Midwest Dairy continues to strengthen its ties with science educators by partnering on immersive professional development opportunities that bring dairy into classrooms through hands-on learning and curriculum integration.
In June, Midwest Dairy teamed up with the South Dakota Science Teaching Association and South Dakota State University (SDSU) to host an in-person, two-day professional development training for 25 local science teachers, reaching an estimated 3,000 students.
The program began with a tour of Bel Brands and Drumgoon Dairy in Lake Norden, South Dakota, giving educators a firsthand look at modern dairy practices, sustainability, and animal care. On day two, the teacher participated in a session with MiniOne Systems, where teachers explored the CashCow gel electrophoresis lab activity. This innovative, dairy-themed simulation matches bulls and cows by genetic traits to produce optimal cheese yield, bringing science, agriculture, and real-world relevance together. Dr. Londa Nwadike, SDSU’s Dairy and Food Science Department Head, highlighted university research and career opportunities in dairy and food science, linking classroom learning to career pathways. Teachers were also introduced to dairy-funded STEM resources aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), supporting easy integration of dairy into science instruction. Pre- and post-event surveys showed strong satisfaction and a positive shift in perception around dairy’s environmental impact and animal care. Teachers left energized, equipped with continuing education or graduate credits, and inspired to bring dairy’s farm-to-table story to life for their students next school year.
By investing in science educators and providing engaging, standards-aligned content, Midwest Dairy is helping ensure dairy has a place in the next generation of STEM learning, supporting informed, curious students who understand where their food comes from and the science behind it.