Frequently Asked Questions
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How will the $1M in Marathon County funds be used?
The money will be used to purchase a farm for a dairy operation.
Who will own the farm?
The Dairyland State Academy will purchase the farm and will then turn ownership over to Northcentral Technical College (NTC).
How will Dairyland State Academy (DSA) be involved?
The Dairyland State Academy Board will continue to be involved in the operation of the farm. The board will serve as an advocate for DSA, as well as an advisory board to the College. They will assist with continued fundraising efforts.
How will Marathon County be involved?
Marathon County has representation on the DSA board.
How will NTC be involved?
NTC will own the dairy farm and offer classes and programs at the facility.
Who else is involved in this initiative?
Both UW-Marathon County and UW-Extension serve on the DSA Board. Students who plan to transfer after earning their Associate Degree may begin taking upper level general education credits at UW-Marathon County, or they may transfer to UW-River Falls with junior status (60 credits).
Why not use existing farms for hands-on learning?
In a farm learning lab, all information is shared with the students - financial records, management styles, farm transition plant, etc. Farmers are a great resource and will be utilized, but we do not expect them to integrate the full curriculum in their day to day farm operations.
What is a learning laboratory?
The Agriculture Center of Excellence will give you opportunities no one else can offer:
- The freedom to make mistakes and learn from them
- The ability to use your hands and your head in applied learning and traditional classrooms
- A working understanding of today’s dairy technologies
- The business, marketing and accounting know-how you need to run your agribusiness
- Exposure to new concepts such as two-family dairying, that allows you to share responsibilities and alternate time away from the farm
- Innovative instruction in competitive dairying styles, including parlor/free-stall Western-style dairy housing and rotational grazing
- A two-year Associates Degree in Dairy Science that prepares you to take over the family farm, start one of your own or grow the business of the farm you have
- A seamless transition to a four-year degree
- Year-round educational opportunities that are built around your life on the farm
Why is a learning lab important?
The learning lab provides students with the opportunity to learn by doing. They will gain first-hand what it takes to operate a farm and run a successful business.
How will the farm learning laboratory be utilized?
The farm learning laboratory will be used to teach students management skills to own/operate a farm. This effort will provide hands on learning with animals, financial records and crops, as well as provide knowledge in utilizing alternative energy resources in farming.
What NTC programs will be offered at the farm learning laboratory?
Currently, dairy science programming will be offered at the farm. Future initiatives may include horticulture, veterinary technician and renewable energies.
What is NTC’s monetary contribution to this initiative? How will funds be used?
Farm income will be used to help offset the operation of the farm. NTC will budget for educational expenses.
How will High School Agricultural programs benefit from this?
NTC will offer transcripted credit courses, allowing high school students to receive college credit while still in high school. The Agriculture Instructor will teach the course from the NTC curriculum and students will receive credit for the course at no charge to them. There is also a possibility for student job shadowing opportunities.
What is the timeline for the initiative?
Farm purchase will be in the fall of 2009. Upgrades and renovations will depend on the farm selected. Programming will begin upon completion of the upgrades and renovations.
Will this initiative ever break even?
The current business plan reflects the latest economic indicators in agriculture. However, NTC has set a goal to break even in year six of the milking operation component of the initiative. If that does not happen, the College is committed to incurring any additional costs to run the program, even if it means putting another initiative on hold.
How can I support this initiative?
Donations can be made to support the ACE by calling Kelly Fischer at the NTC Foundation 715. 803.1300.
Where can I find additional information?
Visit the website dairylandacademy.org for more information
