BERRY COLLEGE

Mount Berry, Georgia

Key Dairy Activities:

1. Dairy Challenge
2. Jersey Milk Enterprise
3. Jersey Beef Enterprise

Student Statistics:

Dairy Science major: No
Dairy Option: No
# Dairy Science Students: N/A
# Animal Science/Dairy: N/A
Percent going to vet school: 85%

Dairy Herd Information:

# cows:30
Breed(s): Jersey
Student labor: Yes
Used for research: Yes

Course Work:

Internship required for graduation: No
Assistance finding jobs or agriculture internships: Yes
Opportunities to work on dairy farms while attending school: Yes
Courses: Dairy Systems Management, Livestock Feed and Ration Formulation, Principles of Nutrition, Genetics of Livestock Improvement, Beef Systems Management, Horse Systems Management, Animal Health and Disease, Reproductive Physiology, Behavior of Domestic Animals, Principles of Zoology.

Travel Opportunities:

Students are encouraged to participate in internships and Dairy Challenge

Additional Information:

Since its establishment in 1902, the Berry College Dairy has demonstrated the ability to produce leaders within the agricultural industry; as well as maintain an outstanding registered Jersey herd. The dairy exists to provide a comprehensive learning environment for students. The dairy employs Berry College students majoring in Animal Science; the only exception is the Dairy Manager, Ben Wilson. Presently, there are 70 students employed by the dairy. The students are responsible for all aspects of dairy operations, including herd health, pasture maintenance, and nutrition management.

Every student has a specific task to perform at each shift. There are two milking shifts per day, as well as a mid-day and late night shift. During every milking shift, there is a shift leader, two milkers, a feeder, and two individuals responsible for the calf barn. Along with these positions, students also serve as nutrition manager, members of the reproduction team, and members of the vaccination team. These specific roles allow students to specialize in certain areas of dairy operations. Many students also participate in internships throughout the United States to further their knowledge of dairy systems.

Robin Nolan, the Nutrition Manager, completed an internship this summer at Stoney Run Farms in McGaheysville, Virginia. There, Robin was allowed to shadow a nutritionist, as well as participate in the daily activities of the dairy. Kery Ferrell, Calf Systems Manager, recently completed an internship at Orthridge Dairy in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Kery concentrated on learning the best practices for calf health and calf nutrition. Averi Simpson also participated in an internship at Barham Jersey Farm in Athens, Tennessee. Averi is the Reproduction Manager at the Berry College Dairy and was able to practice her artificial insemination skills during her internship. Barham Jersey Farm, Orthridge Dairy, and the College of the Ozarks serve as sister herds to the Berry College Dairy, allowing for the expansion of the Berry College Jersey herd.

The Berry College Dairy also encompasses four student-operated enterprises: the Berry Farms Genetics Enterprise, the Jersey Beef Enterprise, the Jersey Milk Enterprise, and the Agri-education Enterprise. Each enterprise is managed by students, which allows students to gain greater business experience. Jennifer Devine, former C.E.O. of the Jersey Beef Enterprise, is now attending veterinary school at Oklahoma State University. The structure of the Berry Dairy, as well as the student-operated enterprises, encourages responsibility and leadership. Former student Josh Baker is now employed by King's Agriseeds in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Josh's supervisor stated that he is very pleased with Josh's performance and commented on his confidence and leadership potential. Hannah Valencia, also a former student who served as Herd Health Manager at the dairy, is employed by Dream Farms in Newburg, Pennsylvania. Hannah's supervisor, Lane Sollenberger, stated that he is pleased with the level of technical skills she brings to his operation.

The goal of the Berry College Dairy is to provide a unique and valuable experience for students, as well as to create a channel for students like Hannah and Josh to gain leadership positions within the agricultural industry.

Link to a video that shows the dairy and student work operations.

Learn about Berry's student-managed enterprises

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