Cornell University Dairy Science Club

The Cornell University Dairy Science Club (CUDS) is one of the largest and most active organizations at Cornell. The club focuses on education, outreach, and extension while bonding with colleagues.

The purpose of CUDS is to provide opportunities for the educational enrichment of the dairy industry for current CUDS members, the Cornell community and beyond. Extension and outreach initiatives are met through social, educational, and philanthropic events and service. Fund raising is required for current activities and educational trips and to support the sustainability of the club into the future.

Activities & Events

Sale

CUDS Spring Classic

March 11, 2023

Bidding will begin at 11:00 AM with doors opening for viewing starting at 9:00 AM. The sale will consist of over 50 lots of registered Holsteins, Jerseys, Red and White Holsteins, Ayrshires, and Brown Swiss. Visitors to the Livestock Pavilion can also anticipate food during the sale, CUDS apparel sales, and the infamous pie auction to benefit Cornell Dairy Science members.

Trip

California 2022

From pistachios to lactating goats, dairy farms to nut producers, citrus farms to a carrot processing facility, 51 students enjoyed an 8-day trip through California's diverse agriculture industry in the Central Valley. In January, 50 CUDS members continued the tradition of traveling to California to learn more about agriculture on the West Coast. Special thanks to Doug DeGroff '96 for his planning efforts and dedication to support the club.

Professional Development

Communication Training

One of the main goals of CUDS is to teach members how to discuss aspects of the dairy industry effectively and accurately. Lauren Chambliss, a senior lecturer in Cornell’s Department of Communication, discussed how to relay information in a professional and effective manner. Emma Andrew-Swarthout, American Dairy Association Northeast took a deeper dive into specific topics related to the dairy industry and how to connect with consumers about these topics. This training helped prepare members for interactions at other events later in the semester.

International Study Trip

Italy 2020

In January 2020, 45 CUDS members had the opportunity to travel to Italy. During this International Study Trip, students were able to learn about the agricultural practices in the Italian culture and the roles that farming and food play in their lives. While there was an emphasis on dairy production, the club also explored other facets of agriculture. These included various cheese production facilities, a winery, a water buffalo dairy, and a balsamic vinegar production operation. The club also had the opportunity to engage with and learn about the historical significance of the country by touring the city of Rome, where we were able to visit many monuments including The Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

International Study Trip

China 2020

In January 2020, 38 students and five chaperones had the opportunity to travel to Beijing, China and collaborate with students from the China Agriculture University (CAU). During the ten-day trip, Cornell and CAU students were divided into groups and worked together to evaluate Chinese dairy farms for the Dairy Opportunity Challenge. Students also toured several dairy farms and dairy processing centers, and were able to evaluate the differences in production and processing of milk between the United States and China. Club members had the opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of China from CAU students and through visiting historical landmarks including the Great Wall of China and Tiananmen Square. Many members would describe this as a once in a lifetime opportunity!
 

CUDS members gather at the Spring Classic Cattle Sale
Student visit a dairy farm in California
Emma Andrew-Swarthout, ADANE, leads students in a communications exercise
a group of people stand in front of an Italian building
a group of students stand in front of a feed museum in China

Annual Community Outreach Events

CUDS members show visitors to Art of Ag how to make butter

Hosted by Sigma Alpha sorority on the Arts Quad, this event aims to educate the entire campus community and celebrate the diverse network of agriculture at Cornell. Members of CUDS made butter with students and engaged with them about dairy.

CUDS members gather at the NYS Fair Dairy Cattle Birthing Center

Since 2013, CUDS has participated in the Dairy Cow Birthing Center, hosted by the New York Animal Agriculture Coalition at the New York State Fair. The Birthing Center is an interactive exhibit where fair-goers can ask dairy farmers and industry professionals, including our students, about dairy farming while watching cows give birth!

CUDS club members stand near Adopt a Highway sign after roadside cleanup

Since 2018, CUDS members have maintained a local roadway near campus in celebration of Earth Day.

Gifts & Apparel

If you would like to "add some CUDS into your life", our clothing, baseball caps, and window decals may be the perfect option for you. Contact Kelly Heath at kms57 [at] cornell.edu for current inventory.

Current Officers

Interested in joining CUDS? Talk with a club officer.

Molly Rejman '25

President

Profile photo of Tommy Fenwick

Vice-President

Photo of Emily Mayo with dairy cow

Secretary

Bekah Martz '25

Public Relations

Profile of Marah Deckers

Public Relations

Rachel Van Buren '24

Sale Co-Chair

Carter Hoffman '26

Sale Co-Chair

Photo of Max Van Beek with dairy cow

Activities

Advisor

profile photo of mike van amburgh
Michael Van Amburgh

Professor

Animal Science

Michael Van Amburgh

Contact Us

CUDS meets on several times throughout the semester in 164 Morrison Hall.  Club dues are $25 per academic year.  For more information on upcoming meeting dates, contact one of the officers below. 

You may sign up for our listserv by contacting Emily Mayo at eem84 [at] cornell.edu (eem84[at]cornell[dot]edu.)