Identifier

UA 5.7

Dates

1898-2023

Extent

34.01 linear feet (31 record boxes, 3 oversize boxes, 1 card file)

Abstract

South Dakota State University has a longstanding tradition of dairying education and research. Established in 1897, the Department has offered specialized coursework, short courses in creamery operations, and advanced degree programs in Dairy Science.

This collection offers a comprehensive view of the Department of Dairy and Food Science history and activities. The material includes a wide range of materials such as correspondence, reports, photographs, and miscellaneous items. Highlights include scrapbooks from the early 1900s, and photographs documenting the evolution of the dairy industry. The Dairy Husbandry records focus on correspondence and office files, providing insights into the department's interactions with stakeholders and its day-to-day operations.

Historical Note

Instruction and research in dairying have been integral to South Dakota State University since its early days, predating the establishment of a formal Department of Dairying. By the time the department was officially formed in 1897, coursework was already well-established. A significant milestone occurred in 1892 with the construction of a dedicated dairy building, where much of the coursework was conducted within specialized labs and rooms.

In addition to standard college courses, the department offered short courses in creamery operations, ranging from two to twelve weeks in duration. These short courses enjoyed remarkable success and high attendance over their 52-year tenure.

Despite minor name changes over time, the fundamental philosophy of the department has remained consistent. Its curriculum is designed to equip students for careers in dairy manufacturing or production. Since 1903, the department has offered a Master of Science in Dairy Science, and a Ph.D. in agriculture, specializing in dairy science or dairy cattle nutrition and management.

Research activities are primarily conducted through the Agricultural Experiment Station. Furthermore, dairying has played a significant role in the Cooperative Extension Service over the years, extending the department's impact beyond the campus.

The Department of Dairy Science maintains a visible presence on campus and in Brookings, notably through its dairy processing plant and sales room. Here, students gain practical experience in processing while offering a range of dairy products—including milk, cheese, butter, and ice cream—for sale. These products are not only sold through the sales room but also utilized in campus dining facilities, further integrating academic learning with practical application.

Content Notes

The Dairy Science Records encompass a diverse array of materials, including departmental records, publications, and Dairy Husbandry records. Within these collections researchers will find correspondence, reports, registry materials, receipts, bills, inventories, statements, photographs, and miscellaneous items. Notable highlights include a scrapbook from the early 1900s featuring dairy-related clippings, as well as two small milk cartons utilized by the Dairy Science Department.

The administrative records encompass a diverse array of materials, including clippings, correspondence, policy manuals, photographs/negatives, bulletins, leaflets, newsletters, programs, reports, and miscellaneous items. Notable contents within this collection shed light on various aspects of the Dairy Science Department's activities, such as cooperative education, creamery short courses, Dairy Industry Week, Dairy Princess judging, and a revised history of the department in 1994-95.

An item of note within this collection is a scrapbook dating back to the early 1900s, filled with dairy-related clippings, offering a glimpse into historical practices and perspectives. Additionally, two small milk cartons used by the Dairy Science Department serve as unique items within the collection.

The accompanying photographs capture a broad spectrum of subjects. From rustic barns and local creameries to the production of ice cream and yogurt, these images provide visual documentation of the dairy industry's evolution. Some photographs depict experiments conducted by the department, such as bloat procedures, diseases affecting bovine udders, and experiments related to vitamin D deficiency and sun deprivation. Of particular interest are the glass plates utilized for experiment station bulletin publications, underscoring the department's commitment to research and dissemination of knowledge.

The Dairy Husbandry records consist predominantly of correspondence and general office files, comprising reports, registry materials, receipts, bills, inventories, statements, photographs, and miscellaneous items. The collection primarily features correspondence exchanged between companies, local dairy farmers, and the head of the Dairy Husbandry department, providing insights into the department's interactions with stakeholders. Additionally, the collection includes materials reflecting the day-to-day operations of the department. In addition to correspondence, the collection contains sampled items such as receipts, daily creamery reports, test supervisor's reports for advanced registry, and feed record report cards. These samples offer valuable insights into record-keeping practices and the utilization of these reports within the department.

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

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Registration Form

Website

Language

English

Publisher

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Rights

Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.

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