Cal Poly Dairy Team Takes First at Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge Competition

Dairy Challenge 2010 team members

Professor Henderson and Cal Poly's 2010 Dairy Challenge Team

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly’s dairy team received a “Platinum” first-place award and $200 scholarships for a recent win at the 2010 North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge.

Cal Poly and Fresno State hosted the event in Visalia, Calif., April 9 and 10.

Thirty teams from U.S. and Canadian universities used classroom and practical training to analyze dairies. The competition included a walk-through at one of four host dairies, an interview with dairy owners and the opportunity to analyze farm-specific data. The teams then developed comprehensive dairy management plans and presented their recommendations to herd owners and a panel of five dairy industry judges.

Top scoring teams included The Ohio State University, the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Cal Poly and Cornell University.

Cal Poly’s team of Anthony Martin, Brian Medeiros, Katherine Rector and Michael Wesselink was coached by Stan Henderson.

“We have a great team this year. Not only did they help host a major event, but they came through with a winning management plan that netted them scholarships. I couldn’t be more pleased,” said Henderson.

Host dairies for the 2010 NAIDC were Delta View Farms, El Monte Dairy, Longfellow Farming Co. and Valley View Farms.

About Dairy Challenge
The mission of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge is to facilitate education, communication and an exchange of ideas among students, agribusiness, dairy producers and universities that enhances the development of the dairy industry and its leaders. For more information or to become a sponsor of the Dairy Challenge program, visit www.dairychallenge.org or contact Molly J. Kelley, NAIDC executive director at naidc@wdexpo.com.

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