Hokie Dairy Students Take Top National Honors

BLACKSBURG, Va., April 29, 2002 -- The Virginia Tech Dairy Management Consulting Team took one of two champion positions in competition among teams from 14 universities in the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge April 12 and 13.

Team members, all students in the university's Department of Dairy Science, were Iris Peeler of Starr, S.C.; Darlene Price of Christiansburg, Va.; Ryan Blosser of Harrisonburg, Va.; and H.B. Hunter of Concord, Va. Coaches for the team were faculty members Ron Pearson, Mike McGilliard, and Dave Winston.

In joining the University of Minnesota in one of the two top positions in the Dairy Challenge, the Virginia Tech team placed ahead of teams from such schools as Iowa State, Michigan State, Penn State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin.

The two-day competition was held on the campus of Michigan State University. Each team evaluated the operations of a progressive Michigan dairy farm, analyzed its strengths and weaknesses, identified problems in the operation, and suggested practical solutions. The task was made more difficult by using herds that were significantly above industry standards in various areas of performance. The teams reviewed dairy and business records, visited the farm, and were given a brief opportunity to interview the dairy's owner.

The competition required knowledge from many of the courses included in the business management option of the department, said Pearson.

"The students had a very limited time to master the key details of the operation and to make some very sophisticated judgments and recommendations," Pearson said. "Their outstanding performance shows the strength of our students, which in turn helps explain why Virginia Tech's dairy science program is so strong and so well-respected nationally."

David Thorbahn, executive vice president of Select Sires Inc., headed the committee of business people and educators that organized the event, which is the first in what is expected to be an annual competition. Industry sponsors contributed about $50,000 to support the contest.