Six members of the Purdue Dairy Club earned multiple awards while attending and competing at the Midwest American Dairy Science Association’s Undergraduate Student Division meeting and competitions at Iowa State University in late January.
The club took first place in both the display and scrapbook contests. Purdue’s quiz bowl team—comprising Alaina Weaver, Jackie Mudd, Sydney Haag and Rachel Craun—secured first place, while Mudd also placed second in the dairy foods contest. Additionally, Isaiah Eisert and Corey Schmidt were named runners-up for the spirit award.
Rachel Craun holding the outstanding chapter scrapbook award. 
Quiz bowl winners from left to right: Alaina Weaver, Jackie Mudd, Sydney Haag and Rachel Craun 
Sydney Haag holding the outstanding chapter display award. Craun, a junior in agricultural engineering, led the creation of the club’s first-place scrapbook and display.
“I spent countless hours pulling pictures together and making them both presentable, so I was extremely excited that both the display and scrapbook won 1st place,” Craun said.
Students involved in the dairy industry from across the Midwest and California gathered in Ames, Iowa, for educational and professional development activities. Purdue students took the opportunity to network with peers from other universities and test their skills in various competitions.
“I gained a large network of dairy-focused students from across the Midwest at this conference,” said Eisert, a junior in agricultural economics. “I learned practical farm knowledge from industry speakers in their respective fields. We toured the Lely North American factory and got to speak to one of their business leaders, and he imparted some great knowledge and ideas on the future of the dairy industry.”
Eisert, the co-vice president of events for the Purdue Dairy Club, coordinated the trip.
Jackie Boerman, Associate Professor of Animal Sciences, commented on the impact of the trip.
“I think the largest benefit is that our students are able to meet students from other universities, learn about different opportunities after graduation and network with industry professionals,” Boerman said. “The students were excellent. They represented Purdue extremely well and had a great weekend.”
The Purdue Dairy Club is composed of students interested in dairy, offering industry experience, leadership opportunities and educational outreach.
“I joined the dairy club because I grew up on a dairy farm and love showing dairy cows,” Craun said. “However, I stayed in the dairy club because I have met some of my best friends, and I love all the opportunities we have to help students and the community learn more about the dairy industry! I have really been able to strengthen my advocating skills as part of dairy club events and have discovered how rewarding it is to give back to the dairy community through our youth events.”
