About ASCI 2300 Z1
The first of a two-course sequence. Students perform the work and make the financial and management decisions associated with the CREAM dairy herd. Prerequisites: ASCI 1000 or Instructor permission.
Notes
Instructor permission required; MW 8:00-9:15 and MR 6:30-8:30 in Miller Farm Classroom
Section Description
CREAM Program Objectives
By participating in CREAM, students will:
Develop practical dairy management skills
Demonstrate competence in milking procedures, animal handling, feeding, and daily herd care.
Apply herd health and welfare principles
Recognize signs of common diseases, implement prevention strategies, and support high standards of animal welfare.
Build decision-making and problem-solving abilities
Use data and observation to make informed management decisions in real farm situations.
Understand dairy business management
Gain experience with budgeting, cost control, milk quality incentives, and financial decision-making.
Strengthen leadership and teamwork
Collaborate effectively in student management teams, including scheduling, delegation, and conflict resolution.
Integrate classroom knowledge with real-world practice
Connect concepts from animal science, nutrition, and reproduction to on-farm application.
Develop communication and professional skills
Communicate clearly with peers, staff, and industry professionals; practice professional conduct.
Use records and data for management
Interpret production, reproduction, and health records to guide herd management.
Promote sustainability and stewardship
Recognize the importance of environmental stewardship, responsible resource use, and sustainable dairy practices.
Prepare for careers in animal and agricultural industries
Build confidence, responsibility, and industry awareness relevant to dairy and allied fields.
Section Expectation
Responsibilities of CREAMers:
Chores: Each person must do chores every week during the school session and almost all should be present for vacation times
• AVOID DRAMA
• Bring a positive attitude to everything!
• Be punctual
• Be responsible and do the job well
• Take initiative
• Communicate with others
• Be attentive to problems
• Solve problems immediately, don’t leave it for someone else
• Help others if they have a scheduling problem and you are able
Business Meetings and Classes: Each person must attend all weekly business meetings and classes.
• Be punctual
• Actively participate in discussions so that meetings run smoothly and decisions get made in a timely fashion
• Have committee work done thoroughly with a concise report and present recommendations to the group with justification
• Criticize CREAM and CREAMers constructively-don’t delay in solving difficult issues, including personnel problems; if someone has done something you know to be wrong, alert advisors, Dr. Wadsworth and/or Matt in a professional and respectful manner.
Committee Work: Each CREAMer is expected to be an active member of each of their committees
• Know your committee responsibilities and move quickly to solve problems, carry out responsibilities, and get the job done well
• Take initiative-don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do
• Ask questions and look up answers outside of class
• Use your resources effectively-faculty, advisory board, advisors, written materials etc.
Take pride in what you do as a member of CREAM. Feel confident that you are part of something that is special and unique. Learn as much as you possibly can while the opportunity is there.
Evaluation
Grading:
CREAM students will earn 4 credits per semester.
Peer Evaluations: 15% Two peer evaluations will be completed using a standardized rubric.
Mentor Evaluations: 25% To be conducted by Dr. Wadsworth and farm staff using the same standardized rubric based on participation in meeting, lecture and demonstration of the core competencies as outlined below. This will be performed at the end of the semester.
Attendance: 30% Attendance and participation in class, meetings, chores, and extra activities such as calvings, IACUC preparations, herd classification, etc.
Reflection Journal and Work Log 30%
Grade will be based upon weekly entries, quality of writing, and extent of participation in CREAM activities.
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.
| Last Day to Add | |
|---|---|
| Last Day to Drop | |
| Last Day to Withdraw with 50% Refund | |
| Last Day to Withdraw with 25% Refund | |
| Last Day to Withdraw |
Resources
Remind Me Form
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We'll send you a reminder before Summer 2026 registration begins.