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Alltech works with Iowa State University and the University of Nebraska to develop dairy training modules.

May 20, 2022

2 Min Read
man milking a dairy cow
DAIRY TRAINING: Alltech recently partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Extension and Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach to develop a free online training program that is available in both English and Spanish. Justin Sullivan/Getty images

Alltech has recently partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Extension and Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach to develop a free online training program that is available in both English and Spanish. The Bilingual Training and Education Program to improve practices that affect milk quality has been designed to help dairy farm employees better understand the how’s and why’s of handling and milking cows.

“The dairy industry is dependent on an immigrant labor force that needs to be educated so they can be efficient in their jobs,” says Jorge Delgado, the on-farm dairy specialist responsible for Alltech's Training, Talent Development and Retention Program. “Better education and training also help increase employee retention. Education satisfies an employee’s drive to comprehend, and is critical for dairy employees to be capable of doing their jobs correctly. No matter the experience level, proper training improves skills and reduces mistakes or actions based on either misinformation or a general lack of information.”

Free resource

After completing each training module by viewing the short accompanying videos and resource materials, participants will complete a quiz to receive a certificate of completion for each module. Each training module includes videos presented in Spanish with English subtitles. The quizzes are offered in both English and Spanish, and the Spanish quizzes include audio translation. The videos include demonstrations of on-farm practices to emphasize key milking and management techniques.

“The employees who manage the milking should thoroughly understand the milk production cycle, the milking procedure, and the importance of bedding material and animal hygiene to improve milk quality and udder health,” says Jennifer Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Results from previous surveys indicate that employees are more successful in their jobs, and employee retention is higher, if the training is [offered] in their native language. This milker training resource will provide producers and employees with the tools needed to make positive changes in milk quality and cow health and well-being.”

“By utilizing this resource, farms have the potential to increase employee retention and motivation, while also reducing turnover and increasing employee efficiency and dairy profitability,” Delgado says.  

The online training is a free resource and is available at go.iastate.edu/milkertraining, and a preview video is available in English and Spanish. For more information about Alltech’s on-farm dairy support program, visit alltech.com/dairy-on-farm-support.

Source: Alltech is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

 

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