Dairy innovation hub - new graduate research initiatives

By Blake Jackson

The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) is investing in the future of Wisconsin's dairy industry by awarding six new graduate student assistantships. These assistantships will support research projects focused on four key areas:

• Environmental Sustainability: One project will explore how to turn leftover materials from manure processing into a new revenue stream for farmers.
• Human Health: Another project will investigate the use of a natural fungus to combat harmful bacteria in dairy products and cattle feed.
• Animal Health and Welfare: Researchers will study how flies might spread diseases among dairy cows, and how automatic milking systems can improve cow well-being during dry-off periods.
• Farm Business Growth: A project will examine the financial feasibility and labor implications of adopting automated milking systems for Wisconsin dairy farms.

Funded by the state of Wisconsin, the Dairy Innovation Hub initiative aims to strengthen the state's dairy industry through scientific advancements, talent development, and collaboration between UW-Madison, UW-Platteville, and UW-River Falls. Since its launch in 2019, the Hub has funded over 200 projects across these campuses.

The New Graduate Student Researchers

• Brayan Daniel Riascos Arteaga (Civil and Environmental Engineering): Explores using leftover manure fibers for biogas production or value-added chemicals.
• Jalyssa Beaudry (Agricultural and Applied Economics): Analyzes the financial and operational benefits of automated milking systems for Wisconsin dairy farms.
• Yuxing Chen (Food Science): Investigates using a natural fungus to combat harmful bacteria in cheese and cattle feed.
• Ellie Froelich (Biological Systems Engineering): Develops a method to remove harmful gas from biogas produced by manure digesters.
• Julia Kettner (Bacteriology): Studies how flies might transmit diseases among dairy cows.
• Elizabeth McGuire (Animal and Dairy Sciences): Examines how automatic milking systems can improve cow well-being during dry-off periods.

These research projects hold significant promise for the future of Wisconsin's dairy industry. By focusing on sustainability, animal health, economic viability, and consumer health, these CALS-funded assistantships can lead to innovative solutions that benefit both dairy farmers and consumers.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave