Clarissa Gross, who grew up in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s degree in dairy science, plus a certificate in business management for CALS. In this Q&A, she talks about the value of participating the Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge competition, plus her numerous leadership positions in various ag-focused student clubs.

Why did you choose your major?
I grew up on a dairy farm and worked in the dairy industry my whole life and wanted to continue in the industry. Through my degree, I learned practical herd management knowledge, as well as the physiology and science behind many of the herd management practices.

What other activities were you involved in?
I was involved in the Association of Women in Agriculture (AWA), Badger Dairy Club (BDC) and Collegiate Farm Bureau (CFB) for all 4 years. I was also involved in Saddle & Sirloin for 3 years and Collegiate FFA for 2 years. I also served in several leadership positions in these clubs:

• AWA: Alumni Coordinator (2021-22), Breakfast on the Farm Animal Education Chair (2021), Breakfast on the Farm Set Up Chair (2022)
• BDC: Vice President (2022-23), World Dairy Expo Milk House Chair (2021, 2022)
• CFB: Secretary (2021-22), President (2022-23)
• Saddle & Sirloin: CALSSA Representative (2020-21), Vice President (2021-22)
• Collegiate FFA: Vice President (2020), President (2020-21)

I also interned at Hall’s Calf Ranch in summer 2021 and at ST Genetics as the Genetic Services intern in summer 2022.

What are your future academic and/or career plans?
After graduation, I plan to work in the dairy industry as a consultant in genetics or nutrition. Long term, I hope to work as a consultant in calf and heifer care.

What were the most meaningful college experiences you had?
One of the most meaningful things I participated in during college was Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge. This competition takes classroom knowledge and applies it to help students prepare for their career in the dairy industry. Through this experience I have not only been able to improve my skills and prepare for a career, but also make connections and network with others in the dairy industry.

I would also say that the many leadership positions I held were very valuable to the experiences I had in college because of the skills I gained and the relationships I was able to build with other students.

When you think about your time here as student, what are you proud of?
I am proud of my academic success as well as all of the leadership positions I have been able to hold in the student organizations that I have been involved in.

Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
My advice would be to get involved in student organizations, other extra curriculars, and do at least one internship. Through my one internship I was able to explore a new part of the dairy industry and found out that I really enjoyed it.