In August 2014, farmers in 23 states produced more than 16.2 billion pounds of milk, up 2.6 percent from 2013. During that same period, the number of cows increased to 8.58 million head, up 60,000. The business of producing milk shows no signs of slowing down, and a USDA grant is ensuring the pipeline of future industry professionals doesn’t slow to a trickle. Despite that growth in the industry, the number of dairy-related programs at colleges and universities is dwindling. To address that concern, Dr. Roger Hagevoort and his team at New Mexico State University have come up with a solution to ensure a prosperous future. Hagevoort, an extension dairy specialist, launched the Dairy Education and Training Consortium(USDETC) with a $326,000 grant provided by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA). The program features a 12-week learning excursion for college juniors and seniors with a background in dairy science, animal science, and other ag-related concentrations. USDETC Participants receive hands-on training from dairy experts on feeding, milking, breeding, and managing large cow herds on a farm. What began in 2008 as a 6-week curriculum with only a few students has grown in the last few years to 12 weeks and 50 students.