In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, we often focus on who will harness the future as the next generation of dairy farmers. However, it’s equally important to consider who will step up as the next generation of dairy consultants. For five consecutive years, the Urus Group has been at the forefront of shaping this future by offering the Dairy Consulting Experience (DCE) to undergraduate dairy students.
What is the Dairy Consulting Experience?
The Urus Group is a global leader in products and services for dairy and beef artificial insemination genetics, reproduction and farm management systems.
The Dairy Consulting Experience is a program designed to introduce students to the world of dairy consulting with a hands-on approach. This program targets undergraduate students passionate about dairy and interested in the consulting aspect. Through a comprehensive blend of classroom and on-farm learning experiences, participants gain insights into what it takes to succeed as consultants on the world’s most progressive dairies.
The week-long event not only enlightens students with real-world challenges but also connects them with Urus’ seasoned experts and practitioners. The aim is to marry theoretical frameworks with practical applications, providing students with a rich and multifaceted understanding of the industry.
Interactive Learning and Networking
Joselyn Hurlburt, the Talent Acquisition Coordinator with Urus, emphasizes the significance of such opportunities for young enthusiasts in dairy sciences.
“It’s a great way for the students to network with subject matter experts, helping build their network. It’s not just a great way to give back but to showcase to students what’s going on in the industry and on farms,” she says.
Delana Erbsen, a senior studying dairy science at Iowa State University and part of the DCE 2025 class, attests to the program’s impact. She describes the experience of stepping into a consultant’s shoes as both enriching and insightful.
“Different presenters from their sister companies come in and talk,” Erbsen shares. “Each day, you’re given a scenario that you dig into farm data and give a practice consultant presentation.”
Through engaging in case studies and farm tours, participants delve into real data, exercise critical thinking and hone their presentation skills.
Building Skills and Bridging Gaps
This year, the program welcomed 18 eager participants from the U.S. and Canada to Madison, Wis., serving as a learning platform and a steppingstone toward future careers. Whether students opt for careers in consultancy, return to the farm or pursue other industry roles, the skills and networks they build through DCE are invaluable.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting DCE as a crucial bridge to the industry.
“The feedback is positive,” Hurlburt reflects. “To be able to take this opportunity with them, whether that is returning back to the family farm or in the industry, provides them with a solid tool set.”
Erbsen concurs, adding that she enjoyed all the connections she has made through this experience.
“You make bonds with students in the same position from all over the country and even Canada,” she adds.
After graduation, Erbsen aspires to work in dairy reproduction and genetics, either as a consultant or in embryo transfer and IVF work. She encourages other dairy science students to apply, describing it as an eye-opening experience providing essential skills for future careers, along with a glimpse into real-life consultant scenarios.
“I think getting that hands-on experience in that role was definitely eye-opening,” she says.
Urus’ initiative is more than just a learning experience. It is a mission to cultivate the next wave of dairy consultants, equipped with knowledge, practical experience and industry connections. As Hurlburt succinctly puts it, “Hearing from our subject matter experts and seeing farms and being able to be hands-on helps them see what dairy consulting is all about.”
This approach ensures graduates step into the workforce not just with academic credentials but with a blend of experiences that prepare them for real-world challenges.
The Dairy Consulting Experience continues to be a beacon for those passionate about merging scientific knowledge with pragmatic skill, fostering a robust future for the dairy industry.
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