Animal science major Meghan Van Althuis ’23, is a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Sherburne, New York, and one of four CALS undergraduate students to be awarded a 2020 Chobani Scholarship. Beginning her undergraduate degree at SUNY Morrisville, she transferred to CALS her sophomore year. Since coming to Cornell, she has participated in undergraduate research and several student organizations, including Cornell University Dairy Science Club and Merlin’s KIDS. Here, she shares more about her roots and her student experience.
What is your connection to dairy farming?
I have been surrounded by dairy farmers my whole life, especially within my family. I am a fourth-generation farmer, and my father and uncle co-own our family farm, Van Althuis Dairy. We milk around 160 cows, all of which are Holsteins or Holstein crosses. My primary role on the farm is caring for and managing our replacement calves and heifers. I enjoy working with the sick calves and helping my dad with calvings and other medical procedures we do to keep our cows in good health.
Why is it important to you to pursue a career in the industry?
I would not be who I am today if I had not grown up around the dairy industry, and it is important to me that I continue to work in this industry, as it has inspired me greatly. I want to continue to grow and be a part of the industry that has taught me so much.
What do you think is important for others to know about the dairy industry?
It is important for people to have an accurate picture of where their food comes from. It seems like there is a lot of misinformation out there, so it’s critical for people to hear the facts. Consumer knowledge is very important for the dairy industry to prosper — and I think it’s important for people to be aware of all the farms that see their cows not just as assets, but as living creatures and sometimes even as part of the family.
How has CALS shaped your understanding of animal science and dairy management?
Since coming to CALS, my understanding of the dairy industry has grown exponentially. I have been involved in research projects and farm case studies which have helped me think deeper about dairy management. I have met professors and classmates from very different backgrounds that have also helped me grow my industry knowledge.
What experience has been most meaningful to you during your first year at Cornell?
Transferring to a new college in the middle of a pandemic was certainly an interesting experience! But I think that it made me value all the experiences I had here even more. I was really glad to have as many in-person opportunities as I did and be able to meet friends in some unconventional ways. From all of the COVID tests to the quarantining, to the socially distanced hangouts, it was a pretty unforgettable year.
