Explore Dairy from Herd to Product
Dairy is where animal science, food science and technology come together. The Dairy Industries minor lets you explore the science behind the industry through a focus on Dairy Husbandry or Dairy Foods, building practical knowledge that complements your major and expands your career opportunities.
What You’ll Study
You’ll choose a focus in Dairy Husbandry or Dairy Foods, exploring either cattle health, nutrition, milk production and management or dairy processing, food quality and regulatory practices.
What You’ll Take Away
You’ll gain a science-based understanding of the dairy industry and practical knowledge of the animals, products and processes that move milk from production to market.
Build Your Dairy Foundation
Develop a working knowledge of the dairy industry and the role it plays in food systems. Choose the area that fits your interest while gaining skills you can apply across production, processing and product quality.
Dairy Husbandry
Build your knowledge of dairy cattle health, nutrition, milk production and herd management. Explore how animal care and everyday management decisions support healthy herds and productive dairy operations.
Dairy Foods
Explore how milk becomes the products people enjoy while building knowledge of dairy processing, food quality and safety. Discover the science behind cheese, butter, ice cream and other dairy products.
Industry in Motion
Explore the emerging issues shaping the dairy industry while building the critical thinking and communication skills to understand its ethical, social and professional responsibilities.
Coursework Highlights
Coursework brings dairy husbandry and dairy foods together, giving you a practical view of production, processing and product quality.
Classes and Labs
Build a foundation in dairy cattle management. Study the practices that support herd health, production and the day-to-day operation of a dairy.
Learn how milk becomes cheese, butter, frozen desserts, and other dairy products. Study the chemistry, microbiology, equipment, and processes behind dairy manufacturing.
Follow the journey from dairy cattle to cheese. Connect farmstead production with the processing decisions that shape a finished dairy product.
Evaluate dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream using sensory skills and standardized scorecards.
Develop an understanding of reproductive management in dairy cattle, including artificial insemination and the practices that support a productive, healthy herd.
Add Dairy to Your Degree
Discover how the dairy industries minor can add practical dairy knowledge and a new perspective on production, processing and food systems.