This is an experiential learning experience combining work skills development, dairy science/management instruction and personal and team building development. Students manage a 50 cow registered Holstein herd and are responsible for milking, feeding, calf care, barn cleaning, breeding, vaccinating, treatment of sick animals, etc. Weekly responsibilities include 2.5 hours classroom instruction, 4 hours management meetings, 3 chores and additional activities like births.

Objectives: 1. Introduce and discuss the current practices in dairy farm management and apply that knowledge to the management of the CREAM herd. 2. Familiarize students with how to manage and operate a business. 3. Provide students the opportunity to gain leadership, communication, problem solving and time management skills that will give them an advantage in their careers and make them more valuable to future employers. 4. Introduction and mastery of the basic sciences of dairy management including health, nutrition, reproduction, calving management, genetics, calf care, replacement herd management.

Grading: CREAM students will earn 4 credits per semester. Peer Evaluations: 20% Two peer evaluations will be completed using a standardized rubric. Mentor Evaluations: 30% To be conducted by Dr. Wadsworth, Matt and Scott 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. Quizzes: 20% Quizzes will be held monthly on content from lectures and associated SOPs from the CREAM binder. Reflection Journal and Work Log 30% Grade will be based upon weekly entries, quality of writing, extent of participation in CREAM activities.