Camrose, Alberta, Canada (March 5–7, 2026)
Back L-R: Eric Ronk (coach), Jenna Gries, Derek Gehin, Regina Frisle
Front L-R: Ava Dragosh, Clarissa Ulness, Lauren Breunig
Six students from the University of Wisconsin–Madison recently demonstrated their knowledge and skills at the 2026 Western Regional Dairy Challenge, held at the University of Alberta in Camrose, Alberta. The competition brought together 77 students from 15 universities across North America for a hands-on learning experience focused on real-world dairy management and decision-making. Students representing the University of Wisconsin–Madison included:
- Lauren Breunig, Senior, Life Sciences Communication
- Ava Dragosh, Senior, Dairy Science
- Derek Gehin, Junior, Agronomy & Agriculture Business Management
- Jenna Gries, Senior, Dairy Science
- Regina Frisle, Junior, Dairy Science
- Clarissa Ulness, Senior, Dairy Science
UW–Madison students participated as part of multi-university teams, collaborating with peers from across the country to analyze and evaluate a commercial dairy operation. Throughout the three-day event, students worked closely with industry mentors to assess key aspects of dairy management, including animal health, milking systems, transition cow care, and nutrition programs.
On the second day of the contest, students visited Vermeer Dairy Farm LTD, where they toured facilities, observed management practices, and interviewed the farm owners to better understand operational goals and challenges. Teams then used this information to develop recommendations aimed at improving farm performance.
The event culminated in formal team presentations, where students delivered a 20-minute analysis to a panel of judges, highlighting both strengths and opportunities for the dairy operation.
Several UW–Madison students were recognized for their outstanding performance in the
competition:
- Derek Gehin – Member of Team #10 (Panel B), 1st Place
- Regina Frisle – Member of Team #11 (Panel C), 1st Place
- Lauren Breunig –Member of Team #12 (Panel C), 2nd Place
Participation in Dairy Challenge allows UW–Madison students to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios, strengthening their problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. The event also provides valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders, mentors, and fellow students pursuing careers in dairy production, consulting, and agribusiness. “This contest made me appreciate the strong dairy curriculum and everything I’ve learned from my classes at UW–Madison”, said Lauren Breunig.
About North American Dairy Challenge:
The Western Regional Dairy Challenge is one of four regional contests hosted annually by the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC). These events, along with a national competition, are supported by dairy producers and agribusiness sponsors across North America.
Dairy Challenge aims to develop future leaders in the dairy industry by providing opportunities for education, networking, and practical experience. Since its inception, the program has helped prepare more than 10,000 students for careers in dairy management, consulting, research, veterinary medicine, and related fields.
For more information, visit www.dairychallenge.org.