The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences takes great pride in recognizing the outstanding students in our program, and we are excited to showcase some of our amazing freshmen. Throughout the rest of the school year, we will feature these remarkable individuals through our “Student Spotlights” articles and social media posts.
This week, we’re pleased to spotlight Chloe Breunig, a freshman majoring in Dairy Science from Oostburg, Wisconsin. Drawn to UW-Madison by its beautiful campus and renowned Dairy Science program, Chloe has immersed herself in the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, Badger Dairy Club, and Association of Women in Agriculture. Her coursework, including Animal Science 102, has provided hands-on experiences like reaching into a cow’s rumen and flipping a sheep. With aspirations of returning to her family’s dairy farm as the 6th generation, Chloe is using her time at UW-Madison to develop leadership skills and foster lasting friendships.
Why did you choose to attend UW–Madison?
I ultimately chose to attend UW-Madison because it was very different from where I grew up! I was first on campus in middle school for a 4-H competition and was immediately drawn by its beautiful campus. I also knew its Dairy Science program would provide me a good education and allow me to make connections that would last past graduation. I also always admired the school spirit of UW-Madison and the marching band and attended with hopes of playing in it. Now as a trumpet in the band, it is such a special opportunity to play for athletic events and contribute to that school spirit!
What clubs/organizations/activities are you involved with or plan to be involved with?
While most of my time outside of school is dedicated to marching band, I am also involved in Badger Dairy Club, Association of Women in Agriculture, and one of the concert bands. I hope to become involved in the Badger Cheese Club and the dairy judging team next year!
Do you have an exciting class that you are taking/have taken and why?
My most exciting class that I’ve taken so far is definitely Animal Science 102. Although I had a lot of experience working with cows before coming to college, it was a lab that gave me a change to do things I otherwise wouldn’t have had an opportunity to do like reaching into a cow’s rumen, flipping a sheep, and drawing blood from a chicken.
What are you looking forward to most about being a student at UW-Madison/the city of Madison/or college in general?
I am most excited about continuing to meet people throughout my next three years in Madison. I have a lot of close friends through marching band but hope to get to better know my classmates in Animal and Dairy Sciences.
What are your future career plans?
After graduating from college, I plan to return to my family’s dairy farm, A-OK Farms, and take over as the 6th generation!
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Lake Mendota. It provides beautiful views throughout the whole year and provides a great spot to ice skate in winter!
What is your favorite Babcock ice cream flavor?
Union Utopia
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I visit and take pictures with fiberglass cows (and other fiberglass animals) across Wisconsin. I currently have a list of 606 and have visited 186 of them!