Greetings from Animal and Dairy Sciences at UW-Madison!
Sara Gragg, Department Chair
Celebrating Our Community and Looking Ahead
Dear Alumni, Colleagues, and Friends,
As we begin a new academic year, we want to take a moment to thank you for the many ways you support the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences. Whether through mentorship, internships, financial support, recruitment of our graduates, participation in outreach programs, or simply staying connected, you help make our department stronger and create opportunities for our students to thrive.
The past year brought many reasons to celebrate. We recognized student achievements, expanded youth programming, earned national recognition, and strengthened partnerships across the animal and dairy industries. These accomplishments reflect a shared commitment to teaching, discovery, and service, as well as a dedication to advancing the Wisconsin Idea by extending knowledge and innovation beyond campus to benefit communities, farms, businesses, and industries throughout Wisconsin and beyond.
It has also been encouraging to see continued growth in both our Animal and Veterinary Biosciences and Dairy and Food Animal Management majors. More students than ever are choosing Animal and Dairy Sciences as the foundation for their careers. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination speak to a bright future for our industries, and we are grateful to the alumni, industry partners, and friends who help prepare them for success.
Join Us at the CALS Alumni Reception During World Dairy Expo
One of the highlights of each year is the opportunity to reconnect with alumni and friends during World Dairy Expo. If you are planning to attend Expo, we hope you will join us for an evening of conversation, networking, and reconnecting with fellow Badgers.
CALS Alumni Reception
October 1 | 5:00-7:00 p.m.
World Dairy Expo, Madison, Wisconsin
Welcoming Danielle Brown to Dairy Judging
We are pleased to welcome Danielle Brown to the UW-Madison Dairy Judging coaching team. Danielle joins Brian Kelroy and Trent Olson in helping students develop the technical knowledge, communication skills, and leadership abilities that have long distinguished our dairy judging program.
This year will also be Trent Olson’s final year as coach. Over the years, Trent has had a lasting impact on students and has helped uphold the tradition of excellence associated with UW-Madison Dairy Judging. We are deeply grateful for his dedication, mentorship, and service, and we look forward to recognizing his many contributions throughout the year. As Trent prepares to step away from coaching, we are confident that Danielle will help carry that tradition forward.
National Recognition for Meat Science Students and Staff
This summer, students and staff working in the Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery Building earned national recognition through presentations, competitions, and awards at major meat science conferences.
These achievements reflect the talent, hard work, and dedication of our students, as well as the exceptional mentorship provided by faculty and staff. We are proud to see Badgers representing UW-Madison on the national stage and contributing to advances in meat science research and industry practice.
Badger Dairy Camp Returns to Campus
After a multi-year hiatus, Badger Dairy Camp returned to UW-Madison this summer, welcoming middle and high school students from across the country for an immersive experience in dairy science and animal agriculture.
Camp participants explored dairy production, animal care, dairy foods, and career opportunities while connecting with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Academic Affairs Office, as well as faculty, staff, and current students from the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences. Their energy, curiosity, and eagerness to learn served as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in future generations.
The return of Badger Dairy Camp was made possible through the generous support of our industry partners, the Dairy Innovation Hub, and the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences. We are grateful for their commitment to youth education and workforce development.
Planning is already underway for next summer. Dates will soon be announced for Badger Dairy Camp 2027. Please use the link included in this newsletter to receive updates!
Dairy Challenge Team Earns Second Place
Congratulations to our Dairy Science students who earned second place at the National Dairy Challenge competition.
The competition challenges students to analyze real dairy operations, evaluate management practices, and provide recommendations to industry professionals. Achieving a top finish at the national level is a tremendous accomplishment and reflects the strength of our students, faculty, staff, and industry partnerships.
Celebrating Outstanding Alumni
We are especially proud to recognize two Animal and Dairy Sciences alumni among the recipients of the 2026 Honorary Recognition Awards:
- Susan and Chris Salm – 2026 Honorary Recognition Awardees
- Sharon Brantmeier – 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awardee
Their leadership, service, and contributions to agriculture exemplify the values of our department and the impact of a UW-Madison education. We congratulate Susan, Chris, and Sharon on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued support of our industry and university community.
Looking Forward
One of the greatest strengths of Animal and Dairy Sciences has always been its people. Our students, alumni, faculty, staff, industry partners, and friends are at the heart of everything we do and play an essential role in shaping the future of the department and the industries we serve.
Together, we are preparing future leaders, advancing research, creating opportunities for students, and helping address the challenges and opportunities facing animal and dairy agriculture. The accomplishments highlighted in this newsletter are a reflection of those shared efforts and the many individuals who contribute their time, expertise, and support.
As we look ahead, staying connected remains a priority. We value the relationships we have built with alumni, industry partners, and friends, and we welcome opportunities to hear your ideas, learn from your experiences, and work together in new ways. Whether we connect at World Dairy Expo, on campus, at industry events, or within your communities, we look forward to continuing those conversations.
Thank you for your continued engagement, advocacy, and support. Your partnership helps create opportunities for students, strengthens our programs, and advances the work of the department every day. We are proud of what this community has accomplished together over the past year and grateful for the opportunity to build on that momentum in the year ahead.
On, Wisconsin!
Sara Gragg
Chair, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences
University of Wisconsin–Madison