In mid‑July, the University of Wisconsin–Madison welcomed 63 students ages 12‑17 to the revived Badger Dairy Camp. The four‑day program gave the youth hands‑on exposure to the state’s dairy industry, from lab work and veterinary medicine to a working dairy farm, while also offering college‑prep sessions and recreation.
Learning the science and the trade
Participants toured campus laboratories, the UW School of Veterinary Medicine and a nearby dairy operation. They examined reproductive anatomy, observed a cow carrying twins, and practiced dairy‑judging and linear evaluation—skills traditionally taught through 4‑H. “One of my favorite sessions was learning about the reproductive tract. That was pretty cool,” said Grace Elmhorst, a freshman from Granton whose family runs Romadka View Holsteins.
Community support and funding
The camp’s comeback was made possible by a grant from the UW Dairy Innovation Hub and contributions from Compeer Financial, Hoard’s Dairyman, the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences and other sponsors. “We were thrilled to bring back Badger Dairy Camp and see such a positive response,” said co‑organizer Eric Ronk, a faculty member in ADS. “It truly took a village to make this camp a success, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, talents and support.”
Preparing the next generation
Campers lived and dined in a residence hall, sharing meals and recreation such as volleyball, bowling and a bonfire at Picnic Point. While most attendees came from farm families, the program was open to any interested student. “We need to recruit students from both agricultural and non‑agricultural backgrounds to sustain the dairy workforce and local communities in Wisconsin,” said co‑organizer Laura Hernandez, professor of animal and dairy sciences. “That’s the long‑term goal of this program – to inspire, prepare, and support young people as future leaders in Wisconsin’s dairy sector.”
Impact on the broader dairy community
Graduate student Megan Lauber, who coordinated the camp, highlighted the collaborative spirit: “The engagement among camp participants, undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry professionals was phenomenal. It showcased how strong the dairy community is here in Wisconsin.” The curriculum aligns with the Dairy Innovation Hub’s four priority areas: stewardship of land and water, human health and nutrition, animal health and welfare, and growth of farm businesses and communities.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope the revived camp will become an annual fixture, expanding capacity and continuing to bridge the gap between education and the dairy industry. By exposing youth to modern dairy science and career pathways, the program aims to ensure a robust, family‑focused workforce for Wisconsin’s iconic dairy sector.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
