For five weeks this past summer, Rebecca Lyons, a College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) junior lived in Clovis, New Mexico. With support from the VP Promise, she participated in the 2024 U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium. The Texas A&M University program aims to support animal science programs across the country through industry-aligned training.
Lyons’ experiences focused on topics in overall dairy management, such as finances, interpersonal communication and managerial skills. Each week, program participants engaged in lectures from animal science professors. Through these lectures, Lyons obtained OSHA and Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certifications.
When Lyons was not in the classroom, she was traveling across New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle for practicums. These training sessions allowed students to apply knowledge learned from previous lectures. Through the site visits, Lyons discovered how unique southwestern dairy practices were.
“I was amazed at how different these operations were from our Florida dairy farms,” said Lyons. “I loved having the opportunity to learn about management styles and how production adapts to varying climates and locations.”
One of Lyons’ favorite practicums focused on advanced reproduction techniques. While on the farm, she learned how to collect blood through the cow’s tail and jugular vein. She was also able to practice palpation techniques and identify different stages of pregnancy.
“This was a new experience for me, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn these techniques,” said Lyons.
During Lyons’s final week at the Consortium, students participated in a team competition. The teams of four worked to evaluate a Texas dairy and create a presentation surrounding the operations of the farm. Their presentation included strengths and recommendations for improvement in day-to-day operations, as well as a budget.
In addition to gaining technical skills, Lyons expanded her network during the Consortium. She connected with local dairy farmers and other industry professionals during on-site practicums. Lyons also grew close with several of her peers and is excited for future collaborations with them.
“The program bridged that gap and provided me with invaluable knowledge and experience, while also allowing me to network with students, producers, professors, and industry professionals,” said Lyons.
The VP Promise offers financial support to students engaging in experiential learning opportunities within agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is dedicated to fostering student development and success, encouraging students to expand their horizons through participation in study abroad programs, leadership roles, scholarly conferences, and other enriching experiences.
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