Students Compete in Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge

Morrisville State student Brittany Mumbolo of Edmeston, a dairy management B.Tech. major competes in the Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge.

By Franci Valenzano, Public Relations Associate

(Morrisville, NY – Nov. 21, 2013) Sixteen Morrisville State students traveled to Plattsburgh to help local dairy farmers and learn more about the industry.

The students were part of the Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge, an innovative three-day event which promotes the future of the dairy industry. They joined 103 other students from 12 northeast colleges and two Canadian universities.

Working in mixed university teams of five students, contestants assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm, including facilities, nutrition, reproduction and animal health.

Based on information they gathered, teams developed and presented detailed observations and findings to a panel of judges and participating farm families. Teams were ranked based on how well their evaluations matched the judges’ evaluations.

“We sent a strong set of students this year and each contributed to their aggregate team effort,” said Steve Mooney, assistant professor of dairy science. “Professionals who were at the event complimented Morrisville students on their teamwork, professionalism and knowledge.”

In addition to the student competition, all teams participated in educational workshops and attended an industry career fair.

Participating from Morrisville State College were:

Ryan Alishauskas, of Sherburne, NY, animal science-dairy A.A.S. (first place team)

Grady Ballard, of Georgia, Vt., agricultural business development B.B.A. (first place team and recipient of a Don Rogers Award)

Megan Brandt, of Champlain, NY, agricultural business development B.B.A.  (third place team)

Colleen Cargile, of Skaneateles, NY, animal science-dairy A.A.S.  (third place team)

Jessica Currie, of Tully, NY, animal science-dairy A.A.S.

Matt Doran, of Marathon, NY, dairy management B.Tech.

Courtney Furst, of Moravia, NY, dairy management B.Tech.

Megan Hazel, of Montoursville, Pa., dairy management B.Tech. (first place team)

Kasey Heineman, of Caledonia, NY, agricultural business development B.B.A.

Brittany Mumbolo, of Edmeston, NY, dairy management B.Tech.

Dillon Murrock, of Watertown, NY, dairy management B.Tech.  (second place team)

Ryan Rauscher, of West Leyden, NY, animal science-dairy A.A.S.

Magdalene Richmond, of Eden, NY, agricultural business development B.B.A.

Marie Ruther, of Delanson, NY, agricultural business development B.B.A. (second place team)

Leah Schumacher, of Hilton, NY, dairy management B.Tech.

Dakota Warren, of Greene, NY, dairy management B.Tech.