Student group spotlight: Meet the Gopher Dairy Club

It's National Dairy Month, so what better student group to highlight than the Gopher Dairy Club, the largest student-run organization on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus!

Established in 1983, the Gopher Dairy Club's mission is to promote a higher scholastic standard among students interested in the dairy industry; to promote dairy interest, especially among students at the University of Minnesota; and to bring about a closer relationship among the students and faculty who exhibit interest in the dairy industry. Last year, the club had 85 members and membership has varied between 80 to 100 over the past decade. 

Throughout the year, the Gopher Dairy Club holds a variety of interesting and educational activities, including but not limited to: 

• Annual Alumni Reunion — This year's event will be held at Heffron Park at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair on August 24 from 4 to 8 p.m. 
• Gopher Dairy Bar — The club's milkshake stand at the Minnesota State Fair is it's biggest fundraiser.
• Gopher Dairy Camp — A youth camp that will be held this year from June 20-22, 2024. This camp is for grades 6 to 9 with a focus on calf selection, show preparation, industry knowledge, and showmanship, offering invaluable learning opportunities.
• Food and Animal Networking Evening — An event in the fall where students network with close to 20 industry companies that offer internships and full-time positions. Members are then able to sit with a company of their choice at dinner and continue to network in a small dinner setting. 
• Gopher Dairy Club Annual Banquet — A banquet held in the spring to celebrate award recipients, listen to keynote speakers, and network with members, their families, and alumni. 
• Senior Trip to California — A week-long trip to California for senior club members that have met the requirements of attending meetings, assisting at Gopher Dairy Camp or judging contents, and work in the Gopher Dairy Bar. This trip includes tourist sights and tours of a variety of dairy operations in California. 

"Alumni from the club should be sure to attend the Annual Alumni Reunion this year at the Minnesota State Fair to connect with current and past club members," said Haley Beukema, Gopher Dairy Club President.