Steve Kelm, chair of the UW-River Falls Animal and Food Science Department and a professor of animal and dairy science, discussed aspects of caring for dairy cows with students enrolled in the university’s Farm and Industry Short Course on Oct. 25, 2023. The university’s dairy science and animal science programs have been ranked first and second, respectively, by College Raptor, a college search and comparison organization. UWRF file photo
 

Agriculture programs ranked first, second nationally in college ratings

 

Dairy science, animal science programs, along with others, recognized for excellent instruction and outcomes

 

Oct. 25, 2024 – Agriculture programs at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls have placed first and second nationally in recent college rankings, evidence of the university’s renowned agriculture coursework.

The university’s dairy science program is the top program of its kind among U.S. colleges, according to College Raptor, a college search and comparison organization. UWRF placed second nationally in the Best Colleges for Animal Science, General category, placing behind only Kansas State and ahead of larger universities well known for their strong agriculture programs. 

UWRF received high national rankings in other categories as well. The university ranked seventh in the agriculture teacher education category, 17th in agronomy and crop science, 35th in food science, and 62nd in the Best College for Agriculture category.

The rankings are based on multiple factors, including the number of degrees awarded, acceptance rate, the cost of attending college, and median starting salary.

Mike Orth, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), said the high rankings for the university’s agriculture programs are a sign of UWRF’s top-notch instruction and coursework. Hands-on learning opportunities in ag programs provide students with a more thorough understanding of topics, he said. 

“These rankings are a testament to the great faculty and staff that make sure our students receive a high-impact, experiential learning-based education both in and outside the classroom,” Orth said. 

Student success is nothing new for CAFES students. UWRF is well known nationally for its strong agriculture programs and its students routinely place well at national ag-related competitions, often outperforming students from larger, more acclaimed schools.

Steve Kelm, chair of UWRF’s Animal and Food Science Department and a professor of animal and dairy science, said students in the university’s agriculture programs benefit from a strong curriculum and faculty who are dedicated to enabling students to achieve their full potential. Their approach of striving for excellence has led to UWRF consistently ranking as one of the nation’s top agriculture schools, alongside such larger, acclaimed programs as Kansas State, Iowa State and Penn State. 

“My colleagues have a strong and genuine interest in the students who we work with every day,” Kelm said. “Our faculty and staff put a lot of time and effort into teaching and preparing students for their next stage in life, wherever that may be.”

UWRF students receive a high value for the cost of their education, Orth said, noting that attending UWRF costs less than many other Wisconsin colleges and universities. According to College Raptor figures, the median starting salary for UWRF graduates tops $58,000.

“We provide this high-quality education at a very reasonable cost,” Orth said.