Name: Erin Kappelman
Hometown: Two Rivers, WI
High School: Manitowoc Lutheran High School
Class Size: 53
Farm: Meadow Brook Dairy Farm
Major: Dairy Science
Why did you decide to attend UW-Madison?
I am a highly competitive person, and I knew that if I wanted to be the best in my field, I needed to go to the best school. Without a doubt, UW-Madison is a world-class university, a leader in agriculture, and it has dynamic traditions and heritage. Not to mention, the allure of becoming a fourth generation Badger was something I couldn’t pass up.
What has been your most memorable college experience?
My most memorable college experience was working as a Badger Dairy Club Chairperson for World Dairy Expo. Coming from a commercial background, what goes on inside the show ring was not always the most interesting to me. However, being a chairperson gave me the chance to work with industry leaders, leading agricultural companies, the amazing Expo staff, and my peers in the Badger Dairy Club, which all happen to be outside the show ring. The leadership, social and professional experience I gained at World Dairy Expo was unparalleled.
What has been your favorite course?
My favorite course was Dairy Science 375: Dairy Cattle Reproduction with Milo Wiltbank. This class was the perfect combination of research and management. With an hour of lecture each class, we had the chance to learn physiology and look at recent research. It is truly an amazing experience to be learning from the very same people who are conducting the research. We also had an hour of lab, in which we learned how to breed, ultrasound, and flush cows. This is an experience that would benefit anyone who is going to farm.
What are your future career goals?
I graduated in December 2014, and I recently accepted a job with AgSource as a Regional Sales Representative. My fiance, AJ Kenneke, and I are getting married in July, and are exploring the possibilities of returning home to the farm.