SDSU Hosts Major Dairy Challenge Event

By Scout Nelson

This month, the Midwest Regional North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge was held at South Dakota State University (SDSU), welcoming 113 students from 14 different universities and technical schools. This event, one of four regional competitions leading up to the national challenge in Gainesville, Florida, provided a platform for students to engage in practical dairy management evaluations.

The Department of Dairy and Food Science at SDSU played a pivotal role in the event's success, offering students a unique opportunity to assess a local dairy and suggest management improvements. These recommendations were evaluated by a panel of industry and academic experts. Molly Kelley, the executive director of the challenge, praised SDSU for its instrumental support and collaboration that contributed to a "fantastic event."

Participants not only engaged in evaluating MoDak Dairy Inc. but also attended educational sessions and explored industry exhibits. The competition culminated with awards recognizing the teams' innovative solutions to real-world dairy management challenges.

Maristela Rovai, associate professor and Extension dairy specialist at SDSU, highlighted the event’s importance in enhancing students' practical problem-solving skills and professional networks. "Hosting the 2025 North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge Midwest Regional Competition in Brookings was an honor," said Rovai, emphasizing the enrichment it brought to students' educational experiences.

Londa Nwadike, the endowed department head, remarked on the suitability of SDSU as the host due to its comprehensive focus on dairy production and food science, reflecting South Dakota's expanding dairy and food sectors.

The Dairy Farm Evaluation course at SDSU, led by Rovai and a local dairy producer, prepares students annually for these challenges, ensuring they apply classroom knowledge in practical settings. This year, SDSU's own students also showcased their skills, with 12 participating regionally and 10 advancing to the national level.

Overall, the event not only enhanced educational pursuits but also strengthened the bridge between academic learning and industry application, setting a benchmark for future initiatives in dairy education and management.

Photo Credits:south-dakota-state-university