Delaware Valley University Students Compete at Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge

Five Delaware Valley University students recently showcased their skills at the 22nd annual Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge, held from October 17-19 in Plattsburgh, New York. Hosted by The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, this year’s event brought together 76 students from colleges and universities across the Northeastern United States and Canada.

The Dairy Challenge is an innovative, three-day educational competition designed to prepare students for careers in the dairy industry. Working in mixed-university teams of four or five students, participants assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm, including facilities, nutrition, financials, reproduction, animal health and much more. Students collaborated on a 20-minute team presentation that detailed their observations and suggestions to a panel of judges and participating farm families. Teams were ranked based on how closely their evaluations matched judges’ assessments of the dairy operation.

DelVal’s team included Isabella Anderson ’27, Nellie Hankinson ’27, Lauren Ross ’28, Maia Sudler ’27, and Samantha Zazulak ’27. Additionally, Isabella Johnson ’25 also contributed as a Social Media intern. The team was coached by Ms. Joanne Powell and Dr. Ivelisse Robles. Students were placed on intercollegiate teams and ranked based on the evaluation they did for one of two farms.

In between events, students traveled across the street to visit the Miner Institute’s Research Farm, where they participated in a career fair featuring dairy industry employers and took facility tours. Students had the chance to network with potential employers, having submitted resumes along with their registration materials. Social and team-building activities, including a Friday night dinner with entertainment by a local improv group, provided students with a welcomed break after intensive data analysis and presentation preparations.

Delaware Valley University’s participation was made possible through grant funding from the PA Dairymen’s Association and the Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation, as well as private donations.

About the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC)

The NAIDC fosters the development of future dairy leaders and advances the dairy industry by promoting education, communication and networking among students, producers, agribusinesses and universities. Since its inception, Dairy Challenge has prepared more than 5,000 students for careers in dairy-related fields, including farm management, consulting, research, and veterinary practice. The 2025 national competition and Dairy Challenge Academy will be held from April 6-8 in Gainesville, Florida. For more information, visit dairychallenge.org.