Ridgewater College Dairy Management
By Ridgewater College
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to Ridgewater College's dairy management program—Minnesota's only 2-year dairy degree. Learn about hands-on training and career preparation.
Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota, offers the state's only 2-year dairy management program. This focused program transforms students into skilled dairy herd managers through combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and industry partnerships.
The curriculum emphasizes operation management alongside technical dairy skills. Students learn dairy cattle nutrition, reproduction, health management, and milk quality while also developing business management, employee supervision, and communication skills needed for management roles.
Options within the program allow students to emphasize either dairy operation management or agribusiness depending on career interests. Both pathways prepare graduates for the diverse opportunities in dairy industry.
Industry partnerships connect students with Minnesota's dairy farms for hands-on experience. Internships and farm visits expose students to various operation styles and management approaches. Many students find employment through these connections.
Located in west-central Minnesota's agricultural region, Ridgewater serves students from across the state and region. The technical college cost structure makes dairy education accessible. Strong graduate placement demonstrates program effectiveness.
Key Features
- 2-Year AAS Degree: Minnesota's only 2-year dairy degree. Specialized dairy focus.
- Management Emphasis: Operation management skills alongside technical training. Supervisory preparation.
- Dual Options: Choose dairy operation management or agribusiness emphasis. Career flexibility.
- Industry Partnerships: Minnesota dairy farm connections. Internships. Employment pathways.
- Affordable Tuition: Minnesota State system rates. Financial aid available. Strong value.
- Skilled Herd Manager Outcome: Program transforms students into skilled dairy herd managers.
Advanced Features
- Dairy Cattle Nutrition: Feeding management, ration principles, nutrition fundamentals.
- Reproductive Management: Breeding programs, heat detection, fertility management.
- Milk Quality: SCC management, milking procedures, quality control.
- Business Management: Farm business, records, decision making.
- Employee Supervision: Management and communication skills for supervisory roles.
- Internship Program: Industry placements. Hands-on experience. Network building.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Minnesota dairy career seekers, Management-focused learners, Midwest dairy industry
Competitive Advantages
What sets Ridgewater College Dairy Management apart from alternatives:
- Minnesota's only 2-year dairy program
- Management-focused curriculum
- Dual pathway options
- Minnesota State affordability
- Strong industry connections
- Upper Midwest dairy focus
- Skilled manager outcome
- West-central Minnesota location
- Financial aid available
- Focused, specialized program
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Ridgewater College Dairy Management:
Minnesota State affordable rates. In-state tuition for Minnesota residents. Financial aid available.
Pricing Model: Minnesota State tuition
2-year program total cost highly affordable. Strong ROI for dairy management career.
Pros & Considerations
- Minnesota dairy industry connections
- Hands-on training
- Two-year program
- Farm management focus
- Industry partnerships
- Regional location
- Campus-based program
- Two-year commitment
- Dairy-focused curriculum
Implementation & Setup
How to implement Ridgewater College Dairy Management on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: 2 years (4 semesters). Fall enrollment typical. Willmar campus.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for Ridgewater College Dairy Management:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Ridgewater College Dairy Management:
- Is Minnesota/Upper Midwest my target region?
- Do I want management-focused dairy education?
- Would operation management or agribusiness emphasis fit better?
- Can I relocate to Willmar for education?
- Have I explored financial aid?