Last Friday, 54 Badger Dairy Club members took one of the Badger Coaches on a nine-hour trip to the Buckeye State for the American Dairy Science Student Association (ADSA) Student Affiliate Division (SAD) Midwest Regional Conference which was held at The Ohio State University.
Our trek started with a 3:30 a.m. departure on Friday from the Stock Pavilion. We came with suitcases, coolers, pillows and blankets… and the infamous block rocker to play our music. After a quick stop for lunch, we arrived at our first destination in Indiana – Triple T Holsteins. We saw some great cattle and the beautiful homestead there.
Once we arrived to the Double Tree Hotel in Columbus, we freshened up for the evening’s meeting and speaker. After the program, we enjoyed a night of socializing and fun. Socials each night, complete with a dance, brought students from dairy clubs around the Midwest together. I was able to reconnect with friends from UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls and South Dakota State University. Kansas State, North Dakota State University, University of Minnesota, Iowa State and other midwestern universities were in attendance as well.
On Saturday, we heard from experts in the dairy industry. Our speakers were experienced in niche markets, agricultural journalism and broadcasting, international agriculture, artificial insemination and social media. I loved being able to see The Ohio State campus and buildings too. During our lunch break from the sessions, there was even a milk flip cup competition. Madison’s team was so close to winning the entire tournament!
After some downtime at the hotel, everyone got dressed up for the banquet. We enjoyed each other’s company for an evening of presentations and inspirational speakers.
Spending time with both undergraduates and short course students during this trip helped me make some of my favorite college memories. After a great 56 hours of Badger Dairy Club bonding, I’m so thankful for these connections and experiences. Only a few more hours on the bus (as I write this) and the interesting stories will cease to be created for this year, but will never cease to be told. I’m already looking forward to next year!
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