The CSU, Chico Organic Dairy Unit is used extensively in our academic curriculum and as an educational tool for students to learn about the industry. The Dairy Unit has been certified organic since 2006 - the University Farm transitioned a portion of the property for the purpose of developing a program in organic, pasture-based dairy production and management. This particular production paradigm was developed to bring a more sustainable dairy model into the curriculum, and also serves to expose our students to organic methodology. The unit is run by the Dairy Management Team (DMT), which includes roughly 10 student employees who are charged with the day-to-day operations of the unit, along side the dairy manager and faculty supervisor. Students are exposed to the latest in milk quality and handling, dairy cattle nutrition and health, breeding, record utilization, pasture management, equipment operation, and new technology. The herd consists of 85 crossbred jersey cows that are milked seasonally, providing optimal pasture during peak lactation.
