Animal Science: CREAM 1

The first of a two-course sequence. Students perform the work and make the financial and management decisions associated with the CREAM dairy herd. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing; Instructor permission.

Instructor permission required; Open to Degree and PACE students

Objectives: 1. Introduce and discuss the current practices in dairy farm management and apply that knowledge to the management of the CREAM herd. 2. Familiarize students with how to manage and operate a business. 3. Provide students the opportunity to gain leadership, communication, problem solving and time management skills that will give them an advantage in their careers and make them more valuable to future employers. 4. Apply knowledge gained to real world problems and present the findings at the annual dinner

Responsibilities of CREAMers: Chores: Each person must do chores every week during the school session and almost all should be present for vacation times • AVOID DRAMA • Bring a positive attitude to everything! • Be punctual • Be responsible and do the job well • Take initiative • Communicate with others • Be attentive to problems • Solve problems immediately, don’t leave it for someone else • Help others if they have a scheduling problem and you are able Business Meetings and Classes: Each person must attend all weekly business meetings and classes. • Be punctual • Actively participate in discussions so that meetings run smoothly and decisions get made in a timely fashion • Have committee work done thoroughly with a concise report and present recommendations to the group with justification • Criticize CREAM and CREAMers constructively-don’t delay in solving difficult issues, including personnel problems; if someone has done something you know to be wrong, alert advisors, Dr. Wadsworth and/or Matt in a professional and respectful manner. Committee Work: Each CREAMer is expected to be an active member of each of their committees

Grading: CREAM students will earn 4 credits per semester. Peer Evaluations: 15% Two peer evaluations will be completed using a standardized rubric. Mentor Evaluations: 25% To be conducted by Dr. Wadsworth and farm staff using the same standardized rubric based on participation in meeting, lecture and demonstration of the core competencies as outlined below. This will be performed at the end of the semester. Attendance: 30% Attendance and participation in class, meetings, chores, and extra activities such as calvings, IACUC preparations, herd classification, etc. Reflection Journal and Work Log 30% Grade will be based upon weekly entries, quality of writing, and extent of participation in CREAM activities.