Dairy Production in New Mexico

Alaina Weaver (Senior, Agribusiness; Roann, IN) spent six weeks of Summer 2025 in Clovis, New Mexico, with the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium (USDETC). Texas A&M organizes this large-scale dairy management education program each summer. The program included information on dairy sustainability, animal welfare, advanced dairy cattle nutrition, reproduction management, financial management, herd dynamics, farm safety and technology.

Most mornings were spent in the classroom, followed by afternoons applying the lessons on various farms. The classroom sessions were taught by various faculty and industry professionals who traveled to Clovis to teach in their area of expertise. The program visited over 30 different dairy farms during the afternoon farm visits. Students participated in a “consulting challenge” at the end of the program, where teams observed a dairy operation and then developed a presentation of recommendations to improve efficiency, animal performance and economic return on the farm.

Alaina shared, “This experience was especially unique as I was able to interact with university staff, industry professionals, and students from across the country with a common interest in the dairy industry. It was also a unique opportunity to engage in the culture of the southwestern U.S. and meet with farm owners and managers throughout the course.”

She added, “I gained a deep, practical understanding of dairy production that will benefit me throughout my career — whether I work directly in production or within the allied dairy industry. Most importantly, I built lasting connections and developed a broader perspective of the dairy industry.”