Cal Poly Soil Judging Team Seventh in the Nation

The Cal Poly Soil Judging Team won seventh place at the National Collegiate Soils at Iowa State University. The competition held April 21-26 in Ames, Iowa, included 23 teams from colleges and universities throughout the nation. The nine-person Cal Poly team advanced to the competition after advancing at the regional contest. This marks the third consecutive year that the Cal Poly team has placed in the top 10. The team is comprised of: Nicholas Baham, Anna Buecheler, Cody Cameron, Chase King, Kayla Matheson, Kylee Nielsen, Brynn Pera, Chloe Tyler, Nabila Wildman.

Cal Poly Dressage Team Ranked in National Top 10

The Cal Poly Dressage Team advanced to the International Dressage Association National Competition in Tryon, North Carolina, representing Region U in April. Caroline Kargenian, introductory level, placed first and was named the 2024 national champion. Lily-Rose Bacon, first level, placed fourth; Lauren McEwen, upper training level, placed 12th; Kaileen Grace, lower training level, placed sixth, with the team overall placing 10th.

Students attend the Agriculture Future of America

Animal science majors Alyssa Azevedo, Isabella Pires and Savanna Barcellos recently attended the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Animal Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. The students had the opportunity to hear from industry leaders within the animal health industry and tour facilities in Kansas City including Merck, American Angus Association, Clarks Meats and American Royal. The students also connected with peers from other universities who have interests in the animal/livestock industry.

Students Place Third Overall in Western Section Academic Quadrathlon

Four Animal Science students traveled to Utah State University to compete in the Western Section Academic Quadrathlon hosted by the American Society of Animal Science. The team consisted of Abbie Brown, Giana Hollingsworth, Claire Saydah, and Maya Tjan who all put the Cal Poly “Learn By Doing” motto to the test! The team was coached by Dr. Zach McFarlane. The competition had four events: Written Exam, Oral Presentation, Quiz Bowl, and Lab Practicum. Cal Poly placed 3rd Overall Team, 1st in Oral Presentation, and 3rd in Quiz Bowl. Way to go team!

Cal Poly Dairy Products Judging Team Wins First Place

California is the No. 1 ice cream-producing state in the country. Cal Poly is also No. 1 in ice cream judging for three years in a row.

 The Cal Poly Dairy Products Judging Team, coached by Dairy Science Associate Professor Vincent Yeung, recently competed at the 100^th annual Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest (CDPEC) on April 17 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cal Poly won first place in the ice cream team category, marking the third time the team has won the competition. They also placed second in the yogurt team category. In the individual categories, third-year business administration major Jacob Morgan finished second in the butter category, while first-year animal science major Isabella Yencho and second-year animal science major Victoria Chau second and third in the ice cream category. The 2024 Cal Poly Dairy Products Judging Team is comprised of: Chau, Morgan, Yencho, and first-year animal science major Jacqueline Lee and fourth-year Amy Uthenpong. “It’s a tremendous privilege for me as the coach to work closely with the students to prepare for the contest,” said Yeung. “The team put in so much effort. No words can express how proud I am of this team.”

Below are the result highlights:

• 1^st in Ice Cream Team (Cal Poly)
• 2^nd in Yogurt Team (Cal Poly)
• 4^th in Milk Team (Cal Poly)
• 2nd in Butter Individual (Jacob Morgan)
• 2^nd in Ice Cream Individual (Isabella Yencho)
• 3^rd in Ice Cream Individual (Victoria Chau)

The contest was hosted by Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and superintended by the USDA Standardization Branch. Team members judged six categories of dairy products including milk, butter, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, yogurt, and ice-cream based on flavor, texture and appearance. 

“The competition was incredibly intense, and we were all nervous,” said Uthenpong. “But we had such a wonderful time. I very much appreciate the opportunities to network with industry professionals and other student contestants from colleges around the country.” Lee added, “It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Joining this contest has also piqued my interest in the dairy industry as well.”