Students explain the College’s dairy operations and share their own experiences at the College, allowing the visitors to experience the unique opportunities the Work Education Program provides C of O students.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO — The American Jersey Cattle Association traveled to College of the Ozarks to tour the W. Alton Jones Dairy during their annual meeting in Springfield, Missouri, on June 19.

The American Jersey Cattle Association, also known as US Jersey, is the oldest dairy breed association in the United States, organized in 1868 with the purpose to promote the increased production and sale of Jersey milk and milk products. Each year, US Jersey holds an annual meeting to bring members together for a week of networking, decision making, learning, and recognition.

This year, US Jersey visited the W. Alton Jones Dairy at College of the Ozarks. The Dairy is run by students at the College as a campus workstation. The students are responsible for feeding and milking the cows along with keeping up with farm maintenance. The milk that is packaged at the dairy is then dispersed throughout campus for use at The Keeter Center, the Pearl Rodger’s Dining Center, and the Child Development Center.

In preparation for US Jersey’s visit, the student workers at the W. Alton Jones Dairy worked together to ensure the farm was clean, organized, and ready to showcase. This included pressure washing, painting, landscaping, and completing general maintenance projects throughout the farm.

Additionally, the students also processed milk to share, prepared the cattle areas to display the Jerseys, and coordinated the tour so visitors could experience the day-to-day operations of the College's dairy.

“Our goal was to create a welcoming environment while showcasing the quality of the facilities and the educational opportunities they provide,” said Layla Giorgianni, assistant dairy manager.

The US Jersey members visited the milking parlor, processing room, free stall barn, and maternity barn. At each station, students explained the College’s dairy operations and shared their own experiences at the College, allowing the visitors to experience the unique opportunities the work education program provides C of O students.