
Dairy and food animal management is the business and biology of farm animals
Studying the business of animal agriculture and the biology and management of farm animals can lead to improvements in our food production systems that benefit animals, farmers, consumers, and the environment.
As a Dairy and Food Animal Management major you will:
- Gain a fundamental understanding of animal science, food and animal agriculture, business, management, and the application of economic principles to dairy and food production systems
- Explore specialized topics in animal health and welfare, land and water stewardship, precision livestock farming, food safety, and sustainable global agriculture
- Discover how dairy and food animal management connects to real-world issues and meets the needs of today’s dairy, livestock, poultry, and meat industries
Career Paths
Dairy and food animal management graduates are prepared for a variety of careers that require a strong background in agribusiness, animal biology, farm management, livestock production management, meat industry, technical services and consulting, research, and outreach.
Here are just a few examples of what our dairy and food animal management graduates are doing with their careers:
What CALS alumni do:
Agricultural Researcher
Crop Insurance Specialist
Research Technician
Genetics and Reproductive Advisor
Dairy Nutrition Consultant
Where CALS alumni work:
Kerry
Hamburg Hills Farm, LLP
Vita Plus Corporation
Cargill
Land O’ Lakes, Inc
Federal Government
What CALS alumni do:
Herdsperson
Herd Manager
Dairy Farmer
Genetics and Reproductive Advisor
Hospital Barn Manager
Veterinarian
Research Technician
Where CALS alumni work:
Wisconsin Holstein Association
American Jersey Cattle Association
STgenetics
Semex USA, Inc.
Alta Genetics
BoviSync
What CALS alumni do:
Crop Insurance Specialist
Dairy Field Representative
Dairy Marketing Specialist
Territory Manager
Sales Representative
Marketing Executive
Business Analyst
Where CALS alumni work:
ABS Global
Compeer Financial
Vita Plus Corporation
State of Wisconsin Investment Board
What can CALS offer you?
CALS students are curious to discover how our living world works and are passionate about using science to improve it.
Our programs span five areas of study and encourage students to pursue their passions in the classroom and beyond. Learn more about how our students are set up for success:
- Scholarships
- Career Services
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- QuickStart – online, summer program for first-year students
Want to learn more about dairy and food animal management?
Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.
Your CALS Experience
1
On-campus meat processing plant
100%
Students who complete an internship or field experience
$262,000
In-department scholarships offered yearly
Advisor & Contact Information
Advisors can answer your questions, help you create a degree plan that meets your personal and professional goals, and connect you to resources across the UW–Madison campus.
Incoming students should reach out to CALS Academic Affairs to direct your questions. Current UW–Madison students should schedule with their assigned advisor using Starfish.
CALS Academic Affairs
116 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu
(608) 262-3003
Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences
260 Animal Sciences Building
1675 Observatory Dr., Madison, WI 53706
(608) 263-3308

Want to learn more about dairy and food animal management?