The future of the dairy industry depends on more than technology, genetics or markets. While all of these are critical, the true future of dairy lies in recruiting, educating and supporting the next generation of dairy producers, managers and innovators.

There are opportunities for young people in nearly every aspect of the dairy community. As dairy producers and industry professionals, we all have an important role to play in encouraging students to find the right fit for each of them in this complex industry and providing real-world guidance along the way.

The role dairy professionals can play

I am fortunate to work with students every day in my role as program manager for the Farm and Industry Short Course at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. But for many dairy professionals, connecting with the next generation requires more intentional effort. I encourage everyone to look for small, consistent ways to share their story and experience with young people.

Here are a few ideas:

• Be visible and accessible. Visiting classrooms, presenting to 4-H clubs or FFA chapters, and helping with farm or plant tours are all ways to provide insight into the wide range of positions available in today’s dairy industry. These roles include herd management, genetics, nutrition, finance, communications, policy, technology and much more. If you are attending a banquet or event, take time to introduce yourself to students, ask questions and share your story. Look for opportunities to serve on alumni or chapter advisory boards in your community.
• Offer mentorship and job shadowing. Invite students to ride along for a day or shadow on-farm veterinarians, nutritionists, field staff, producers or processors. For many students, these behind-the-scenes experiences spark interest in new career paths simply because they were exposed to something they didn’t know existed.
• Open doors through your network. The dairy community is a small world, and most of us have connections at companies and organizations that can help young people explore opportunities. Maybe your company doesn’t have a role in the specific area a student wants to pursue, but you can make a connection with a simple text or email. Helping students find introductions and leads for internships, summer jobs and entry-level positions can pay dividends for everyone involved.
• Become a sounding board. Most of us know a young person who reminds us of ourselves at that age. Be a safe place for them to share ideas, ask questions or simply have a conversation when they need it.
• Share real-world stories, not just facts. Talk honestly about both the challenges and rewards of working in dairy. Help students connect what they are learning in class to the realities of a working farm or agribusiness. Don’t shy away from discussing work-life balance, what schedules really look like or what career advancement can involve. That level of transparency helps students identify the roles and workplaces where they will truly fit.
• Offer feedback and encouragement. When a student does a great job at a contest, internship or project, tell them so – and be specific. A few words of encouragement from an industry professional can have a lasting impact.

Finding the right fit

Once a young person discovers an interest in dairy, deciding on the right path can feel overwhelming. From four-year college programs to technical schools, apprenticeships or entering the workforce directly, there are many routes into the industry. Each can be the right fit depending on a student’s interests, learning style and circumstances.

This process begins with understanding the individual. Mentors and educators need to look beyond academic performance to identify what students are naturally good at and what motivates them. Some thrive in hands-on animal care roles, while others excel with numbers, communication, science or mechanical problem solving.

A pathway built on practical learning

For generations, the Farm and Industry Short Course has served as a bridge between education and practical agriculture. Originally founded in 1885, the program focuses on applied learning and hands-on experience rather than purely theoretical coursework.

Students in the program study topics directly tied to farm success, including crop production, herd health, reproduction management, genetics and business decision making. Courses emphasize practical skills such as artificial insemination techniques, biosecurity planning and evaluating dairy cattle.

Equally important is the program’s strong connection to industry professionals. Farm tours, guest speakers and networking opportunities allow students to build relationships while gaining exposure to the broader agricultural system.

Many participants are hands-on learners who want practical education they can immediately apply. Others are already working in agriculture and are seeking deeper training without committing to a traditional four-year degree.

Because of this focus, graduates often return to farms or agribusinesses with new knowledge and renewed confidence in their ability to lead.

When the future of the program required a new home, the UW – River Falls stepped forward to continue the tradition. The decision reflected both the university’s commitment to agricultural education and the strong unified message from industry partners, including Professional Dairy Producers (PDP), that this type of practical training remains essential.

Building the pipeline

The dairy industry’s long-term success depends on a steady pipeline of skilled, passionate professionals. That pipeline grows stronger when experienced leaders take the time to mentor, connect with and inspire young people.

Whether through a brief conversation, an internship opportunity or a program like the Farm and Industry Short Course, every interaction has the potential to shape a career.

When students feel welcomed, supported and connected, they gain the confidence to pursue roles that fit their strengths. In turn, the dairy industry gains talented individuals prepared to lead it into the future.

Mary Holle serves as director of the Farm and Industry Short Course at UW – River Falls, bringing a hands-on perspective shaped by her work at Holle-Oaks Dairy. Being actively involved in a working dairy operation allows her to connect classroom concepts directly to real-world decision making, from herd management to financial and operational planning. She is passionate about ensuring students don’t just learn agriculture; they understand how to operate within it.

This column is contributed by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP), the nation’s largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind. PDP focuses on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.