Gopher Dairy Club

Day 1 of Gopher Dairy Camp was a huge success! 🐄💛

Campers arrived eager to kick off the weekend and quickly reconnected with friends from across the dairy community. The day was filled with fun icebreakers, teamwork, and plenty of laughter as campers earned their Gopher Gold through games, karaoke, and persuasion activities.

We wrapped up the evening with one of camp’s favorite traditions meeting their calf partners, purchasing their calves, and beginning a special bond that will continue throughout the weekend.

Day 2 is already off to a great start, and we can’t wait to share more of the fun. Be sure to follow along on our stories today! 🐮✨

⏰The countdown is on!
Gopher Dairy Camp is only 2 days away! Our counselors are excited to meet you and make this an unforgettable week. Read below to see what they’re looking forward to most!

Our next senior is Morgan Pickett from Preston, Minnesota. She graduated with a degree in Agriculture Education.

During her time in Gopher Dairy Club, Morgan was an active member. She served on the Banquet Committee, acted as Banquet Chair, co-chaired the Senior Trip, served milkshakes at the Gopher Dairy Bar, and enjoyed assisting at Gopher Dairy Camp!

In addition to her involvement in the Gopher Dairy Club, she was also active in Beta of Clovia, Agriculture Education and Communication Club, Block and Bridle, and Alpha Tau Alpha.

Morgan's favorite memory in Gopher Dairy Club was watching the dairy showmanship contest at Gopher Dairy Camp. Her advice to other students is to “always say yes!”

Congratulations, Morgan, and best of luck in your future endeavors!

Our next senior is Keenan Thygesen from Tunbridge, Vermont. He graduated with a degree in Animal Science.

During his time in the Gopher Dairy Club, Keenan served as president, was a Gopher Dairy Camp counselor twice, and participated in the judging contest committee. In addition to his involvement in the Gopher Dairy Club, he was also active in Alpha Gamma Rho and participated in both Dairy Cattle Judging and Dairy Challenge teams.

Keenan says he will miss "dairy judging practices with my friends and the opportunity to evaluate some of the best dairy cows in the Midwest" the most. His advice to other students is, "It’s not always about what you know; it's about who you know. Always take time to network. Step out of your comfort zone to meet people because the dairy industry is a small world, and you never know when you will run into them again."

Congratulations, Keenan! Best of luck in your future endeavors.

Moving right along with our senior spotlights, next up is Allison Foss of Cambridge, Minnesota. She is graduating with a degree in Agriculture and Food Business Management.

During her time in the Gopher Dairy Club, she served as a co-chair for Gopher Dairy Camp and a camp committee member, and was on the scholarship committee. In addition to her involvement in GDC, she was actively involved in Lambda Delta Phi and Gospel Choir.

Her favorite memory in Gopher Dairy Club was helping at Gopher Dairy camp and reconnecting with all the campers throughout the summer. Her favorite dairy experience is “Attending World Dairy Expo each year! It’s always such a great time to connect with friends and professionals from across the dairy industry. From the National Dairy Shrine Banquet to the show ring, Expo is the perfect place to celebrate success, including one of my favorite moments in 2024 when my heifer was named Supreme Champion Heifer of the Junior Show!”

Congratulations, Allison, we wish you the best!

Our next senior is Anika Schafer from Goodhue, Minnesota, who is graduating with a degree in Nursing.

During her time in the Gopher Dairy Club, she served as the Dairy Bar Manager. In addition to her involvement in the Gopher Dairy Club, she was actively engaged with Lambda Delta Phi and Block and Bridle.

Anika’s favorite memory from the Gopher Dairy Club was spending countless hours in the Gopher Dairy Bar with fellow club members. After graduation, she plans to become licensed and begin her career as a registered nurse. She aspires to specialize in pediatric nursing, with a focus on pediatric critical care.

Congratulations, Anika! We can't wait to see what you accomplish in the future!

Our next senior is Noah Erickson from Morris, Minnesota. He is graduating with a degree in Agriculture Education.

During his time in the Gopher Dairy Club, Noah was an active member, served on the Food and Animal Networking Evening committee, worked at the Gopher Dairy Bar, and enjoyed helping with contests. In addition to his involvement in the Gopher Dairy Club, he was also active in Gopher Crops and Soils, the AECM Club, and Block and Bridle.

Noah's plans after college include pursuing an international agriculture experience before beginning his teaching career. His advice for other students is to “find a balance between school, friends, and extracurriculars, and take this time to discover what you're passionate about.”

Congratulations, Noah, and best of luck in your future endeavors!

Our next senior is Aina Perez from Galt, California! Aina graduated with degrees in Applied Economics, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, Political Science, and Global Studies.
Throughout her time in the Gopher Dairy Club, Aina was an active member who served as the clothing chair, a member of the social and livestock judging committees, and helped at the dairy bar. In addition to her involvement in the Gopher Dairy Club, she participated in MANRRS, Beta of Clovia, Gopher Crops and Soils, and helped with the Gopher Swim School.
Her favorite memory from the Gopher Dairy Club was traveling to Iowa during her freshman year to tour dairy farms and visit the Lely North American Headquarters. Her favorite dairy product is yogurt because it is a great source of protein and a sweet treat!
Congratulations, Aina, and best wishes on your next adventure!

Last day to register is today!

Registration for Gopher Dairy Camp is now open!

The Gopher Dairy Club is excited to welcome students who have completed grades 6–9 to campus for an unforgettable experience. Campers will build their fitting and showmanship skills, explore the world of dairy foods, enjoy a trip to a trampoline park, and take part in many more fun, hands-on activities.

Link to Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwuxLC3fkpmNbdU-DyEelbjYUmMM1655HYfmNyN1x5UM6vqg/viewform?usp=dialog

More information can be found on our website, or reach out if you have any questions: https://www.gopherdairyclub.com/gopher-dairy-camp

Registration closes on May 15th, don't miss out!

Gopher Dairy Camp registration closes soon! Don’t forget to sign up so you don’t miss out on the fun.
📍 Location: University of Minnesota
📅 Date: June 11th - 13th
🔗 Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwuxLC3fkpmNbdU-DyEelbjYUmMM1655HYfmNyN1x5UM6vqg/viewform?usp=dialog
Reach out if you have any questions!
We can’t wait to see you there!