I grew up in the beautiful Monterey County, California where I spent almost every waking hour of my childhood riding horses and cultivating my desire to be a veterinarian. Eventually I found myself at the University of Vermont studying Animal Science. One thing led to another, and before I knew it I was milking cows. And get this\u2026I was milking cows FOR CLASS! I\u2019m not kidding, feeding baby calves and taking care of their mommas was my homework. We had to memorize their names, index numbers, and family histories for an exam. Truly think I had hit the gold mine. The one year class eventually ended, but I wanted more. So I got a part time job at a local dairy farm, which led to a full time job after graduation, and the rest is history. My responsibilities included managing the health of the cows and younger heifers on that farm for 3 years. I am absolutely in love with all things farming and graduated from the University of Vermont with a BS in Animal Science and Microbiology in 2013.<\/p>\n After a year working full time at the same dairy farm, I decided to go back to school to pursue my Masters of Science degree in Food Systems. Leaving the farm was the hardest decision I ever made, and I miss the cows and people every day, but going back to school was the right move for me. But don’t worry, I still make frequent visits and catch up with my bovine beauties! My mission is to foster positive discussion, thought, and support for our food system. I want to share my story of how I always had a passion for animals, but never knew I would fall in love with animal agriculture as I didn\u2019t grow up on a farm. So, I am country by chance.<\/p>\n Oh man, it\u2019s tough to choose. In a perfect world, I would have dairy at every meal (and honestly, I usually do!). For breakfast, I’ll have lemon Chobani green yogurt<\/a>. For lunch, I make sure to somehow incorporate Cabot cheddar cheese<\/a>. And for dinner, I’ll take a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream<\/a>. Yep, ice cream for dinner is socially acceptable.<\/p>\n Today, I am earning my Master’s degree in Food Systems. My thesis research focuses on helping dairy farmers improve the fat and protein content in their cow’s milk We are also studying ways to best communicate recommendations to farmers. I miss the farm every day, but I’m excited to contribute to dairy science!<\/p>\n My favorite cow in the world is a Holstein cow – and not just any Holstein cow, but an extra special cow: number 117. In fact, she was born before we started naming cows at the farm, but everybody calls her Grandma. Grandma is the oldest and one of the most productive cows on the farm. She has produced over 300,000 gallons of milk in her lifetime! She is also the sweetest cow in the world, and has several daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters who are just as great as she is!<\/p>\n Here’s Grandma with one of her daughters, Ghirardelli!<\/p><\/div>\n I want millennials like me to know that technology in farming is a life changer, and definitely for the better. For example, did you know cows wear “Fit Bits” that allow farmers to keep their cows healthy and well-fed.<\/p>\n The most rewarding part of working in the dairy industry is learning about all of the research that goes into farming. Did you know that there is an entire research field called “Cow Comfort” that specializes is designing barns to keep cows healthy, happy, and clean!? It’s so great!<\/p>\n As a young woman in dairy, I couldn’t be more excited for the future of dairy. Just like their grandfathers before them, farmers working hard every day to produce safe, nutritious, and wholesome milk. However, unlike their grandfathers, today’s dairy farm families are making milk with less land and fewer, healthier cows. This means a smaller environmental footprint and plenty of milk and dairy products for everyone to enjoy!<\/p>\n Stay connected with Melissa on <\/strong>Instagram<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Twitter<\/strong><\/a>, her Facebook Page<\/a> and Blog<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n Melissa, we wish you much success as you continue working on your Master\u2019s!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Today, it is my honor to introduce a graduate student in Food Systems, Melissa Woolpert. After stalking, I mean checking out Melissa\u2019s blog, she describes her journey from suburbia to the farm. Her love of farming began at the University of Vermont and admits that at one point, she didn\u2019t even know the difference between […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2284,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":""},"categories":[396],"tags":[91,257,262,367],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Woolpert](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/woolpert-3.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMelissa\u2019s Story in her own words:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What is your favorite dairy product?<\/u><\/h4>\n
![\"Woolpert](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/woolpert-2.png?w=300\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is your role in the dairy industry? <\/u><\/h4>\n
Who is your favorite cow? <\/u><\/h4>\n
![\"Woolpert](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/woolpert-1.jpg?w=225\")
<\/a>What are 3 things you want consumers to know about the dairy industry?<\/u><\/h4>\n
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As a millennial what do you want to share with others about the dairy industry?<\/u><\/h4>\n
What is the most rewarding part of being in the dairy industry? Challenging?<\/u><\/h4>\n
What do you envision the future of the dairy industry looking like?<\/u><\/h4>\n
\nDid you enjoy this story, read the Entire Women in Dairy Series:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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