Dairy Science

Kayla Alward’s loving care for the calves at the UGA Dairy led to her selection as UGA and Southeast Student Employee of the Year. But her activity doesn’t stop there. She’s president of the Dairy Science Club, an ambassador for CAES and the recipient of several scholarships. And yes, her dream would be to own a dairy farm.

“I interned with Alta Genetics, which is a dairy, reproductive consulting company. The application and interview process was intense, with seven of us being selected for positions out of 150 students that applied. I worked and traveled around Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin where I learned reproductive techniques such as breeding and ultrasounding cows. I also had the opportunity to attend both sales and genetics training to further my knowledge of the art of sales as well as picking bulls, matework and consulting to farm managers to assist them in reaching their goals. During the summer, Alta held its annual showcase event in which the company invites dairy farmers from across the world to a certain location in the U.S. to tour elite and advanced dairy farms and share ideas. I was able to attend and assist with setting up the farm tours and met farmers from 31 countries. It was truly an amazing opportunity and lent me skills that will help me pursue a future with dairy cows!”