Colton Brodt is finishing up his agriculture business degree at Cal Poly, with plans to graduate in June 2011. His education to become an organic dairy farmer hasn’t been confined to the classroom. Here’s what Colton told us about his college experiences.

What are the most interesting things you’ve recently learned at college?
This past year has been packed with fun and educational experiences at school and around the world. I’ve learned about everything from artificially breeding cows to dairy industry policies to biodynamics. And, I’ve had the chance to study abroad in Australia and become a herdsman at the Cal Poly dairy. It’s been the most challenging and rewarding year so far of my college career.

What did you do and learn during your study abroad?
The opportunity to travel abroad and learn new aspects of agriculture was a once in a lifetime experience. In Australia, I took several agribusiness classes and learned about the farming concept called biodynamics.

What is biodynamics?
The idea is an extension of organic, and I think it’s perhaps the most sustainable and environmentally friendly form of farming available today. Some may oppose biodynamics because of its “earthy” or holistic approach. But I see it as an opportunity for organic dairymen to get more out of their soils. They could experiment with this idea and find out if their soils improve. For example, by using some biodynamic methods, manure spread out into the pastures could include billions more microorganisms and make a dairy farm’s fertilizing system more efficient, while providing higher nutrient grass to cows. This method seems inexpensive and easy, and it could expand what’s currently a niche market for organic milk.

What are you looking forward to as your college career comes to a close?
I’m looking more at the big picture of organic dairying and the policies that shape the industry. I also know that organic milk consumers and others need to be continually informed about the benefits of organic milk for their families and the environment. I want to be part of all of this.

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