By Scout Nelson
The Dairy Club at South Dakota State University demonstrated strong leadership, teamwork, and academic excellence during a recent Midwest regional dairy meeting held in Platteville, Wisconsin. Thirteen club members traveled to attend the Midwest Regional American Dairy Science Association Undergraduate Student Division meeting, hosted by the Pioneer Dairy Club at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville.
The regional meeting brought together student chapters from across the Midwest, connecting students who share interests in dairy cattle production and dairy foods. The event was focused on professional growth, education, and collaboration among future dairy industry leaders.
“The conference includes a young professionals panel where four young professionals in the industry talk about what they’ve done with ADSA when they were in college and what they do now,” Dairy Club President Dillion Sparrgrove said. “It’s a big networking opportunity. You meet people from across the country who have different ideas. A lot of animal science students who have little knowledge about dairy attend, but it’s that networking ability there that really puts ADSA above a lot of other conferences.”
During the meeting, students took part in educational sessions, industry tours, and networking activities that connected them with dairy professionals and peers. Participants also competed in individual, team, and club contests, where SDSU students achieved strong results.
Hayley Daubert won the Skill-A-Thon competition and competed on a high-placing Dairy Products team alongside Ian Spoke, Allie Luedert, and Vanessa Gonzalez. Logan Guilette placed second in Dairy Judging, and the Dairy Club earned second place in the display competition.
In addition to competition success, Sparrgrove was announced as the 2026 Midwest American Dairy Science Association Undergraduate Student Division president. This leadership role allows him to help guide regional student activities and planning efforts.
“A huge congratulations and thanks to all our Dairy Club members and their advisers, Maristela Rovai and Prafulla Salunke,” said Londa Nwadike, David A. Thompson Endowed Department Head of the Department of Food and Dairy Science. “Thanks to all who have supported our Dairy Club members.”
Looking ahead, the Dairy Club at SDSU will host the 2027 Midwest regional meeting in Brookings. Club leaders and members have already shown strong interest in leading planning efforts, continuing a tradition of involvement, learning, and service within the dairy community.
Additional information can be found on the Department of Dairy and Food Science website.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, General