Animal science major Libby Swatling ’24, originally from Clifton Park, New York, is one of four CALS undergraduate students to be awarded a 2020 Chobani Scholarship. Focusing her studies on dairy management, she’s had a lifelong passion for cows, beginning with her first experiences alongside her two brothers growing up on farm. Since then, she’s fueled her passion through resources like 4-H, Junior Holstein Association and Junior Dairy Leaders. Over the last three years, she’s had the opportunity to return to the Hanehan Family Dairy that started it all, working as a part time calf manager. She’ll be starting a full-time herdsperson position there this summer. When she’s not working or showing cows, she spends her springs umpiring youth baseball. Here, she shares more about her roots and student experience.
What is your connection to dairy farming?
Unlike many animal science majors here at Cornell, I do not have direct ties to a dairy farm. I was lucky enough to be able to return to that farm that set the stage for my future when I was just two years old. I was also lucky enough to have the support of family, friends and dairy leaders that helped and pushed me to where I am today. I am very thankful that I was able to return to Hanehans, and that I now have the opportunity to care for their entire herd, applying what I am learning in school to real life and vice-versa.
Why is it important to you to pursue a career in the industry?
This industry has made me who I am today and has taught me many life lessons, some of which are harder to accept than others. Today it has become very heartbreaking for me to see all the hate that the dairy industry has received over the past years due to social media influence. I hope to be able to share and advocate all that I do on the farm in hopes that other people will fall in love with this industry as much as I have.
What do you think is important for others to know about the dairy industry?
I want people to know that farmers take really good care of their animals and that without the dairy industry, our world would be very different. I want people to know that without the dairy industry, by-products would fill our landfills and mess with our economy. I want them to know that we work hard to keep emissions down and have and continue to be successful in reducing our negative effects on the environment. I just want people to stop, listen and understand that we do this because we love it and we want others to love it too.
How has CALS shaped your understanding of animal science and dairy management?
I have already learned so much about the dairy industry in my first year. The professors do a really great job keeping information relative and up to date. Just in a couple classes I have learned a lot that I hope to bring to whichever future job I end up at. It’s really great, too, to finally be in a school where I can be with other students who share the same passion as me. Being from a more urbanized area I was one of 750 graduates, and the only one with cows so this is a huge deal for me!
What experience has been most memorable to you during your first year at Cornell?
This year has definitely been interesting. My most memorable experiences from this year are really just the few professors that went out of their way to ensure we were all doing okay and succeeding.
