BROOKINGS, S.D. — As June Dairy Month gets underway, South Dakota State University is rolling out a new educational program designed to help meet the workforce needs of one of the state’s fastest-growing agricultural sectors.
The SDSU Department of Dairy and Food Science has announced a new two-year Dairy Technology associate degree that will begin this fall. University officials say the program was created to help students quickly enter careers in dairy production and dairy processing while also providing a pathway to continue toward a four-year degree.
Students will be able to choose between two specialized tracks. One focuses on dairy production, including herd management and milk production. The second centers on dairy products, teaching the science and technology behind processing milk into products such as cheese, butter, yogurt, and ice cream.
The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning opportunities. Students will gain real-world experience through work at SDSU’s dairy facilities and research programs in Brookings.
The announcement comes as South Dakota’s dairy industry continues to expand. New dairy operations, processing facilities, and related businesses have fueled growth across the state, creating demand for skilled workers with specialized training.
University leaders say the curriculum was developed with input from dairy producers, processors, and industry employers who identified a need for graduates with practical experience and technical knowledge.
Another feature of the program is its flexibility. Students who earn the associate degree can continue their education and complete a bachelor’s degree in dairy production or dairy manufacturing without losing credits, allowing them to finish both degrees within four years.
SDSU officials say the goal is to strengthen the state’s dairy workforce while creating additional opportunities for students interested in agriculture, animal science, food production, and dairy processing careers.
The first class of Dairy Technology students is scheduled to begin coursework in August as South Dakota’s dairy industry continues its rapid growth across the region.
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