Gopher Dairy Club

05/24/2026

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.

05/22/2026

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!

05/20/2026

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!

05/18/2026

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!

05/16/2026

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!

05/15/2026

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!

05/13/2026

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!

05/11/2026

We are excited to introduce our second senior, Sadie Sullivan, from West Concord, MN! Sadie will graduate with a degree in Animal Science and a minor in Agriculture and Food Business Management.

Throughout her time in the Gopher Dairy Club, Sadie has been an active member on the yearbook committee all four years. In addition to her involvement with the Gopher Dairy Club, she has been active in Lambda Delta Phi, participated on the Livestock Judging Team, and is a member of Block and Bridle and the MN Royal Exec Team.

Sadie hopes to attend vet school to become a mixed animal veterinarian. Her favorite memory is “Working in the dairy bar! Although I definitely complained about it, it was so much fun working with classmates and the perfect time to catch up after summer. Not to mention talking with fairgoers and the free shakes!”

We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, Sadie!

05/08/2026

We are excited to introduce our first senior, Brady Gille, from Sobieski, WI! Brady is graduating with a degree in Animal Science.

Throughout his time in the Gopher Dairy Club, Brady has held several leadership roles, including Vice President, Dairy Bar Manager, and member of the Senior Trip Committee. In addition to his involvement with the Gopher Dairy Club, he has been active in Alpha Gamma Rho, participated on the Dairy Judging Team and the Dairy Challenge Team, and is a member of the Ag Business Club.

Brady plans to attend graduate school to specialize in Dairy Nutrition. His advice to fellow students is, “Take chances and say yes to everything; it's the best way to make the most of your experience here on the St. Paul campus. We truly have something special here.”

We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, Brady!

04/30/2026

Sign up today!!

If you're in the Minnesota area, Gopher Dairy Camp might be a great place for your kids to learn. Hear more about it today's podcast. Plus markets, a search for a new CEO and it's National Oatmeal Cookie day! https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wDqnrXIhWFFWYDO52Fuln?si=_CfvLMRHSFWmtcicARuPSA