South Dakota State University announces the Dairy Research and Training Facility will close in June 2024.
Dr. Joseph Cassady, the dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science, informed the CAFES facility, staff, and students about the closure of the dairy operation via email on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The facility tried fundraising opportunities and funding attempts to continue operations, but it was not enough, Cassady said in his email.
SDSU plans on working with dairy industry partners to develop educational opportunities for students and hopes these partners will provide students with hands-on learning and internships for large-scale dairy production.
CAFES will still offer degree programs in dairy production, dairy manufacturing, and food science at SDSU. Cassady thinks the closure will not affect other productions.
“The discontinuation of operations at the SDSU Dairy Research and Training Facility will not impact production at the Davis Dairy Plant nor interrupt research taking place in that facility,” Cassady said in his email.
The university will support the Dairy Club, judging team, and other activities to help and prepare students for future career opportunities.
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Tatanka • Jan 19, 2024 at 3:10 pm
Awesome news! Dairy milk is for baby calves not humans. Ever wonder why all animals wean their young except for humans, it’s because it is not necessary to live.
Then one must ask what happens to all the male calves born that cannot produce milk. They become veal or killed right away. A very, very cruel industry that is not necessary.
Mary Finelli • Jan 19, 2024 at 2:11 pm
Cheers that it’s closed down! That’s progress. Next shut down all the other animal exploitation ventures, too. See the writing on the wall and opt instead for those that promote respect for animals, human health, and environmental responsibility.
Kat • Jan 19, 2024 at 12:41 pm
Hoping to see all the dairy closed down, its cruel and outdated.