, department chairman.

The dairy science program offers students several degree options. Most students majoring in dairy science choose either the Business or Natural Science option.

The department recently added a specialization within the Business option, called Dairy Enterprise Management. This concentration includes courses from the UW-Madison”s highly regarded Business School, and provides students with the comprehensive management skills necessary to compete in an increasingly business-oriented dairy industry. “This program is ideally suited for students interested in managing a dairy farm or working as a professional consultant for dairy producers,” indicates Armentano.

Students with a strong interest in biology can choose the Natural Sciences option. This curriculum provides excellent training for careers in biotechnology, nutrition and genetics. In addition this option fulfills the prerequisites for admission into veterinary school. Students choosing this course work also seek advanced degrees in medical or graduate school.

Dairy science provides other degree options in Production Systems, Social Science, and International Agriculture. All of the programs provide valuable learning experiences through core course work, practical active learning labs and internship opportunities. “A renowned research and instructional faculty guide students in dairy science,” states Armentano.

Work opportunities in the dairy herd, research labs, and administrative offices allow students to work while they learn. Scholarships are also available through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which offers $400,000 to students each year. Dairy science awards $25,000 to its majors. Last year incoming dairy science freshmen averaged nearly $1,500 in scholarship money.

Another important aspect of the educational experience at UW-Madison is the opportunity to get involved in a host of extracurricular activities including the Badger Dairy Club and national award winning dairy judging teams.

The Badger Dairy Club provides students with first-hand experience at World Dairy Expo. BDC members help set up and maintain the show ring, manage the milk house and sell thousands of grilled cheese sandwiches during the week-long event. In addition, club members manage the Badger Invitational Consignment Sale and take several group trips.

UW-Madison dairy judges have a history of success, including seven national championships. 2000 was a banner year for the team as the Badgers won three of the five contests they competed in. Problem solving and communication skills are just a few of the benefits that are enhanced by judging team participation.

Campus life at Madison also includes a variety of social events, ranging from lectures, concerts and intramural sports to the enthusiasm generated by Badger sports as they compete in the Big Ten Conference.

Admissions are competitive and applicants presenting the strongest overall credentials from courses taken, rank-in-class, and ACT test scores have the best chance of being admitted. Admission statistics show that students in the top 30 percent of their class have the best chance of being admitted and should apply. Over 90 percent of students in the top 20 percent of their high school class are accepted to the UW-Madison.

“I encourage high school seniors to consider taking a campus visit to meet with our students and faculty,” says Armentano. “You may be surprised to find that ours is a small friendly college with an outstanding 10:1 student to faculty ratio.”

To receive more information, set up a visit with a faculty member, or arrange a tour of campus, contact Ted Halbach at the Department of Dairy Science, (608) 263-3305.

The following are upcoming 2001 campus visit dates:

o January 19th
o February 23rd
o March 23rd
o April 20th

More information about dairy science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison can be found on the web at http://www.wisc.edu/dysci/.