ANSC 3560 - International Dairy Study Trip

Fall. 2 credits. Letter grades only.

Permission of instructor required.

Preference is given to: juniors and seniors in Animal Science/Dairy Management. Offered on Ithaca campus and a destination in Europe.

M. Van Amburg.

The course is an intensive study trip designed to expose students to the variety of dairy related agricultural production approaches in the country of interest. The primary focus will be dairy management, environmental regulations related to animal production, the profitability of the production system and related government support programs and the role of culture as it relates to production. In addition, European Union production rules, environmental regulations and related topics will be covered through farm visits and local meetings. A portion of the course will be in combination a local university. The study trip is for 8 days and the base fee is $1,000. Students must be willing to meet up to five times prior to the end of Fall semester for discussions about expectations and orientation to the culture of the chosen destination.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to describe the economics and conditions surrounding milk production and consumer expectations and compare this to the U.S.

Outcome 2: Students will recognize and explain resource limitations for dairy production systems and provide context for that relative to future food production within the structure observed.

Outcome 3: Students will analyze dairy food production systems and contrast that with the U.S. system.

Outcome 4: Describe the impact of government support for agriculture development and compare that with current U.S. policy.

Outcome 5: Gain an appreciation for the diversity of production systems and be able to describe the role agriculture plays in meeting the energy needs of the country and how that integrates with “green energy” policies.