Dairy is a rapidly growing industry in Kansas, especially southwest Kansas.

That opens an opportunity for today’s high school students to learn more about the industry, and how it might contribute to their career plans.

Introducing those students to the potential of dairy is the goal of Kansas State University’s newly created Dairy U program, which will provide high school students a chance to enroll in a four-day immersive educational opportunity throughout southwest Kansas in June.

The inaugural program to be held June 19-22, will be open to 10 students from across the country.

KSU’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry will partner with leading dairy producers to provide this learning opportunity. Partnering dairies include Ag Oasis, Forget-Me-Not Farms and Royal Farms. Lead donors for the program include Kansas Dairy Council, Arm and Hammer Animal Health, Zoetis, American AgCredit and Southeast Select Sires.

“The dairy industry in southwest Kansas is continuing to grow, and with this growth comes new technology and jobs,” says Mandy Fox, Ag Oasis dairy education and outreach coordinator. “We hope to spark an interest in these students to consider options in the dairy industry, or directly linked to us, early on in their academic career. The hope is that once they complete high school, they may choose an education or career path that helps our industry continue to grow and develop. We would like to expose them to all the options that exist in the dairy arena.”

Students will meet in Dodge City, Kan., and travel throughout Kansas to visit dairies and meet with leaders and industry stakeholders. Hands-on seminars will include a dairy industry overview, life cycle of a cow, animal health, reproduction, milking systems and nutrition. Students will also receive financial education and communications training.

Applications are due April 2 and can be found at youthlivestock.ksu.edu. Transportation to and from the event is the responsibility of the participant, along with a $50 deposit to reserve his or her space. All other costs are provided by the program sponsors. Contact coordinator Sharon Breiner with questions at [email protected] or 785-532-6533.

Source: Kansas State University News Service