What Students are Learning at University Dairy Science Clubs

From homecoming tailgates to lab work in boots, university dairy science clubs are doing way more than just talking about milk (though that’s pretty great conversation, if we’re being honest). They’re building community, deepening agricultural roots, and having a little fun along the way. Whether it’s flipping grilled cheese at campus events, hosting hands-on demos for local schools, or diving into dairy career connections, these clubs are where passion meets purpose (with a side of chocolate milk, of course).

We asked a few dairy science clubs to share what makes their group stand out, covering everything from signature events and fall meeting dates to how new students can get involved. Here's what they had to say:

Clemson Dairy Science Club: Clemson, SC

The Clemson Dairy Science Club has a busy fall with several dairy cattle shows. We’re showing cattle at the NC Mountain State Fair, South Carolina State Fair, and our local Anderson County Livestock Show! In the spring, we attend the Clemson Spring Dairy Show. In the spring, the club participates in the university's AG week. Club members help out by providing dairy calves for students to interact with.

Our meeting information will be posted on our Instagram and Facebook. Students are able to join the club by attending meetings and coming to any events hosted. At meetings, we have had cookie decorating and dairy trivia. We welcome any student who has an interest in dairy to join the club!

University of Tennessee Dairy Club: Knoxville, TN

Our club used to hold a heifer sale every year in the arena at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture that local dairy farmers would donate to and attend to bid on heifers.

Our big event every fall is our milkshake sales at AgDay. AgDay is an event that highlights all the departments and clubs at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. This gives us a chance to raise money, share our passion for dairy with the general public, and make some delicious milkshakes! This year, AgDay is scheduled for the morning of September 20, 2025.

We meet the first and third Wednesday of every month in the Brehm Animal Science building at 6:30 pm. Students can join the club by attending a meeting and paying dues ($15.00). A portion of membership dues goes toward membership in the Undergraduate Division of the American Dairy Science Association. Meetings may include guest speakers from industry, clinics on dairy judging and dairy challenge, networking with other clubs, abstract preparation for regional and national meetings, and prep for big club activities, like AgDay or the Big Orange Heifer Show.

University of Georgia Dairy Science Club: Athens, GA

The University of Georgia Dairy Science Club hosts and participates in a large number of events throughout the year! On reading day (the day before finals start), we host Calf Cuddling. At this event, we bring 4 dairy calves to campus and give students the chance to take a study break and come meet our calves. While cuddling with our calves, students learn more about our club and the dairy industry, as well as get to sample milk from local dairies! We have also taken calves to some of the local elementary schools to introduce our community to the dairy industry.

One of our largest events is hosting the UGA Commercial Dairy Heifer Show every year, where over 200 youth from 4-H and FFA chapters across Georgia showcase their hard work at this event.

Dairy Fun Night is another event that we put on as a club. At this event, students form teams and compete in dairy-themed games!

Our first meeting was on September 2 at 7 pm in Rhodes room 112. No dairy experience is required to join! Our meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of every month throughout the semester. At our meetings, students will get to meet other students who share an interest in dairy and learn more about opportunities in the dairy industry. Some of our meetings will be at the UGA Teaching Dairy Farm so club members will get hands-on experience working with dairy cattle! If you want to keep up with our meeting dates and events throughout the year, follow us on social media!

From cuddling calves on campus to mastering milkshake sales at AgDay, university dairy science clubs build community, leadership, and hands-on experience. Whether you're new to agriculture or grew up on a farm, these clubs are welcoming students of all backgrounds who are curious about cows, passionate about dairy, or just looking for a great way to get involved. Current students can check out their meeting schedules, follow them on social, and maybe even sign up for some dairy trivia or a heifer show.