MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center

09/02/2026

Even one hour of employee training pays off in the milking parlor- read a new article by Dr. Pamela Ruegg on employee training here: bit.ly/3SpQpqF, or watch her YouTube video about it here: https://youtu.be/IBFguyHN6yI

08/31/2026

📚 Happy First Day of Classes! 📚

Even though school is officially back in session, we wanted to keep our summer recap going and highlight some of the students who spent their summer working here at the farm!

Today, we’re highlighting Aubrey Allaire, who has been working with us for a little over a year now. Aubrey was a huge help throughout the summer, especially during the busy transition from the spring semester to summer.

She helped train some of our newer employees, shared her experience, and helped get everyone on the right track as we kicked off the summer. We are incredibly grateful for all of the time, hard work, and knowledge Aubrey has brought to our team!

We’re excited to continue watching her learn, grow, and take on new opportunities. Thanks for all you do, Aubrey! 🐄💚

08/29/2026

It’s a good thing you can’t smell through a screen! 😂

Even though the stench can be quite strong, we have many sensors and procedures in place to help keep everyone working in and around the barn safe.

Many of you have probably wondered what happens to all of the manure and sand here at the farm. In this video, Riley Baker, our Assistant Manager, talks about the manure management system we have in place and gives you a look at how the process works.

It is still a work in progress, but we are on the right track toward developing a successful and efficient process. With this system, we are able to reclaim 99.9% of the sand and reuse it as freestall bedding for our cows. In addition to that, the solid manure that is sent over to the Anaerobic Digester is used to produce methane gas which helps generate electricity for the farm and even help power some buildings across campus!

It may not be the prettiest—or best-smelling—part of dairy farming, but it plays an important role in sustainability and making the most of the resources we have.

~Go GREEN ♻️💚

08/27/2026

Next up is Maddie Lucas! 🐄💚

Maddie actually isn’t a student here at MSU. She attends the school just down the road…which we won’t mention. 😉 But we decided not to hold that against her!

Maddie has been an amazing addition to our team this summer and has learned so much during her time here at the farm. We’ve loved having her around and watching her grow in confidence and experience.

We’re so thankful for all of her hard work this summer and wish her the very best of luck in all of her future adventures! Good luck, Maddie! 🐮💚

08/26/2026

Three weeks left to nominate a great Michigan Dairy farm for MSU Dairy Farm of the Year! Applications due by 9/15/26: bit.ly/4aQmrC5

08/24/2026

Happy Monday!

Over the summer, we had quite a few student employees work here at the farm. A few have been with us since we moved into our new facility, while others were brand new this summer. It’s amazing to see how much they can learn and grow in such a short amount of time!

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ava Harris! Ava has been working here at the farm since last fall and continued working with us throughout the summer. We’ve loved watching her gain experience, learn new skills, and become an important part of our team.

Stay tuned as we introduce you to more of the students who spent their summer learning, working, and getting hands-on experience here at the farm!

~Go GREEN 💚

08/21/2026

✨ Then vs. Now ✨

Another favorite around the farm is this sweetheart, Candy Hearts! 💚 She definitely lives up to her name. While she's usually sweet, friendly, and always looking for attention, don't get between her and mealtime!

Candy Hearts is another cow currently milking on one of our Lely robotic milkers and is approaching 250 days in milk. She's also about 4½ months pregnant, and we're keeping our fingers crossed for a beautiful red-and-white calf later this year! ❤️🤍

It's been so much fun watching her grow from a little calf into the wonderful cow she is today.

08/20/2026

Join our team!

Starting pay at $20.73. If you are dependable, love animals and ready to get to work, click on the link below to read the full job description and apply today!

Position Summary(Basic Job Function) This is a temporary full-time position. We will NOT accept any students for this position.Assists in the routine care of clinical and biomedical research animals by performing such duties as feeding, watering, cleaning, handling, and transporting animals. Unit Po...

08/17/2026

Interested in a career in dairy science? Several scholarship opportunities are available now, apply by September 27th! bit.ly/3Sdvua8

08/14/2026

Have you been begging to come and tour the new MSU Dairy Farm? Now's your chance to see it for yourself! While nothing compares to visiting in person, this virtual tour offers a great glimpse inside our beautiful new facility. From our robotic milking systems to our calves and cows, come along as we take you behind the scenes and show you what daily life at the dairy is all about.

We hope you enjoy the tour! Let us know in the comments what part of the farm was your favorite.

~Go GREEN💚