Designed for undergraduates who have a sincere interest in dairy farm management. The course objective is to gain further understanding of the integration and application of dairy farm management principles and programs with respect to progressive dairying and related industries. There are field trips focusing on dairy farm business analyses and feedback, along with other experiential learning activities and professional development and networking opportunities. Field trips will be held on announced Saturdays throughout the course of the semester.

Outcome 1
Students will be able to conduct comprehensive dairy farm business evaluations that includes financial, human resource, herd level and CAFO level decision making and provide real-time feedback to the owner and manager and integrate sustainability and generational transfer as components of the process.

Outcome 2
Students will be able to recognize how and develop the skill to transfer business equity among generations and how to do the same thing with non-family partners while maintaining the viability of the business. This includes the use of insurance and other risk management tools available.

Outcome 3
Students will be able to recognize potential risks to the business (financial, environmental, market, human and animal welfare) how to use current tools to mitigate or minimize risk and develop the appropriate approach to ensure profitability and sustainability of the business.

Outcome 4
Students will be able to properly identify actual and perceived risks by consumers and non-producers and further to effectively communicate a response to such inquiries and to take appropriate action when needed.

Outcome 5
Students will be able to identify how and why conflict arises in family business and develop appropriate strategies for overcoming the conflict to minimize the effect of conflict on family and business function and dynamics.