Held at URUS headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, from Jan. 6-10, students connected with professionals to gain real-world consulting experience while learning from world-class experts for this all-expenses-paid experience.
Now in its fifth year, the URUS Dairy Consulting Experience (DCE) offers hands-on, progressive dairy consulting experience for a small group of elite undergraduate students pursuing careers in the agriculture industry and the chance to compete for a $1,000 scholarship.
DCE started in 2020 to help students gain a practical understanding of how topics such as genetics, reproduction, calves and data are applied to progressive dairies. The overarching goal is to provide students with hands-on learning with industry experts and exposure to advanced consulting on progressive dairies.
Students with majors in dairy/animal science, ag business or a related field were encouraged to apply for this experience. With the guiding principles of "learn, compete and expand," students can experience an in-depth week of the ins and outs of dairy consulting.
With classroom learning and on-farm experience, students gained an overview of large dairy consulting. Students were taught by top professionals and practitioners from several of the URUS companies: Alta Genetics, Genex, PEAK, SCCL, Trans Ova Genetics and VAS. Each day had a different focus. Following full group sessions, participants could work with professionals one-on-one for further support.
“As someone from a non-agriculture background, the chance to connect with professionals in small groups significantly helps educate me and build my network,” said Tyler Townsend, a dairy science student at South Dakota State University.
Part of the immersion process has been expanding connections with industry professionals. Students continued networking with Paul Hunt, the CEO of URUS. During this question-and-answer session, students had the opportunity to ask him anything. Full of life and excitement for the future, Hunt encouraged the students to try experiences outside their comfort zones and look for opportunities to work for a company that aligns with their values and nourishes their passion.
Students had three chances to participate in mock consulting meetings before their final presentation. After each mock session, the students received feedback on how to improve. Students’ consulting approaches made clear progress throughout the week. One employee noted that a highlight of the week was seeing improvements from day one to day five.
To enhance the consulting experience, students toured two nearby dairy farms. They viewed and took notes on all aspects of the farm to use in the mock consulting meetings.
After viewing the farm, students gained access to herd management data to complete a case study about it. Working in teams of two, they presented their findings each day. Students were encouraged to ask questions at every step of the process to help foster a learning-focused mindset.
Producers welcomed the students to support the next generation of dairy industry professionals. This year’s producers also shared their thoughts on the value of being on-site to support and expand upon classroom learning.
Five Canadian and 14 American students from coast to coast participated in the program. They often discussed the differences between American and Canadian farms. With a variety of backgrounds, from little to no dairy experience to multi-generational dairy farms, students learned from each other.
Emory Bewley, a senior at Penn State studying animal science with a dairy science focus, added, “These are people we are going to be working with for the rest of our professional careers.”
In addition to the producers, more than 15 employees supported the program's success. The employees spend considerable time with the participants. Josh Gerbitz has been an Alta Genetics dairy business manager for three years.
Gerbitz enjoys being a part of DCE because “it gives me an opportunity to learn from young people … when you have a student’s perspective, you may have an idea that no one has ever thought of. When we can bring those outside ideas in, we can start to make progress. I was very blessed to work with many great people throughout my experience, so it’s awesome to be able to do that for other people.”
One of several integral employees is Craig Walter from VAS. He trained students on how to use DairyComp. Throughout the week, he was an invaluable resource to students as they continued to use the system. He believes “that the cream of the crop is the ability to walk a farm, evaluate a farm and then present a plan live to the dairymen [in the final presentation]. I think that’s really unique.”
In addition to educating students on dairy consulting, the program supports a well-rounded experience for students’ personal and professional growth. Before arriving, each student completed their DISC assessment.
On the first day of the experience, students learned more about the DISC personality assessment. After reviewing each style's strengths and opportunities, students discussed how to adapt their style to the people around them.
“I’ve learned so much about people's personalities … and how we interact, it’s a great takeaway for … business, [including] on dairy farms,” said Grady Taylor, a senior dairy science student at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo.
As a unique add-on to this experience, one additional student was selected to serve as the DCE marketing intern during the week. While the other participants prepared presentations, I captured each day’s events, recorded testimonials, promoted the experience on social media and authored this post-event article.
Beyond the learning and practice, networking was an essential part of students’ experience. Networking nights allowed students to continue the conversation with companies and staff they met during the week.
At the end of the week, students worked in pairs to complete a final case study and presented their findings. As the culmination of this experience, the $1,000 scholarship recipient was selected following the final presentation.
Carmen White was awarded the 2025 DCE scholarship. She studies food and ag resource economics at the University of Guelph. Coming from a family beef farm in Canada, White gained valuable knowledge at the experience.
“It has been awesome to be part of the URUS team this week,” White said. “Everyone felt very welcome by all the staff and people coming in. The sessions have been amazing, and any questions we have had were answered promptly. Everyone goes above and beyond to … make it a great learning environment.”
The scholarship recipient is selected based on feedback from the employees who work with the students throughout the week. In addition to consulting skills, willingness to work with others, the ability to adapt and a strong desire to learn are parts of the selection criteria.
Students interested in this hands-on experience should mark their calendars for September 2025, when applications for the following year will open.
